Shelby O's Staging Area

So happy I picked this race in Springfield, Missouri. Easy sign up, great email communication. EXPO was incredible, and the midwest hospitality was unreal. The volunteers had everything organized from the Expo, to the race, to after, no glitches. It was rainy and little chilly but there were so many families out there cheering, even the police traffic officers, happy! Made us run faster! So many incredible people we met. Bass Pro really out does itself with decorations and lights, what a perfect setting. The end, had lots of food, beer dessert etc. Then you change and go walk around Bass Pro. The medal is huge and amazing, shirt is awesome too. We got tons of freebies from the expo. Probably one of my favorite halfs! Well marked too! Few incline hills, lol.

We knew this was a small race and we enjoyed it. Weather was hot, but course mostly shaded. Race Director great and not a lot of people. Received a white cotton shirt and cute finisher medal. Most of race was on the road which was not closed to traffic. There was barely a shoulder…but it was not busy roads, and cars that were driving were respectful. Tons of water stations, one port a potty for entire half. No one cheering you on. Beautiful scenery and everyone super nice. Finish line food was some cheetos, some bread, some bananas and warm water. Most people left right after. We definitely enjoyed it if your looking to get a state off your list!

We came in from Florida a week before to adjust to altitude which helped! Communication was great all the way up to day of race. Scenery is outstanding and course well marked, mostly pavement. Few short uphills, lol. There were a few minor issues that a lot of others were annoyed about. The traffic for parking delayed us 40m, which for hardcore runners is annoying. A lot of us were up early, had eaten, had stretched and were ready. Couldn’t hear any announcements from the Director. Not as much crowd support as expected, some return runners said there were usually way more. Lots of water stations and super friendly volunteers. Wish they had some gels or snacks, but most of us had some. Lots of port o potties, little to no wait. Finish line was ok, no one handing out medals, we had to go to a box at a table, they also ran out of water bottles for about ten m. We waited for a beer which they were awesome at the beer tent. We got our bag and shirt. We went to the merchandise table which barely had anything and was disappointing, we always try to buy extra to bring home for the kids. I don’t know where the freebies were they mentioned in the email. There were 2 vendors and a few recovery tables. They were packing up fast when we came thru. Only oranges, half bananas and yogurt, not sure what happened with hot dogs as we waited 45m. The shuttle back was fine and we def, are happy we did this race, scenery alone and incredibly nice people made it worth it. But if you want super organized with freebies, swag, good food, this probably isn’t for you.

State #9 for me. I ran with my spouse because it was his 1st half since heart failure a couple years ago. I actually enjoyed it with him and took in the scenes more and met some awesome people. Emails, communication, packet pickup, all the way to start ran smooth. Not much at the expo but that was ok. We didn’t stay at the host hotel, but we were only 3 miles away. Very nice small town, super friendly and genuinely nice. Ate at some great places near the start line. Easy parking due to the maps and communication for the 39 degree start, lol. Started on time! Lots and lots of port o potties, food/water gatorade and gel and snacks almost every mile. Tons of signs and people. We met great people while doing this race. It was paveent, shellpacked trail around a lake, thru some parks, some RR tracks, etc. We loved it, not crowded at all. The announcers announced where we were from when crossing the finish. We finished and immediately looked for somewhere to sit. We got a large very nice medal, a cream pic and water. Couldn’t find seats, they had foldables and hey were taken. Def. need more esp for us older people, lol. We looked for the food and beer. Found out, you have to buy it! A bread person and beer, and all over $5 a piece. One tent had sliders from a place called Freddys but said they ran out after the 5k. They were awaiting hot dogs. So for me, this was a huge disappointment. Who charges for food and drinks after you run? I felt bad for the marathoners that weren’t in yet. There were 2 vendors selling stuff, high priced and the bank who had free gloves and choc milk, which I grabbed. I loved ALL about this race but this part. We rushed out of there having to go get food.

It is HOT!!!! Very small, very organized, well marked, friendly people, lots of giveaways. All runners got a finisher bag with goodies. Then they did some raffles, almost everyone won something, and each item was super nice! They even let us grab more freebies. Taco truck was amazing and there was an incredible singer. I don’t know where he was from but he totally fit in and sang some great songs. Beer was unlimited 6pm-8pm draft. Nice selection, bartender was ok, moody, maybe he had a bad day. Unless you knew him, you would just wait and be ignored, then he reluctantly would get your drink. Regardless, we all had a blast and met some great people. Don’t miss this one next year!

This has always been on my bucket list, did the 5k Saturday night and half Sunday night. Over 22,000 people, very crowded, but expected. All emails/instructions were good, some maps were off so if not familiar with area, just follow other runners. Expo was ok, too many people trying to sell teeth whitening and hand/foot cream, lol. Start up was most chaotic I have ever seen, felt bad as some people actually got hurt. The security was even scared and backing away. If you have kids or are older and need any space, I wouldn’t recommend it. The beginning took forever and too pushy. There were tons of aid stations, support and easy road, little dark but expected. So much to look at and everyone in a good mood. We had beer wristbands, yet no beer, were given wine seltzers at BOTH races. Wish they had chocolate milk or better food, was just grab and go chips, banana and fruit snack. Also did NOT get my REMIX medal, which is the medal for completing both races. Many of us couldn’t find where to get it. So hoping they will mail it. I loved the city, the people, the volunteers, the shirts, the music (only saw a couple bands, was mostly Dj’s) and the experience. The lack of swag for such an expensive race was disappointing also. Hope this helps others.

This was their inaugural race and did not disappoint. From traveling out of state, the communication was excellent. We had no issues whatsoever from packet pickup to face morning to awards to breakfast. There were lots of rolling hills but it really won’t bother you because the horses are so majestic you just stop and look. I took two videos and tons of pics while running this half. Tons of volunteers and easy to follow, lots of Gatorade, water and port a potty stops. Incredible photographer who sends you the photos of start, finish and in between for FREE. Gorgeous area and course, light breakfast at the end. No swag or goodies but I bet there will be next year! Shirts and medals and awards are all amazing. We are looking at making this a yearly run!

This is a run around Nathan Benderson Park, where Champion Rowers are rowing. It is for an incredible cause. There are tons of vendors, giveaways and awards. The best part is the cause…..people that have tried to end their life and have survived….tell their story. It takes guts to get up there. SEcondly and any of you have lost a family member, friend due to suicide…there is a tree, you can tape their name up there. IT is an all around amazing race.

Communication is awesome, especially if your not familiar with the area. Due to heavy rains and flooding the previous days the race course changed which added lots of hills. Being from Florida, we do not get too many hills to practice in. The route was well marked, people were super nice even after the race. The medals and shirts were incredible, loved them! Wish their were more vendors and food at the end. Plus the runners who took over 3 hours, the vendors and food was packed up, so they didn’t get anything. Would definitely do this one again, very well organized.

Easy flat course, great regulars and out of state runners. Easy parking, results, nice awards and breakfast. Spread out trail of rocks, gravel, grass. Lots of room and not bumping into others. Breakfast afterwards and snacks. Not much to look at except fields, but the quietness and weather made it great!