My Profile

@starlingk2003

Manhattan, KS Raving since 2017 50 States hopeful/finisher, World Marathon Majors Six Star hopeful/finisher, Marathon Maniacs #14952, Half Fanatics #7730 Active 1 year ago

About Me

  • Running club(s):
  • Rave race:
  • Race that's calling my name:

    MCM

  • I run because:

My Races

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

50 States Map
image/svg+xml FL TX NM AZ AK CA NV UT CO OR WA ID HI OK MT WY ND SD NE KS MN IA MO AR LA MS AL GA SC IL WI MI IN OH TN KY NC WV VA PA NY ME VT NH RI CT NJ DE MD MA DC

Half Marathon

Marathon

Ultramarathon

(Marathon or Ultra) + Half

Marathon + Ultra

Other

Future Races

Personal Bests (5)

Race Distance Location Date Result
Marathon Manhattan, KS Nov 3, 2018 3:46:30
25K Manhattan, KS Sep 23, 2018 2:19:05
Half Marathon Oklahoma City, OK Mar 24, 2018 1:48:34
10K Manhattan, KS Aug 4, 2018 45:44
5K Manhattan, KS May 19, 2018 22:16

Future Races (16)

Race Distance Location Date Paid
Marathon Weott, CA TBD
Marathon Bismarck, ND TBD
Marathon Fargo, ND TBD
Marathon Reeds Spring, MO TBD
Marathon Atlanta, GA TBD
Marathon Grand Rapids, MI TBD
Half Marathon Wichita, KS TBD
Marathon Snoqualmie Pass, WA TBD
Marathon Arlington, VA TBD
Marathon Grand Rapids, MI TBD
Marathon Frenchtown, MT TBD
Marathon Coalgate, OK TBD
Marathon Charlotte, NC TBD
Marathon Las Vegas, NV TBD
Marathon Wallsburg, UT TBD
Marathon Bath, NY TBD

Past Races (28)

Race Distance Location Date Result My Raves My Performance
Marathon Gulf Shores, AL Jan 30, 2022 5:25:22
Marathon Estes Park, CO Jun 20, 2021 5:27:17
Marathon Valentine, NE Jun 8, 2019 4:36:41
Marathon Kennebunk, ME May 11, 2019 4:19:27
Marathon Springdale, AR Apr 6, 2019 4:28:38
Marathon Washington, DC Mar 9, 2019 5:25:00
Marathon Dallas, TX Dec 9, 2018 4:19:29
10K Atlanta, GA Dec 1, 2018 1:18:10
Half Marathon Dallas, TX Nov 10, 2018 2:44:24
Marathon Manhattan, KS Nov 3, 2018 3:46:30
Marathon Kansas City, MO Oct 20, 2018 3:54:19
25K Manhattan, KS Sep 23, 2018 2:19:05
10K Manhattan, KS Aug 4, 2018 45:44
15K Challenge (5K + 10K) Parkville, MO Jun 23, 2018
5K Manhattan, KS May 19, 2018 22:16
Half Marathon Olathe, KS Apr 21, 2018 1:55:32
Half Marathon Oklahoma City, OK Mar 24, 2018 1:48:34
Half Marathon Orlando, FL Dec 2, 2017 1:59:32
Half Marathon Kansas City, MO Oct 21, 2017 2:13:51
Half Marathon Des Moines, IA Oct 15, 2017 2:02:02
Half Marathon Olathe, KS Apr 22, 2017 2:55:22
25K Manhattan, KS Sep 21, 2014 4:27:33
Half Marathon Bucyrus, KS May 10, 2014 3:11:18
Half Marathon Olathe, KS Apr 26, 2014 2:54:57
Half Marathon Kansas City, MO Apr 12, 2014 3:11:13
Half Marathon Kansas City, MO Oct 20, 2013 2:17:15
25K Manhattan, KS Sep 29, 2013 3:17:40
Half Marathon Kansas City, KS May 11, 2013 2:25:51

My Raves

The course should have been easy. My struggles were due to catching a serious chest cold 6 weeks out and then completely falling off of my training without ever coming … MORE

The course should have been easy. My struggles were due to catching a serious chest cold 6 weeks out and then completely falling off of my training without ever coming back.

Communication was good from the race director! Numbers were assigned early. My son and I both opted for the “challenge” of a 7k the day before the full. We had to go grab the bib, etc for the 7k, run it, and then come BACK to pick up the packet/bib/shirt for the marathon later that day. I think this could be done differently.

