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@rswenson

Overland Park, KS Raving since 2019 50 States hopeful/finisher, World Marathon Majors Six Star hopeful/finisher Active 4 years, 1 month ago

About Me

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  • Rave race:
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  • I run because:

My Races

Organize, track & review your races and personal bests here.

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Half Marathon

Marathon

Ultramarathon

(Marathon or Ultra) + Half

Marathon + Ultra

Other

Future Races

Personal Bests (2)

Race Distance Location Date Result
Half Marathon Kansas City, MO Apr 13, 2019 1:49:53
5K Tokyo, Japan Dec 28, 2019 25:56

Future Races (0)

Race Distance Location Date Paid

Past Races (15)

Race Distance Location Date Result My Raves My Performance
Half Marathon Berkeley, CA Nov 15, 2020
Half Marathon Kansas City, MO Aug 29, 2020
5K Tokyo, Japan Dec 28, 2019 25:56
Marathon Staten Island, NY Nov 3, 2019
Half Marathon Kansas City, MO Oct 19, 2019
5K Kansas City, MO Jun 29, 2019
Marathon Lincoln, NE May 5, 2019
Half Marathon Kansas City, MO Apr 13, 2019 1:49:53
Half Marathon Austin, TX Jan 20, 2019
Marathon Overland Park, KS Nov 11, 2018
Marathon Arlington, VA Oct 28, 2018
Marathon Lake Buena Vista, FL Jan 7, 2018
Marathon Kansas City, MO Oct 21, 2017
Half Marathon Lawton, OK Oct 1, 2017
Marathon Weott, CA May 1, 2016

My Raves

This is a fairly low key race. Packet pickup is at the start line. The SWAG was a box of soba noodles, a bottle of water, and some small pain … MORE

This is a fairly low key race. Packet pickup is at the start line. The SWAG was a box of soba noodles, a bottle of water, and some small pain relief patches. The race is 1, 2, 3, or 4 laps around the palace (each lap is a 5k) with water only available at the start/stop line, as well as tea and some electrolyte tablets. There were some other races going on at the same time/place around the same course, but it wasn’t a factor. People are very nice and it is very safe. Several running clubs would simply put all of their clothing/gear down on a bench and leave it during the run with no theft. The race is on the wide sidewalk around the palace with the finish going through the picturesque Sakuradamon Gate. The race organizers were very polite / encouraging. The pre-race information was entirely in Japanese. The timing is from the start gun to when your bib / chip is hand scanned at the finish line, which made it sort of fun to see as people would run up and the race director would quickly scan their bib with his timing device. There were approximately 15 people signed up for each of the 4 distances (about 60 runners total). The longest race of 4 laps started about 10 minutes before the rest of the runners of 1, 2, and 3 laps. I would probably do this race again if I were in Tokyo when the race is held.

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
3
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I have ran the KC Marathon several times, twice full, three times half, and once 10k. The first mile is uphill heading into downtown. The course has several hills throughout … MORE

I have ran the KC Marathon several times, twice full, three times half, and once 10k.

The first mile is uphill heading into downtown. The course has several hills throughout the course, but definitely a good route given the terrain of Kansas City. The race start is a long chute with people lined up by race pace. We got there a little late this last time and couldn’t make it up to our pace group. We started at the back of the pack and were about 5 minutes after the gun. We didn’t have any trouble running at our own pace and caught up with the pacers for our speed. The finish is about a mile long downhill, which makes for a very fun ending going back into the music and cheer zone. The finish area has BBQ sandwiches and beer. The line for sandwiches took a few minutes to traverse, but was reasonable given the crowd size.

The water stops have power aide and water with plenty of staff. Some places created their own unofficial support stop with cookies and beer, which was much appreciated. The Run 816 store’s unofficial stop also had several people in costumes and that made it my favorite stop.

This is my local race so I will definitely run it again. It is my favorite race in the KC area because of the route. If I were traveling I would try to stay in a Crown Center Hotel and be right by the start/stop line.

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4

2 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

The race starts in a city park, goes out in the country to the east of town, and then back. It's a pretty flat course so it might be good … MORE

The race starts in a city park, goes out in the country to the east of town, and then back. It’s a pretty flat course so it might be good for a PR. I met a friend from Texas and we ran the race together (I live in Kansas). It has a small town feel, if that means something to you. If I lived in the area I would do the race again.

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
3
SWAG
2

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