I heard about the course problems last year and didn't know what to expect this year. However, I would highly recommend the KC Marathon.

It was definitely a beautiful course; great weather, with the fall colors just starting to show. The hills were doable, and in my opinion, that makes it much more interesting than a flat marathon. All the goodies were wonderful to get: 2 shirts, nice medal, and a restaurant gift card. Much appreciation to the race directors and volunteers, you all did a great job and I loved it!

Everyone was very nice but the race could use some special touches. I needed petroleum jelly but could not find any at any of the water stations. Gobs of it on cardboard would have been a lifesaver. All in all, though, it was a great race with a lot of nice people eager to help. The hills and sloping pavement still about ruined me.

This was my first Kansas City Marathon, 11th overall, and I absolutely loved the course. I was so impressed with the organization (from well run aid stations to the course monitors). If you do this marathon, be prepared for a rolling course and a long, gradual incline in miles 20-22. It's not the easiest race, but if you're looking for a challenge and want to experience a scenic race, Kansas City is it!

I thought everything was top-notch; I didn't run last year, but a friend did and says the changes were all for the better. I really enjoyed the course!

We got to see neighborhoods in KC that I'd never been in before. Great overall organization, and the two shirts are awesome... as were the medal and gift card. Will recomend this marathon to all.

This was my ninth marathon, and though it was the most challenging, it simply pays to do your homework. That's the real reason why I ran this one. Several of my running buddies have talked about how difficult this course is and a few have DNF'd the course as well. I welcomed the challenge. Great aid stations and crowd support. The only downside is that they ran out of medals for the finishers, and I'll have to wait six to eight weeks to receive mine in the mail.

I completed the half marathon. Being from Houston the course was hilly. The good news is there was an equal amount of decline for all of the inclines. The course wasn't as nice as the Marine Corp or Avenue of the Giants, but it was nicer than many. The roads were mostly tree-lined, so there was plenty of shade on what turned out to be a perfect race day with plenty sunshine. The finish area was great, with bands, food, and great local beer. The roads were wide and could have easily handled many more than the the 3,000 runners that showed up (2/3 of which were for the half).

The volunteers were some of the friendliest and most helpful of the seven marathons and dozens of halfs that I have completed over the last 10 years.

The race was light on spectators, but those that came out were especially encouraging.

Probably can't get a PR, but a great training run (half) for those focused on fall marathons.

I'm among the marathoners that participated in last year's hot, humid, very hilly, and - by some miscommunication - somewhat short race. I had my worst marathon ever but decided to redeem myself in 2006 since the date was changed from September to October.

What a difference in the course! The long grinders were taken out and replaced with more scenic fountains and boulevards.

The expo was first-class, the organization was superb, the staff was energetic and extremely helpful, and all the jazz bands were terrific! I was even tempted to stop and just listen to one of the blues bands!

If you have never been to Kansas City in the autumn, I would highly recommend this wonderful urban running experience. I loved the long downhill finish with all the spectators cheering me on. Okay, okay, they were cheering for everybody!

Go to KC!

I have run San Diego, CA and Portland, OR and believe that Kansas City's course was by far the most beautiful and challenging run. The weather was perfect and the fall leaves were just beginning to change. I believe the Kansas City Marathon is a sleeper - every runner should include this city in their marathon race portfolio.

I ran the half this year. The course was very nice, with some hills, and went through some interesting parts of town. The organization was top-notch. Moving the event back into October was an excellent move, the weather was perfect and the trees were just starting to change. I will definitely be doing this one again!

The mile markers were easy to see. The weather was much cooler than 2005 (it does help to run this in October). The aid stations were well run. The course was not quite as hilly.