There were issues with RaceJoy which was offered? utilized? by the race organizers. There was a place I think right after mile 10 where you had to do a little out and back of just under a mile, the app RaceJoy completely freaked out about that. It gave me warnings that I might be off course, and then the mileage updates were wrong after that for the remainder of the race.

I enjoyed the race and would do it again if say my brother were to want to go run it with me. Otherwise I will move on to other states, other races.

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
SWAG
3

2 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

First 6 miles were an amazing downhill. The part that looked like it would be hard was. But also parts that appeared they wouldn't be too bad were also hard. … MORE

First 6 miles were an amazing downhill. The part that looked like it would be hard was. But also parts that appeared they wouldn’t be too bad were also hard. The second half of the marathon was pretty, but a letdown from the mountain descent and the sun was out (temp was good, but the sun felt really hot) and this was a rough race. Add to it (for me only) stomach issues from dinner the night before and it was a rough race. But I’m pleased with how I finished. I’m pleased I finished.

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4

Was this review helpful?

So this is a race I discovered HERE. And, I'm glad I did. It was a unique way to check off the Nebraska box for 50 states!! Several things conspired … MORE

So this is a race I discovered HERE. And, I’m glad I did. It was a unique way to check off the Nebraska box for 50 states!! Several things conspired to make this race not EXACTLY what I thought it would be when I signed up, but the Race Director did an incredible job rolling with the punches and dealing with what Mother Nature dealt out to him.

The original course (which they had used for over a decade) had to be changed due to FLOODING. I was not at ALL surprised as I live in KS downstream of all the rain in Nebraska and we’ve been dealing with all the water coming from their water basin all spring! So I was glad it wasn’t CANCELLED, just re-routed. BUT, I was disappointed that the net downhill point to point course turned into a uphill (albeit gradual!) into the wind on the way out, and seemingly somehow NOT downhill (it was mind games by that point) in the heat on the way back!

I have NEVER run a race that wasn’t chip timed before. This one was so small, they were out there with a stopwatch!! Which was pretty amazing. Oh! I have NEVER ran a race where the mile markers were so spot on! Which was incredible considering the course change! I saw no rattlesnakes (we were warned) but I did see a snapping turtle digging a nest in the sandy soil at the side of the trail, and I saw a little grass lizard and a toad. The SANDHILLS were so BEAUTIFUL!! and peaceful!

This race was held on the same weekend as a river festival, and rooms were scarce (I did NOT plan ahead sufficiently), but I found camping in CITY PARK of all places which is nestled down in a creek valley, and only cost $5! Showers and flush toilets included! This was more than I could have hoped for and I was ecstatic.

The people were friendly and helpful. Somehow I left my t-shirt size off of my registration?? I have no idea how I did that, but since everyone else had a shirt size I’m sure it was me and not the registration system. They found me a shirt anyway! I got a volunteer shirt which other than color was identical to the race shirt, and I love it. After the race they found me a race shirt which had not been picked up, but it is a size too big, and my teenage son (a runner too) confiscated it, and I assume we will be going back someday for him to run it! The tees are not technical, but are super soft, and how many tech tees can you really have anyway? (okay, given the option I would have selected a tech tee, but I really like the shirt I ended up with, and will wear it for other than running!)

A pasta supper was included at NO ADDITIONAL COST for runners, ($10 for guests) and the race started and ended at a brewery (which I was surprised a town of 2820 even HAD). The beer was NOT included, but it was cheap ($4) and good! I bought a souvenir glass to take home.

The most unique thing about this race is the fact that there is NO MEDAL. Instead you get an honest to god cowboy spur which is (sandblasted?) marked “Sandhills marathon 2019” It is so cool and different. And HEAVY!

My mom asked if I would run it again. Since it was a 7 hour drive, I answered not by myself. If my brother or my son or someone else I know wanted to run it, I would recommend it, and I would go with them and run it again. But since I’ve now checked Nebraska off of my list, I won’t be driving up alone again most likely. But I WOULD like to try to run the original course as described on the website!

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4
My Media

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

We drove over 1600 miles (one way) to run on the Maine Coast and it was a great experience! The scenery was beautiful, not as much ocean views as I … MORE

We drove over 1600 miles (one way) to run on the Maine Coast and it was a great experience! The scenery was beautiful, not as much ocean views as I expected! The course was challenging but not a killer. The communication was good and the volunteers were friendly. Were there hiccups? Yes. But as this was my 6th marathon I’ve at least had a little experience to guide my impressions.

