Don’t miss the fun and excitement of the annual MO’ Cowbell Race this November! Four events to choose from on Sunday morning, the Marathon, the Half-Marathon, 10K or the 5K. Flat & fast courses, perfect for beginners or those who want to set a new personal best! Join thousands from …
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Don’t miss the fun and excitement of the annual MO’ Cowbell Race this November! Four events to choose from on Sunday morning, the Marathon, the Half-Marathon, 10K or the 5K. Flat & fast courses, perfect for beginners or those who want to set a new personal best!
Join thousands from across the Midwest and beyond for the fastest, flattest course you’ve likely ever competed. MO’ Cowbell was started in 2011 with the goal of hosting a family-friendly, fun race put on by local folks for local folks. This flat course that starts and ends along the Missouri River can be used as a qualifier for other esteemed marathons such as the Boston Marathon, New York City Marathon, London Marathon and Chicago Marathon.
The race starts and ends along the Missouri River, in historic St. Charles, Missouri, which is only steps from where Captain Meriwether Lewis and Second Lieutenant William Clark began the Corps of Discovery Expedition in 1804 to explore the uncharted West.
Steps from the starting line is Historic St. Charles. Missouri’s first state capital is lined with unique shops, tasty restaurants, breweries and more. Many runners make a long weekend and take in the sites along Main Street, the area’s newest attraction, Streets of St. Charles, the wineries in Augusta, or stop off in St. Louis, which is only 20 minutes east.
We are a community race, put on by the community, for the community! Every year it is our goal to put on a first-class event perfect for kids, walkers, Boston qualifiers and everyone in between. But we STRONGLY believe a little twist of humor doesn’t hurt. If our mascot Chuck the Cow, with abs and tennis shoes isn’t an indication…
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Flat, fast and fun!
This is a flat course with a fun theme. The people are always amazing, the volunteers are next level and the swag is awesome. The EXMO' is also VERY well … MORE
This is a flat course with a fun theme. The people are always amazing, the volunteers are next level and the swag is awesome. The EXMO’ is also VERY well put together, it’s easy to get through with some amazing vendors. It’s a fun event with awesome music, New Town is always amazing with the neighbors coming out to cheer and a DJ. I’ve been volunteering for 10 years and have participated in the past, I always tell my friends to sign up, especially for a first race.
MO Cow bell
Overall a good race. Wasn’t sure why the expo was 10 miles away. The weather was a little warm felt sorry for the full marathoners. Some of the water stations … MORE
Overall a good race. Wasn’t sure why the expo was 10 miles away. The weather was a little warm felt sorry for the full marathoners. Some of the water stations weren’t very organized.
Great swag, mostly flat
Great post race goodies. Very flat except for one hill. Great community support. Loved the hoodie, high quality and I wear it all the time MORE
Great post race goodies. Very flat except for one hill. Great community support. Loved the hoodie, high quality and I wear it all the time
Great support and production, pretty co
Very well organized race on a pretty course. Volunteers along the course were wonderful. We got a sweatshirt and a medal. Nice sized expo. The heat was intense on race … MORE
Very well organized race on a pretty course. Volunteers along the course were wonderful. We got a sweatshirt and a medal. Nice sized expo.
The heat was intense on race day which made the course more challenging. My friend was so dehydrated at the finish that she had to have medical help and was taken by ambulance to the ER. The medical personnel at the finish line were amazing and deserve major kudos!!
Fun cute race!
Arrived at exmo right at closing, little confusing on what to do want really acknowledged by volunteers outside of getting my info, do had to ask where to go pick … MORE
Arrived at exmo right at closing, little confusing on what to do want really acknowledged by volunteers outside of getting my info, do had to ask where to go pick up sweatshirt etc. Was able to get some items from lone vender (this is vendor I wanted to see).
Race day: fun atmosphere! I’m new to participating in races. I enjoyed this one. Arrived at 730 parked off main street, gave me great time to warm up on way to start line. Post party was lively, great snacks and cold beer. Overall I enjoyed this racer and love the sweatshirt! It’s much better quality and weight than I’ve received for other races! I will be back 😁
My most amazing race experience ever
The race was very well run, and the medal is super cool. Running with a group of people is so much fun. I saw some very amazing views of St … MORE
The race was very well run, and the medal is super cool. Running with a group of people is so much fun. I saw some very amazing views of St Charles’s landscape. I would definitely return and do this race again
Marathon-Tough one
Pros-convenient parking, cute swag, volunteers were outstanding and plentiful, well marked course, fun after party Cons-if you are doing the full marathon, the 2nd half is boring and terrain changes … MORE
Pros-convenient parking, cute swag, volunteers were outstanding and plentiful, well marked course, fun after party
Cons-if you are doing the full marathon, the 2nd half is boring and terrain changes from paved trail to gravel trail.
