This is a very difficult and hilly course. I ran the half-marathon which followed the first 11 miles and then the last 2 miles of the full marathon. I've run many half and full marathons and this is definitely the hilliest course outside of Atlanta (though, marathons are supposed to be challenging). However, it is a fairly senic course. The course goes by many of Kansas City's landmarks, commercial centers and historic sites. I really enjoyed the course. The only change to it I'd like to see is to have the finish moved so that it is not at the end of a half mile trek uphill.
Now, as far as the organization goes, that needs to be improved. With over 2,000 particapants in the half and full marathons they need to have some sort of an Expo, not just a packet pick-up. Also, chip timing needs to be implemented. The start is on a narrow street and it took me about 40 seconds to get to the start line. Aid stations were generously staffed (never had to wait for a drink), but there were several stations that had water only - No Gatorade! Not a lot of spectators either, but I've been in marathons with fewer. Also, the ones that were out were extremely enthusiastic. Overall, I really enjoyed this course. Just a few improvements and this could be a terrific mid-size marathon.

This marathon was top notch! The course was challenging, bur very well thought out. Some may complain that it is hilly, which it is, but that fact does not detract from the beauty of the course. The second 13.1 miles contain 3 different out-and-backs, so you get to see a lot of runners on the way out and back again. The weather was chilly (maybe 40 degrees), but there was no wind. The event organizers did a fantastic job - there were no frills, but they covered all the bases - which to me meant they didn't waste any money and were able to provide all of the necessities. The logistics (packet pick-up, parking, location) were a piece of cake. I had a great time and would highly recommend this event. I have many friends in the KC area and plan on returning to do this marathon again.

I really enjoyed running the 5K while I was up here visiting from Charleston, SC

Had a great time! Thanks!

This race was a pleasent tour of the Kansas City area. Rather early it hit long gradual hills through the city that let you know that this is not a flatlands course. My favorite part of the run was Cliffs Drive, several miles of quiet wooded road at the base of senic cliffs. My least favorite part (besides not being in marathon shape) was the stretch of industrial wasteland between Cliffs Drive and the end of the course.

The race started with the marathoners, 1/2 marathoners, and 5kers mixed together on a narrow street. The result was an uncomfortable jockying for position even before the start of the race. If the organizers are planning to start this way again, I strongly recommend they use chip timing.

As a note, the fans on the course were fairly sparse. Then again, with temperatures 15-20 degrees below normal and occassional sleet, I was surprised to see any spectators at all.

Finally, the normal 'bag of goodies' handed out at package pick-up was virtually empty. However, this was compensated for by a well stocked food, fruit, soup, and stuff tent at the end of the run.

This was my fifth marathon in as many years. Mostly because of the numerous gradual hills, I'd say this is a moderately difficult course. Train well and don't expect a PR. Overall though, I'd say it was an enjoyable run.

Start/finish has easy access off the interstate and plenty of nearby parking. They loose a star for organization by not having timing chips and a couple of the water stops were both undermanned and somewhat far apart. It was cold so water stop frequency wasn't a huge issue but it could have been. They use spotters at several locations to make sure people aren't cutting corners on the out and backs (cheating). They could eliminate the need for this with timing chips. The race is hilly. The first mile is hugely downhill but you have to get back up that huge hill in the last mile. Less than half of the race is flat to nearly flat. Otherwise you were going significantly up or down. I haven't been in a race where so many people crashed due to course difficulty. They were mostly first timers as I spoke with some of them afterwards. If you weren't so tired that you couldn't lift your head then you did get a nice tour of the city. The 8 or so miles along the cliff drive were very scenic and mostly flat. They have a nice finishers medal that has a stained glass look to it. I can't find the race results on the web yet either.