The shuttle buses were right where they were supposed to be and seemed ready to take runners even AFTER the published last depart of 6:30. Not sure HOW but two half marathon runners accidentally ended up on a bus to the full start- might need more volunteers checking the runners getting on the bus?? Anyway when we got over to the school there was a big backup of traffic so our driver let us out to walk over. Thank goodness because the lines at the portable toilets were HORRENDOUS!!! We waited and I stressed, and some runner or volunteer (not sure which) started suggesting/reminding that there are portapotties available at mile one, which to me is NOT a solution. I managed to finally get in one and of COURSE it had an issue. One roll was empty 👎🏻 but the other was full 👍🏻 the full one was a disaster 👎🏻 because someone before loading it had taken the loose end and wrapped it 3+ times through the center cardboard so I had to hold back the sliding plastic door, claw at the “tied” paper trying to tear through the layers to find a loose end. When I got one and pulled against the plastic case to tear it, the whole plastic casing popped open and fell towards me. It had been zip tied closed?? I couldn’t get it back up. All this happening while I KNOW the race is going to start without me.Eventually I got out and I was ALONE. I ran to the start. I did NOT miss it. I heard the anthem. I heard the conch shell. So it worked out. But it was a stressor that didn’t need to exist.

Like many other people I went out faster than I intended, but I corrected that by stopping and taking pictures! This race was just “to finish” for me. To check the Maine box in a list of 50 states. I wish there was more running by the ocean, but I appreciated the villages also. The crowds were not overwhelming but they were friendly and supportive. I enjoyed the trombone player around mile 16. I hope someone tells him! The RaceJoy app was a great touch, it was for the most part pretty accurate (it announced to me every mile where I was, my mile split, my average pace, and my projected finish time!! And getting cheers from my family and friends back home through the app was brilliant!!

I walked a bit around mile 20-21.5 with a younger guy who was struggling, but when I realized he wasn’t going to regroup I knew I wasn’t ready to walk the last 5 miles!! I struggled with some calf cramping and a revisit of a weird quad cramp that I’ve gotten in other races. I carried gels and I carried water (NO gels were offered on the course-they had other food instead). I ate the peanut butter pretzels offered. I would have had watermelon chunks but it was long gone when I got there?? By mile 25 I was running low on steam. I drank the Gatorade but was swaying a bit and medical started to approach me. I appreciate that they were watching closely, but I was not ready to give up. I appreciate even more that she honored my hand- holding her off as I restarted and pushed through the last mile and some.

At the finish it was hard to tell where to go! It looked like two chutes which made sense to me (half/full) but no one told me where to go until i asked. When I entered the chute and got across the line I was given a water bottle (as promised) but the water was NOT cold as they promised. I was given a medal that was not specific to my accomplishment (half and full medals were the same). I then had to find my way to food (not terribly difficult but I mentioned I was flagging by that point) luckily a friend found me at the finish and pushed pretzels into my hands. I think the finish area could use some work. Gatorade bananas pretzels should be immediate. Other stuff like beer and ice cream can be Festival food stuffs. But immediate needs should be addressed immediately.

I got my cookies. I ate pretzels. I had a half bagel with peanut butter. But I did NOT get my beers. They ran out. I read somewhere that it was a big mixup and more came out later after I left. I did get ice cream and they were EXTREMELY kind to tell Runners their ticket would be honored at their SHOPS as they had run out of all but one flavor. I ate my Cuban coffee and LOVED IT! I took pictures. I relaxed. I enjoyed the sun whenever the wind was not freezing my sweat! My brother hasn’t run Maine yet (he had Lincoln, NE the weekend before and Fargo, ND next weekend). I will recommend this one to him and maybe come back when he does. But otherwise this one will not be a repeat for me because of location. But I think it is a good value and a decent experience for other runners.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4
My Media

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

This was a GREAT EVENT! It was well run, well organized. The volunteers were AWESOME, the water stops were practically EVERY SINGLE MILE. They all had water, of course, most … MORE