It was hot with little shade
First half was high energy with spectators and music. 2nd half felt isolated-I would have rather ran the first half over again.
Overall great race but wouldn’t recommend for a full-I would do the half next time
Great Swag - Typical Everything Else
Small town race with a big race feel. Small 'ExMO' had the essentials. Swag was great! In 2024 it was a hooded sweatshirt and the finished medal was large. Aid … MORE
Small town race with a big race feel. Small ‘ExMO’ had the essentials. Swag was great! In 2024 it was a hooded sweatshirt and the finished medal was large. Aid station volunteers were cheerful and helpful. My only grimace is the logistics of getting to and from the event. Parking was a nightmare and it was hard to leave without interrupting marathoners/other walkers.
Hot hot hot
My first marathon. Well organized and great course. It got up to 90 degrees and they close the course at a certain point but I made it past the threshold. … MORE
My first marathon. Well organized and great course. It got up to 90 degrees and they close the course at a certain point but I made it past the threshold. STRUGGLED the last 6 miles.
Good but could use improvement
The course is fine. New town is always fun to run through. I think I have run this race 4 or 5 times, but I think it’s time for some … MORE
The course is fine. New town is always fun to run through. I think I have run this race 4 or 5 times, but I think it’s time for some upgrades.
Please consider additional restrooms at the start line or have the 5k 10k on a different day. I learned my lesson from a previous cowbell but if you don’t arrive early enough you are stuck in an enormous restroom line and can’t get to the start line in time. You wind up using all of your energy weaving in and out of runners.
If you have the 5k and 10k on a different day you can have challenges built in and possibly more participants. It’s too many people with not enough facilities.
If I can offer one more bit of advice. Make the marathoners feel special. I personally like travel marathons so I only run this 1/2 because I’m local. Have different swag for them, have a cheer section specifically for the marathoners when they cross by frontier park. Do something different for them and make it worth the effort.
Some Call Them Hills
I have ran the last part of this course twice before in the relay with my sister. This is the first year I ran the whole half (Only because they … MORE
I have ran the last part of this course twice before in the relay with my sister. This is the first year I ran the whole half (Only because they got rid of the relay). The course is really quite flat except for mile10, which many call a hill, but I call a gradual small incline. I guess because it is really the only incline (except for the very beginning with a short hill) and the rest of the course flat. You run through farm area, Main Street St. Charles, the cute town of New Town, and Boshertown. It is a nice course with a lot of support and spectators to cheer you on. The swag is usually a nice long sleeved tech shirt/hoodie. The event is super well organized. Packets can be mailed to you for a charge or must be picked up prior to race day (NO race day packet pickup)
One of my faves!
This is one of my favorite halves because it’s not super difficult and the course support typically is fantastic. It’s an interesting route with lots of twists and turns, and … MORE
This is one of my favorite halves because it’s not super difficult and the course support typically is fantastic. It’s an interesting route with lots of twists and turns, and the section that goes through Newtown is always fun! This year there were enthusiastic spectators, the usual wonderful DJ, and just the beauty of the little community. You don’t spend miles and miles on any one stretch (the longest section without turns is the only significant hill at mile 10) and the scenery changes from quaint Frenchtown to cornfields to Newtown and back again. I never stay for after parties, so I can’t speak to the entertainment. Like most post-race parties, there was nothing gluten-free except fruit, and though I enjoy chocolate milk, it would’ve been better cold. But the medals are always fun and extra bling-y, so this race is usually on my calendar. Enjoy!
