I too ran the 2001 marathon finishing 7th overall, and was told awards would be mailed but have received nothing and no response from emails. Some explanation from the race organizers as to what the mess-up was and why no awards were given would be appreciated.

The difficult part of the course was all the 270-degree turns up and down the road crossings. Coming down from some of these sharp descents where the water and mud ran across the trail made for very slippery conditions in spots.

This was a great small marathon. What I liked: It was run almost entirely on scenic trails. The course markers were visible and had mile markers at every mile. It had plenty of water and Gatorade every 2 miles or less. And a huge bonus was the nice embroidered fleece jacket for the low entry fee. Overall, it was a great marathon and I plan on running it again next year.

I can't believe the person who said this course was slow and hilly! Seriously, they could've only been expressing extreme sarcasm. I remember exactly ONE 'hill' of ANY sort of significance and that was merely a small overpass of a street. Courses seriously don't get any flatter. It was nice having the lead bike to follow, though, in the later stages of the race as my fatigued mind found it harder and harder to follow directions. Overall, I thought it was very nicely managed. Of course, I may be biased, as I won the race. I found the aid stations to be nicely spaced and well-stocked. There weren't much in the way of spectators, and, yes, the course was a bit repetitive (sort of a double out-and-back), but all of the mile markers were nicely marked and none of them seemed to be off (this is huge: it seems that most races will have at least one that is placed incorrectly). Finally, the after-race food and drink was very plentiful, I thought. Overall, a very good race that I would run again.

We flew in from North Carolina to run this race in 2001 as part of our pursuit of the 50 States and DC. The hotel is very convenient to the start/finish and the course runs pretty well.

However, as a previous runner commented, I placed in my age group but had to leave for the airport immediately after the race to fly back to North Carolina. The race director told me that my award would be mailed to me. Months later, after still not receiving the award, I sent a follow-up email to the race director. Results: Nothing! I sent another email at a later date requesting my award but still NOTHING!

Even though the run is nice, I would have a hard time going back to this race due to the lack of responsiveness from the race director. I spent a lot of money flying to the race and he doesn't even have the courtesy to send me my award like promised.

Although I enjoyed the course, I cannot recommend this race because of the lack of responsibility on the part of the organizer. I won first place in my age division, was told my award would be sent, and despite numerous emails, I STILL haven't received it after almost two years. This lack of conscientiousness and trustworthiness is absolutely inexcusible.

This marathon takes place on a bike path in a suburb of Kansas City. It is a double loop that winds through parks and forests. It is rather scenic. Do not expect much in the way of spectators, except for the volunteers at the aid stations. The marathon, along with the half, has less than 300 total runners. Thus, there is no expo - just a packet pick-up. Small post-race party has a decent variety of food and drink. The biggest complaint I have with this marathon is that there is neither a listing of the results online nor one that is mailed to you. I have no idea where I finished, either overall or in my age group. Luckily, I used my stopwatch so that I have my unofficial time.

Nice bike trail: slow and enjoyable. Consider it more of a nature run. No roads, only trails in a park setting.

The course was on a great scenic bike trail; organization was super and the volunteers were excellent. Wonderful hospitality!!

I wasn't sure about doing this race after reading previous comments. This is a small race, but, on a nice bike & running trail. I got to see a part of the Kansas City area that I would not have otherwise enjoyed. I will do it again if I am in the area.

I picked this race on a last minute whim, trying to get in one more state before the close of 2001. The proximity of the host hotel to the start was wonderful, just had to wander over minutes before the start. Initially I dreaded a double out and back but I found the meandering bike path which stayed near a delightful creek and passed thru many trees and fields to be very serene and peaceful, particularly the 2nd loop when I was mostly by myself. While there weren't a whole lot of spectators, my husband was able to be all over the course and he's the only spectator I care about! This is a small, well done race and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I even placed 2nd in my division!