This was a GREAT EVENT! It was well run, well organized. The volunteers were AWESOME, the water stops were practically EVERY SINGLE MILE. They all had water, of course, most had gatorade (some full strength and some diluted) and MANY MANY had fuel as well! Gels, chews, oranges, etc… The people at each station were plentiful, encouraging, and positive! (There were a FEW spots where volunteers were supposed to be guiding runners on the course (turn here, not that way, etc) and at LEAST one stop the teenagers who were there (no adult) were laying in the path (effectively blocking the WRONG WAY, I’ll give them that) but it was a little ridiculous and at mile 22.5, you don’t have a lot of energy to be amused at ridiculous. The medals are big and heavy with a spinner and glitter. Loved it. The SIGNS at each mile were BIG! You knew where you were! There were some NOT scenic parts of Springdale we ran through, but there were some BEAUTIFUL PARTS! I had low expectations of Arkansas, but I left VERY PLEASANTLY SURPRISED!! If I were taking a survey and it asked me my opinion of the Hogeye Marathon is much better than before! I would go back and run it again (despite the hills) and that is saying something since I would NOT go back and run the DC RnR again. Nope never. I would highly recommend this one. GREAT value for the price, and a great positive experience! Also the photos are free! Another huge plus in my book!

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
3
SWAG
4

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

This was my least favorite marathon to date, and not just because of my injury. This would have been a good half marathon, and the half was the biggest group … MORE

This was my least favorite marathon to date, and not just because of my injury. This would have been a good half marathon, and the half was the biggest group of runners. First of all, they are sticklers for making the runner pick up the packet in person. Not unheard of, but certainly annoying. The Expo was at the National Guard armory, and the security to get in made for long LINES outside in the cold and falling snow (not all day long I’ve heard, but certainly when we got there close to closing). I thought the personal pickup was for security purposes, but my lawyer friend pointed out that it’s really about sponsors- they guarantee that every runner will be at the Expo to pick up their bib and so will be there to pass by the vendor booths. Ugh. So it’s about money. So we wait in a LONG line that wasn’t managed well (apparently a shorter line was available for people with no bags to be checked, but no one knew this and it wasn’t said until after a good long while in the cold.) My husband had a pocket knife on him and decided to stand outside in the cold rather than surrender it, (personal choice) and my 14 year old son FORGOT that he also had a pocket knife, and walked right in through security after getting wanded with a metal detector that didn’t go below his waist. So tell me, what’s the point? The shirts they had for sale that I liked were sold out in all but large and larger, so I bought nothing. There weren’t very many other races there represented (advertising upcoming marathons, etc) and just not a very good expo in my opinion. I DID like that they offered actual PACE GROUP COLOR CODED bibs which you could have and wear in addition to your official bib. I did NOT pick one up, and since I didn’t do well, I’m glad that I wasn’t wearing one that said 3:40 as I finished at 5:25.

The three distances offered all started at different times, and from 2 different locations. I ran the full which started first at 7am. Beyond their control was the fact that the DC Metro which is hemorrhaging money had shortened their hours and didn’t even OPEN until 7am. So anyone doing the full had to find another way. They offered shuttles from the finish point (RFK Stadium) but the last shuttle left at 5:45 am!! That’s a LONG TIME to stand outside in the cold at the start! The chute was typical and the corrals were open, people seemed to honor their assigned corral (any one who wanted to, could change their corral at the Expo anyway). The timing mat for some unknown reason was NOT directly below the large inflatable arch we ran under to start. It was 6 feet BEFORE the arch, so I didn’t get my watch started right on time, but that wasn’t a huge deal just WHY?? The first half of the marathon was not too bad. There were SOME nice DC sights, we ran down Constitution Ave, so you could look to your right and see the White House, and we ran up near the Lincoln Memorial twice. It could’ve been better though. At mile 6 was a HUGE ENORMOUS STEEP hill that I knew was coming from the elev map I had found, but still took my breath away. I was able to run it and not even lose too much time. We ran through Rock Creek Park which was pretty, but the roads weren’t great. Many runners mentioned the potholes in the street. And there were multiple homeless camps under the bridges we ran under. One with furniture even. Several runners tossed their gloves here. Once we got up north of all the sights though, there was NOTHING ELSE good about the course. At. All. It was not beautiful, it was not flat, it was not fast or with tons of spectators. The HALF MARATHON runners who started 90 minutes AFTER us, had a different experience! LOTS OF STREET PARTIES, free beers, fun spectators, etc… At the halfway point is where the course split! The half marathon runners (who of course weren’t with us) would be done but we got to soldier on to the second half of the course which was the WORST half. NOTHING pretty, NOT NICE neighborhoods. A huge hill that you had to climb twice once going and once coming back. switchbacks galore where you get to the end and have to make a 180 degree turn around a cone- at LEAST 3 times we had to do that, LESS aid stations second half, LESS music. Not NONE, but LESS. The 5K had it worst. Their 5K was on the second half of the marathon course. They ran out on a highway across a bridge and turned and came back. NO SIGHTS OF DC WHATSOEVER. The 5K also had ONLY water at their aid station. No gatorade at all. The medals weren’t all that inspiring, and the shirt is just “ok” in my opinion. I finished finally, and we just left. Oh! not many photographers on course either. And at LEAST ONE of them I recognized from like mile 4 or 5 and right near the finish. So they must not have had many bodies to station and shoot pictures. Anyway, that’s what I have to say. I haven’t remembered it all… I don’t really want to remember this one- except to never run it again, unless they redesign the course.