Good finish line, eh course
Overall the race was fairly enjoyable, here’s the pros and cons: Pro - package pick up is rather easy, finding parking was not an issue, 5K the day before to … MORE
Overall the race was fairly enjoyable, here’s the pros and cons:
Pro – package pick up is rather easy, finding parking was not an issue, 5K the day before to create a fun race weekend, lots of finish line snacks and beer and photo ops
Cons – The first half of the course was enjoyable as you ran with a half marathon, you run right past the finish line though so that’s a little rough, plus then the fields clears out considerably. The second half of the course is far less enjoyable with you running on a gravel trail in more of an out and back situation, there’s virtually no support and the mental game can be tough
Moo'ved Real Quick Down the Katy Trail
Packet Pickup-We got into town at noon Friday and immediately picked up our packets at the St Charles Community College. Many signs for directions and then even displayed pictures on … MORE
Packet Pickup-We got into town at noon Friday and immediately picked up our packets at the St Charles Community College. Many signs for directions and then even displayed pictures on Facebook. We picked our cowbell, sticker, race instructions, and bibs within 5 minutes; the line doubled as we walked past. Then we zig-zagged through the expo to get our quarter-zip tech shirts.
Parking-It is suggested to arrive at 6AM so everyone has time to park. Waze circled us around from 5th street to avoid heavy traffic. We arrived at 6:30 and immediately decided to park on the side street. The boathouse parking just filled up as we walked by.
Start-Line-St Charles has its own bathrooms around Main Street but only one area around the start line had port-a-potty’s. The lines were less than 5 minutes. Yet, bag check had a single long line so we had to return to the car. An Email and the hard-copy race instructions suggested to bring the cowbell from packet pickup for everyone to play to Don’t Fear the Reaper at 7:20. There would be bins to drop them in when the race starts and we could pick them up at the BJC tent afterwards. They did not play the song. There were no bins and people were just dropping them on the side after the start line. A volunteer at the BJC tent said they did not collect cowbells. I would not advise taking your cowbell to the start line.
I have now been in two races with corrals and I was excited this had one too. The race instructions say to enter through the sidewalk on Riverside to your goal pace (mine was 9:00 min/mile). However, it became jammed and I was stuck farther back at the 12:00 min/mile. The sidewalk was also packed with spectators and I think they should open the side from the Katy Trail as well.
Course-This course was perfect for a PR. At first, I disliked the thought of returning to the start line with the half marathoners. Returning to the cheering crowd and the party was just the boost I need to start my second half. The Katy trail begins at mile 12 which felt a lot smooth on my sore hips. The cheering at New Town in the first half was also a big boost. I think this area has the potential to be the same block party like Mariemont at the Flying Pig Marathon. Unfortunately, you must cross a grated bridge (twice) which sadly someone was injured on. The second half of the marathon was mainly on the Katy Trail and I loved the new footing. Near the turn around, you cross the Missouri River which was a nice view (I only thought about jumping in once) and run on paved path for a few miles.
Nearly the last mile, people were cheering and ringing bells. It definitely helped me push harder even though I was in pain. Thank you to the crowd for that boost!
The weather was in the 60s with overcast with a light breeze. It felt perfect outside.
Volunteers-Volunteers were great! Clearly said where I needed to go and told you whether they had water or gatorade. Although the map said there are only two stations with gels, even the next stations might have someone handing them out. The announce was also collecting information on approaching runners from family or friends in the crowd (…his/her #th marathon; plans on running the Iron Man; etc) which brought more interest.
Finish Line-I was given my connector medal. Although it is was the same as the 5k and half marathon, I displayed my blue Marathon ribbon with pride. I was also quickly given a bottle of water. My snacks waited for me outside the finish line area. There were halved bananas, a chocolate chip Chewy Bar, chips, and chocolate milk (including a towel). I’m not sure what brand the beer was but it was a light beer. Finally, I got to ring the BIG PR cowbell and it was felt good!
I haven’t run many halfs or full, but first one someone wasn’t handing out beer on the course! (Not that I would have partaken).
Beautiful downtown St Charles
Well organized at the start, easy parking, plenty of porta potties, lots of volunteers. The course had some very beautiful portions but overall thought it left a little to be … MORE
Well organized at the start, easy parking, plenty of porta potties, lots of volunteers. The course had some very beautiful portions but overall thought it left a little to be desired. Awesome high quality jacket this year instead of a t shirt. Everyone was very friendly & helpful.
eh.
Ran this race for fun with a friend. I didn't hate it, but not sure if I would go back again. The course was nice. Through a nice (cookie-cutter) neighborhood … MORE
Ran this race for fun with a friend. I didn’t hate it, but not sure if I would go back again. The course was nice. Through a nice (cookie-cutter) neighborhood and along the Katy trail (It would have been nicer to stay on the trail for the whole race honestly!)
