EVENT DISCONTINUED. Per event’s Facebook page (4/4/19): We regret to inform the running community that The Twelveone Group will cease operations of the Mother Road Marathon in 2019 and beyond. It has been our great pleasure to serve runners and walkers from every state in the United States and nations abroad. This decision came after several years of decreasing resources to support the event effectively, safely, and profitably. We are listing a sample of insurmountable challenges we faced.
1. Transportation: by nature, this unique 3 state event requires shuttling participants from Joplin, MO to Baxter Springs, KS or Commerce, OK. When the event was first launched, we were able to outsource transportation services from our large local school district. Insurance conditions changed, and that busing became unavailable. Though we leaned on smaller rural districts over the last 2 years, their insurance carriers have now begun discouraging the practice. Our charter bus options are incredibly limited and certainly cost prohibitive in relation to the economics of the event.
2. Economics: in lieu of the shuttle shortage, the event requires several thousand participants to make financial sense to sponsors and contracting of all medical, emergency, and law enforcement personnel. The lack of transportation impacts the number of participants and registers it unfeasible economically.
3. Medical: we have asked an already burdened team of medical professionals to add another large project to their already stressful schedule and have decided that is unfair. There are other considerations at play in this difficult decision, but we simply cannot deliver a top shelf event when we feel a combination of variables exist that make the event less than 100% Participants that were pre-registered can expect to begin seeing refunds this month, so they might apply those funds to another event of their choosing. We look forward to seeing you soon at a host of other Twelveone involved events in the Four State market and beyond.
– Tom Rogers, President/CEO Twelveone Group
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The Mother Road Marathon is one of the most unique marathon and half marathon offerings in the United States and beyond. The Mother Road Marathon navigates 6 communities through 3 states on historic Route 66, while the Mother Road Half Marathon participants travel 4 towns in 2 states on their way to the eventual finish in Joplin, MO.
Both events are point to point and a participant shuttle service will be provided to the appropriate start location for your registered event. While there are many miles of flat and fast racing, there are some challenging hills in the latter stages of the event to look forward to. Many have suggested from previous years that The Mother Road Marathon is a fantastic tune-up for The Boston Marathon and other events where inclines are a trademark. Best of all, you will experience the charm, history, and landscapes that only the historic Mother Road can provide. Be prepared for big bling, big fun, big encouragement, and the story of a lifetime to tell.
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Difficult course and weather
This race was recommended to me by a runner. So happy he ran it with me so I could give him a hard time. This race went thru three states … MORE
This race was recommended to me by a runner. So happy he ran it with me so I could give him a hard time. This race went thru three states on a point to point course. Starting in Oklahoma we ran to Kansas and then finished in Joplin Missouri. I used this race for the state of Missouri. Basically you run on a highway… I find that boring also we were exposed to heat and humidity without shade for hours. The expo was a packet pickup… there were stocked water stops and massages after the race. They ran out of food before I finished. The medal was excellent as well as the cotton shirt. I would not do this race again which probably doesn’t matter as they cancelled this years 2019 do to management problems. Bye, bye it is over now.
Hotter than Heck and no Shade
This race has some challenging hills. But the more challenging part is that you are running on the roadway and there is no protection from the elements, whether it be … MORE
This race has some challenging hills. But the more challenging part is that you are running on the roadway and there is no protection from the elements, whether it be rain or sun. The sun was killing me when I ran. There is also a portion of the course, near the Old Route 66, where the course isn’t marked well. I almost missed a turn. A friend of mine did and wound up running an extra mile.
Did it for the States
Not much to see along the way but Awesome medal at the end. The little town in Kansas was nice. And you see the cars from Cars! Plenty of water … MORE
Not much to see along the way but Awesome medal at the end. The little town in Kansas was nice. And you see the cars from Cars! Plenty of water stops although I bring my own. Still nice to see so many stops.
Nice three state tour
Overall Rating: This was a well organized, no frills, inaugural race. Has a unique option of being able to qualify for any of three states. Course Difficulty: Good course, a … MORE
Overall Rating: This was a well organized, no frills, inaugural race. Has a unique option of being able to qualify for any of three states.
Course Difficulty: Good course, a few hills at the end and some traffic along the roads.
Course Scenery: Nice mid-western scenery and historic towns along Rt 66.
Race Production: It was good. Easy check in, RD was on site, no frills expo in a central location. Started on time, good volunteers at aid stations, nice finish area.
Race Swag: Really nice medal and well designed cotton tee. Clear plastic Rt 66 drop bag.
My Performance: I was good with it. Fairly warm day and second run of the double weekend.
I think this will be even better next year, but still a really good inaugural run. If you’re looking to cross off MO or OK, this one will do.
Best race
Best race swag, best aid stations, best volunteers, best ran marathon and best scenery. 3 states and 6 cities on Roure 66. It doesn't get any better than this. MORE
Best race swag, best aid stations, best volunteers, best ran marathon and best scenery.
3 states and 6 cities on Roure 66. It doesn’t get any better than this.
Black top challenge
I hope next year there are:1)more bathrooms at the start (3 per gender is not enough); 2) the fuel on the route was Gu and or Blocks (bring your own); … MORE
I hope next year there are:1)more bathrooms at the start (3 per gender is not enough); 2) the fuel on the route was Gu and or Blocks (bring your own); and 3) the electrolyte drink en route was Gatoraid or Poweraid. The people were almost unbelievably nice, and tried to accommodate with the resources they had. They deserve for this race to thrive and grow! I also wish it wasn’t on hot, not shaded black top ashphalt, but that’s “the mother Road” for ya, no getting around that. Just adds a little more sweat to the challenge. Maybe pushing it back one more week could help provide cooler temps! Tip for anyone running this race: train for long steady inclines that start at mile 18 for this race.
Loved it
A lot of volunteers, enough cones out to feel safe on the route. Enjoyed being able to run a historic road. everyone was friendly and in good humor. Lots of … MORE
A lot of volunteers, enough cones out to feel safe on the route. Enjoyed being able to run a historic road. everyone was friendly and in good humor. Lots of energy.
Great concept
I thought this was a pretty good race, especially for those that just want to focus and run a race without many turns. For me I need distractions so this … MORE
I thought this was a pretty good race, especially for those that just want to focus and run a race without many turns. For me I need distractions so this is a harder race for me. I knew that coming in so I’m not going to ding the race on that. I thought the communication from the event organizers were stellar and the medal was awesome. I thought the shirts could have been a lot better, the white did not show as well on the shirts so it didn’t look good. In addition the men’s XL looks like a dress on me so I think changing the type of shirts might be better. I noticed that the women’s shirts were super fitted and some had to go up a size. I would have like a little more food at the end but overall good race.
Unique Marathon worth doing
Thoughtful race director, great volunteers, plenty of aid stations, even slower finishers get a massage at the end. Only down side was shuttle back to hotels was an extremely long … MORE
Thoughtful race director, great volunteers, plenty of aid stations, even slower finishers get a massage at the end. Only down side was shuttle back to hotels was an extremely long wait.
Amazing!
First marathon but Twelveone has the best course support I've ever been apart of. Water, Replay and snacks every 1 1/2 miles. Course was well managed and community support was … MORE
First marathon but Twelveone has the best course support I’ve ever been apart of. Water, Replay and snacks every 1 1/2 miles. Course was well managed and community support was amazing. Couldn’t be happier with my experience.