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
3
SCENERY
3
SWAG
2

2 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

OK, it was scenic and GREAT crowd support. I swear this one gladiator club thing was EVERY MILE AT LEAST!! Awesome!! I read it was "flat and fast" but there … MORE

OK, it was scenic and GREAT crowd support. I swear this one gladiator club thing was EVERY MILE AT LEAST!! Awesome!! I read it was “flat and fast” but there was a couple hills in there that were a doozy!! And they came when you are spent after 20 miles!! I was NOT HAPPY. I came into this race after two weeks of resting a strained gatrocnemius muscle (calf). I’d say I was at about 80%. I had signed up for the weekend series (5k on saturday) and I did complete that too. ran about a 10 minute pace on that one. But it was important, because the BEST SWAG, was from the series. The participant shirt was “eh” the finisher shirt was “eh” the weekend series jacket was my favorite, cute, cut well, looks water repellant (haven’t tested) and clean. The series MEDAL was awesome too! The 5k medal was good, but nothing SUPER special, and the marathon is NICE, stained glass bit, hinged part acts as a kickstand, etc… Here are my complaints: the expo was good, but they SPECIFICALLY state NO ONE CAN PICK UP YOUR PACKET FOR YOU. but there were SO MANY PEOPLE with multiple packets. Also, expo was open on saturday, but no saturday packet pickup for weekend series, which means extra hotel day, extra day off of work, etc… They could have done the 5k/10k later in the day and offered morning packet pickup. Easily. And with less rain. This was my first run with my Garmin in a big city where the buildings screwed with the signal and my time/distance was off. Oh! and UCan was a sponsor and handed out their bars at two spots on the course- but they were thrown down on the ground ALL OVER, because the texture is REALLY DIFFICULT during a run!! I managed mine but it’s like compressed sawdust. FLAVORFUL, but sawdust. Need LOTS of water that you may not have because you have already passed the aid station, etc… No gels were distributed. Glad I carried my own. Anyway, I’m glad I did it, I got a good time considering my injury- (would have been under 4 hours, but I fell apart after the hill I mentioned in mile 21). My brother ran the ultra, and he said that was good too (they just had a pigtail off of our course where they picked up the extra mileage to make his a 50K.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
SWAG
3

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

Pouring rain (they couldn't help it) fun atmosphere. Course distance was off. No finisher medals. Shirts at the end (I guess that is common for Atlanta, but not where I … MORE

Pouring rain (they couldn’t help it) fun atmosphere. Course distance was off. No finisher medals. Shirts at the end (I guess that is common for Atlanta, but not where I am from- we get shirts at packet pickup) which ran really pretty big. Only age group medals, and there were prizes for teams (fastest, largest, and most fundraising). SUPER cool art along the course. I would run it again, but only because it was inexpensive and I was with friends.

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
3
SCENERY
4
SWAG
2

Was this review helpful?

OK! I can recommend this run with a few exceptions. The organizers were PRETTY good about responding to messages. I sent a message as soon as they revealed the shirt … MORE

OK! I can recommend this run with a few exceptions. The organizers were PRETTY good about responding to messages. I sent a message as soon as they revealed the shirt for this year and it was LAME. It was almost solid red with a texas state outline on it with the bridge in it. Past years were BRIGHT!! COLORFUL!!! FUN!!! My friend bought a SUPER pretty shirt which was the race shirt from two years ago and people asked ALL NIGHT where she got it! They need to stick to bright colorful designs because with all the neon and lights, this is a BRIGHT COLORFUL RACE!! You start at dusk and there is still light, but by the time you finish it is full dark and all the buildings are lit and it is SOOOO pretty!! Everyone is wearing their flashing lights and glow sticks and it is a fun atmosphere. The free beer after was LAME. We didn’t even take ours. But they had Bai vendors there liberally handing out water and beverages and that was nice. And nuun on the course was different and appreciated. They needed better staffing at the aid stations, but they were nice and did their level best. No gels were passed out, just mini snickers which DEFINITELY are more of a trash issue. The heavier gu packets don’t blow around as much and presumably are easier to clean up after the event. I bet there are STILL snickers wrappers blowing around Dallas. The course had to be rerouted because of some flooding, but it still flowed pretty well, and only one giant puddle we had to navigate around (shoes still got muddy from the wet ground around the puddle).