1 MAJOR Negative and a few smaller negatives:
– Packet pickup ended at 2pm! And there was NO RACE DAY PICKUP! If you have to end PP early, that’s one thing, but you MUST offer it on race morning to compensate! This was completely inconvenient and definitely something they need to address! We emailed the RD begging to pick up later or on race day. We were able to make arrangements and I know we weren’t the only ones. As a Race Director myself, This is definitely something that needs to change to allow people flying in or driving to the race. 2pm and no race day pickup = bad first impression = bad review.
-Plastic cups. (enough said). They had plastic cups for water (paper cups for Gatorade). At every water stop, we were kicking and tripping over plastic cups. Never a good idea.
-When the half & full start together in a race with several thousand, having a more staggered start is wise. There were self-corral signs up which helped some, but the first 3 miles of the race were really crowded.
Great atmosphere and swag
This was first and maybe only full marathon. Lots of entertainment and crowd support the first half of the race. The crowd support and entertainment were lacking on the marathon … MORE
This was first and maybe only full marathon. Lots of entertainment and crowd support the first half of the race. The crowd support and entertainment were lacking on the marathon course. Marathon is small and had I not had friends surprise me and run with me. I would have ran a lot of it by myself. But not real difficult course at all.
Mo' Cowbell PLEASE!
What a great race! The race crew, the spectators, the course.....all in all a class act! Would run this one again any day. Flat and fast course - there is … MORE
What a great race! The race crew, the spectators, the course…..all in all a class act! Would run this one again any day. Flat and fast course – there is one gradual hill but it really wasn’t that bad. Ample water stations.
Ring that Cowbell ... Total PR Course
Perfect weather. Great location. Flat course. What else could I have asked for? I enjoyed every moment of this race and I am ALREADY planning on a repeat visit next … MORE
Perfect weather. Great location. Flat course. What else could I have asked for? I enjoyed every moment of this race and I am ALREADY planning on a repeat visit next year!
Not bad!
MO’ Cowbell was my 47th marathon state and came a week after a hot marathon in New Hampshire. It was also a redo for Missouri, when my earlier race this … MORE
MO’ Cowbell was my 47th marathon state and came a week after a hot marathon in New Hampshire. It was also a redo for Missouri, when my earlier race this year was canceled due to lightning. Luckily for me, the weather was pretty nice in St. Charles! I’d guess that it could be a real problem if the heat and humidity stuck around but it was a cool 55 degrees in the morning, though it did heat up some by 10:30-11 in the sun. But hey, low humidity and some good shady parts helped!
Here are the pros in my opinion:
– Friendly race – great communication, great volunteers and PD support
– Easy packet pickup (no day-of pickup)
– Good quarter-zip top in lieu of a T-shirt
– Fun Cowbell age group award
– Country Inn and Suites is easy walking distance to start/finish plus the historic St Charles Main Street. Very cute and good restaurants nearby.
– Well marked course and turns.
– Good food and runners’ village at the finish area.
– Lots of timing mats.
So-so’s:
– The course is okay; it runs through some neighborhoods, near highways, and on part of the Katy Trail. Many parts are shaded but there are some tough spots in the sun after the halfway point and out to about mile 20 it’s pretty desolate. Also, the half is running to the finish when the full keeps straight and parallels the finish. Kind of demoralizing, though when you are coming back in the last mile it’s nice to have people cheering. Also, only a couple of hills to worry about, otherwise flat!
– I think there were 11 or 12 aid stations. I wish I had carried my own water for the second half but it worked out okay.
Cons:
– Expo is a good 20 minutes away from the course and my hotel. Not a big deal but not convenient.
– I’d suggest more water stops in the second half.
– Medal is cute but not awesome.
– There’s a half marathon relay, never heard of that before, so once or twice you may get passed by some fresh legs!
– Skip the app and just check the site for results.
Overall, I enjoyed this marathon and I think it’s a good option for Missouri. You can luck out with the weather and it’s a nice area to stay in and run. It’s a friendly and well-organized race and they strive for it to be fun and festive, which I think they succeeded in doing. Be prepared for some empty areas in the back half and consider carrying your own water if the weather is looking warmer.
And if you have a fever, make sure to get MORE COWBELL!