This small, convenient race benefits a great cause by providing funds to better the lives of those in a village in Kenya. The course is very flat and features a double out-and-back along the White River, which means you are almost always passing someone going the opposite direction. Aid stations are plentiful and provide gels along with water and electrolyte fluids at each location. The local residents are very hospitable and the pre-race dinner was better than at many larger events.

This was my second time here - 5 years ago I ran the old, hilly course, which I really liked. I was a little skeptical about a double out-and-back loop course, but it was great! My rating of 5 for spectators really relates to the half-marathoners, who were terrific at cheering for those running the full. With the double loop course, you were always meeting other runners, for lots of encouragement. The course is flat, the aid stations good (with gels at all), and the organization is great. Those things, along with the benefit for the kids of Katito, Kenya, make for a great experience.

This race course is flat and fast and it's a nice, double out-and-back. It was fun to cheer on your friends as they passed back and forth and to be encouraged by others. I will definitely run this one again. The river and view were very pretty and aid stations well stocked.

I loved this race! The course was completely flat and we were blessed with some fog that day, which added to atmosphere. The water stations were well run and the overall organizing of the event was excellent. The race was chip timed and even with a slight computer glitch, they had the full results on the internet the next day. I say, "great job!" to everyone who puts this race together. I live in Wisconsin but I hope to do this race again next year.

Very well organized race. Although there weren't many spectators during the race, the after-race food and fellowship from the race volunteers made this race one of my favorites. I ran the half marathon.

This is a flat and very fast course. All members from our group set a new PR in the marathon or the half-marathon. What makes this race even better are the people because they showed true Ozarks hospitality. I did the half-marathon for this event. I love the 7 a.m. start!! Did I mention the post-run meal with all of the various homemade soups?

It was fast and flat, just as promised! It was a great time for everyone, with such a great atmosphere. There were a lot of families running together, which always makes it fun. Would highly recommend this race to beginning or advanced runners.

This race was a wonderful experience for such a small venue. Aid stations were all very well stocked and run by great volunteers who were enthusiastic and willing to go out of their way to help the runners.

The race director is a runner herself and it shows. Very good attention to detail in every respect.

Course is very flat, and very fast. This is definitely a course on which you can run a PR. The finisher's medal is actually quite nice for a race with fewer than 100 finishers. This race is truly a diamond in the rough. I would highly recommend this race to anyone!!

This year's course was flat and REALLY fast. The race was well organized, and the aid stations were well supplied. There were few spectators, but the volunteers and other runners were enthusiastic. If you are looking for a BQ or PR, this is DEFINITELY the course to run. I finished in 3:29 (achieving my first BQ) with a previous PR of 3:52!!! The best part is that this event raised $16,000 for desperately needed clean water projects in Kenya (East Africa). This is the 3rd time I have run this event (1 half and 2 full marathons), and I plan to be back again next year. Thanks to the organizers and sponsors for a fantastic experience and a labor of love for the people of Kenya. THIS IS MY #1 RECOMMENDATION FOR A SMALL MARATHON.

It is evident that Laurie and her team work very hard on this event. The entry fee is reasonable, the volunteers are exceptional, there is plenty of real food (not just a bagel and water) inside at the finish, showers are available, and the new course is a PR-course along the river.

If you do not need bands and spectators, this event is recommended.