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
3
SCENERY
5
SWAG
3
My Media

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

This one was easier AND harder than the last one. Easier: course was familiar and relatively flat compared to KC. Harder: I wasn’t properly fueled. A sugar detox is not … MORE

This one was easier AND harder than the last one. Easier: course was familiar and relatively flat compared to KC. Harder: I wasn’t properly fueled. A sugar detox is not something to do before a race. Mentally I was more tired. There were fewer people. There were a lot of times I was alone and that’s never as much fun. It was definitely a mind game to have to see the 18 and 25 mile signs on the first lap. Knowing those are not for me right now. Also the marathon relay teams made it tricky. All the fresh runners around me made me feel even more tired. Especially at the end. I beat the rain!!! Very light sprinkle-y rain, but it would have made mile 26 just that much more miserable. The 3:45 pacer was dressed as a giraffe. Seriously. Leggings, arm sleeves, a headband with little giraffe antennae?! what are giraffe antennae called?!?! First I wanted to BQ. Then as that slipped away, I wanted to beat the giraffe. At mile 20 I couldn’t even see her behind me. But by mile 21.5 she had caught up and by mile 23 she had slipped away from me. But!! The lady who was running with her eventually dropped back at mile 24 or 25… and I didn’t think I could catch her… but I told myself “she might be in my age group! That might be 3rd place!!” And I managed to push past her in the last 0.1 mile and finish before her. No idea if she actually was in my age group or not. But I guess that wasn’t even the point. The point was, I told myself I needed to beat her. And I did. This race qualifies me for marathon maniacs!!

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
3
SWAG
2
My Media

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

I marked repeat runner, but I had only run the half before now. It was rough for a first, but I knew about the hills going in. KC is a … MORE

I marked repeat runner, but I had only run the half before now. It was rough for a first, but I knew about the hills going in. KC is a great town and worth doing. It does go through great districts, but I miss the old course (the half and full share big chunks of the course, so there were things I know used to be on the course that aren’t anymore). Things I liked: there were TONS of people (citizens) out cheering on the runners! Sitting in the driveways, playing music, handing out jellybeans, and starburst, and beer! lol A kid in a unicorn costume gave me a marshmallow! A girl in westport gave me oreos! Things that could have been better: one- the starting chute was very narrow and it was almost impossible to get to where you needed to be (pace-wise) if you weren’t in there super early! Since the half and full start at the same time you are talking about over 5000 runners that need to start all at once and there was space in the road for that chute to be wider. two- the photos (are FREE) were late being posted, and I’d say less than HALF are actually marked by bib #. My photos came up from two spots on the course, and neither was the finish. Nowhere else. But I found the person who finished before me and after me at the finish line, but I had no finish line photo? There ARE THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS of “lost and found” pictures, but MOST of them have FULLY LEGIBLE bibs!!! I just don’t get that. I spent 5 hours today (shhhh) clicking and clicking and clicking. Found some of my brother (bib visible) and by carefully going back further, found several cute ones of me (bib visible) that just aren’t tagged to me! I get it that there are probably a million pictures or at least hundreds of thousand, but let someone help you to tag them. Or let the runner tag themself! I couldn’t even “claim” the photos I found! They are now lost back in the bin of unidentified, unless I am willing to click through to find them again (not). So, I finally found my official finish line picture….. check “my media”

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
3
SWAG
4
My Media

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

This was my 3rd time running this 25K (back after a 3 year hiatus). I dropped 58 minutes from my previous best time (2013). Difficulty is a 4 because of … MORE

This was my 3rd time running this 25K (back after a 3 year hiatus). I dropped 58 minutes from my previous best time (2013). Difficulty is a 4 because of the very large hill you have to climb twice. This is the only trail race I’ve done so I don’t have anything to compare it to, but I don’t think it’s exceedingly difficult with the exception of that hill. That said, the course is hilly. The 4 for swag is because they switched to a hat this year instead of a shirt. I’m not a fan of the trucker style hat but other people were very enthusiastic. So you decide for yourself. I wish they had place awards for more than just the top finisher in each age group. I was 2nd in mine (no medal) but third overall female to finish. Aside from top in each age group, only the top male and female finishers were recognized. 2nd female to finish was also my age group. (1st was older- she got the plaque for top overall female instead of age group). I guess it’s not out of the ordinary, but here’s my forum to say I don’t like that way of doing things.

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4
My Media

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

I had run this race before, but not on the current course. It was started 10 years ago from the Tallgrass brewery to end at the Manhattan Running Company. Both … MORE

I had run this race before, but not on the current course. It was started 10 years ago from the Tallgrass brewery to end at the Manhattan Running Company. Both were new! At this point, both have moved. So the course has changed to be a loop downtown instead of a point to point. There were no finisher medals which I am not a fan of. Instead there was a sili-pint (silicone pint glass) for all finishers (even the little kids??) They did have medals for age group awards and I got first in my age group so at least I DO have one medal from this race. Also, they had a miscommunication about prizes for Masters (40+) It was on the printed brochure, but not anywhere else. They DID honor the printed flyer awards after the fact! My biggest complaint was that I NEVER saw a port-a-potty at the start/finish. I don’t know if participants were supposed to use local businesses?? Or if I just came from the wrong direction? But this became a problem (which I didn’t let stop me) at about mile 4. Anyway. That’s it. I love my local running store, and they put on good races. This one could have been tweaked slightly to my liking, but I wouldn’t refuse to run it again. Well, I would if there wasn’t a medal. 🙂

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
3
SWAG
3

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

Not a hard course. Manhattan KS starting and ending in the parking lot at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. In conjunction with the half marathon. Which I have not run yet... MORE

Not a hard course. Manhattan KS starting and ending in the parking lot at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. In conjunction with the half marathon. Which I have not run yet…

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
2
SWAG
3
My Media

Was this review helpful?

I compared the course maps with the archived course maps (very cool that they still have them) and this year was the SAME route with maybe one or two blocks … MORE

I compared the course maps with the archived course maps (very cool that they still have them) and this year was the SAME route with maybe one or two blocks different from the first year I ran it in 2014. MUCH happier!! Still some hills, but nothing dreadful like 2017. They are starting a progression of characters to feature and this was “the year of the Dorothy” Medals were all three the same (different sizes) and were glittery ruby slippers. The shirt design was cute this year too. Happier this year, better trained and I dropped an HOUR from my 2017 time! Not a PR, but my 3rd sub 2 hour half marathon!

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
3
SWAG
3

3 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

The advertised giant medal IS GIANT, but it is NOT cool looking. It is NOT my favorite and would NOT encourage me to run again. I like the little wine … MORE

The advertised giant medal IS GIANT, but it is NOT cool looking. It is NOT my favorite and would NOT encourage me to run again. I like the little wine glass we got. The shirt was so-so. I liked the small field of 801 women, BUT, I assumed that this was a women’s ONLY event and yet I was beat by 3 men?? It was just confusing. It was a great day with great weather. I can’t speak to the Expo because my daughter picked up my packet. The organizers were very helpful.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
3
SWAG
3
My Media

Was this review helpful?

Frequent water stations, fun themes. Race clock posted at every mile marker. Some 20% of course is brick roads, and last 3 miles were uphill, modest grade but still uphill. MORE

Frequent water stations, fun themes. Race clock posted at every mile marker. Some 20% of course is brick roads, and last 3 miles were uphill, modest grade but still uphill.

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
3
SWAG
4
My Media

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

They switched up the course for 2017 and ran it backwards, but I was not a fan. Hills were worse. The old course was a PR for me. I did … MORE

They switched up the course for 2017 and ran it backwards, but I was not a fan. Hills were worse. The old course was a PR for me. I did this as part 2 of the I-35 challenge.

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4
My Media

Was this review helpful?

This was a terrific event!! The organizers were super friendly and helpful! I lost a lot of weight between registering and running and they helped me change my shirt. Flat … MORE

This was a terrific event!! The organizers were super friendly and helpful! I lost a lot of weight between registering and running and they helped me change my shirt. Flat fast course helped me get a PR! Only complaint is the boxes of food at the finish line were gone long before I finished at 2:02. Saw people with more than one in their bag!

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
3
SWAG
4
My Media

Was this review helpful?

I ran this race for the first time in 2014 as part of the Heartland 39.3 series. This was my first time back. This is a Wizard of Oz themed … MORE

I ran this race for the first time in 2014 as part of the Heartland 39.3 series. This was my first time back. This is a Wizard of Oz themed race and they have AWESOME MEDALS. That was why I decided to run this one (as opposed to other spring 2017 choices). The medal was a tornado that actually spins inside of a yellow brick road, and there is a tiny house that spins independently of that as well. Other medals were toto in a basket and the wizard of Oz himself. The course had been changed since 2014, and I was not a fan. VERY VERY hilly. I was hoping to improve my time from back then because in 2014 I was running with a knee brace on, and struggled. This time, I had trained and was uninjured, but I was unprepared for the hillier new course and was slower than 3 years before when I was running while injured.

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
3
SWAG
4
My Media

Was this review helpful?

This was my WORST finish and actually kicked off over 2 years of not running. I had been dealing with bad knees and was finally getting over that but just … MORE

This was my WORST finish and actually kicked off over 2 years of not running. I had been dealing with bad knees and was finally getting over that but just didn’t train well enough. Lots of walking. Future years they offered the 10K option and placed a 4 hour time limit on the 25K. I would have been diverted.

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4

Was this review helpful?

This half marathon benefits a local catholic school and the post race food is like a gigantic church picnic!!! Food for days, even for the slower finishers! I signed up … MORE

This half marathon benefits a local catholic school and the post race food is like a gigantic church picnic!!! Food for days, even for the slower finishers! I signed up for this as part 3 of the heartland 39.3 series. Both my knees hurt during this race! I don’t remember the course being especially difficult. Swag: shirt was cute!! You get a cowbell when you finish (with your medal). By the time I limped in (bad knees) they had run out of medals and bells?! But they gave me a prior year medal and promised to mail me the correct medal and the bell. Which they did do.

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
3
SWAG
4

Was this review helpful?

It was raining that day, I had a knee brace on, I was trained, but "injured" with no diagnosed injury. This was a rough race, but I finished it. The … MORE

It was raining that day, I had a knee brace on, I was trained, but “injured” with no diagnosed injury. This was a rough race, but I finished it. The medical tent at the finish line was good to me and warmed me up and helped me with my knee. I love their Wizard of Oz medals (the half marathon was a glow in the dark Wicked Witch that year) and the atmosphere is fun!! I have come back to run this one two more times! It is worth your time if you are looking for a race in KS. BUT it is NOT flat.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
3
SWAG
4

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

Several of my family members participated including my mom- it was her first half marathon. Shirt was ok. Medal was beautiful. Course was hard but I was running on a … MORE

Several of my family members participated including my mom- it was her first half marathon. Shirt was ok. Medal was beautiful. Course was hard but I was running on a bum knee. I signed up as part of the Heartland 39.3 series.

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5

Was this review helpful?

This was my first time running the KC Marathon event. I did the half marathon. I finished strong with negative splits all along the way! My Konza hill training helped … MORE

This was my first time running the KC Marathon event. I did the half marathon. I finished strong with negative splits all along the way! My Konza hill training helped with the KC hills! Pretty cold (but sunny) at the finish. Chick-Fil-A was there with hot sandwiches at the finish which was a godsend. My second half marathon (3rd if you include the trail 25K) and definitely my favorite of them!

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

This was the very first year for Konquer the Konza and I was fresh off my first half marathon when I signed up! I trained pretty well- I knew what … MORE

This was the very first year for Konquer the Konza and I was fresh off my first half marathon when I signed up! I trained pretty well- I knew what hills were out there having hiked it multiple times. I felt good about my finish this year. There was no 10K option this year. That was not introduced until 2015.

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5
My Media

Was this review helpful?

This was of course over 5 years ago... It was the inaugural event put on by a Scouting group, not a running group. It had hiccups. But as a FIRST … MORE

This was of course over 5 years ago… It was the inaugural event put on by a Scouting group, not a running group. It had hiccups. But as a FIRST TIME half marathoner, I didn’t recognize all of them for what they were. Now, I can see them. The location of the event has changed to Parkville, MO, and they are HOPING to get back to offering a half marathon, but are waiting for a trail completion that seems to never come. Anyway, currently this event only offers a 5K, a 10K and a “15K challenge” where you run both. They have good food pre and post event and nice medals. Friendly people. Worth your time, and ALWAYS WORTH supporting the Scouts!!

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
3
SCENERY
3
SWAG
3

Was this review helpful?

My Followers