This is a great race for the runners that know that the best things in running come from simplicity. The second half of the race is very challenging with a combination of hills and heat. Knowing this, the smart runners go out easy and finish strong, while the others get passed while walking in the last couple of miles. I learned the hard way, and have come back every year since to learn from my mistake and attempt to conquer this course.

This was my first marathon and I loved every moment of it. Although it absolutely poured the entire time, it was wonderful. The scenery was gorgeous and support was great. Dodging cars was a little difficult, but it did take my mind off of the actual running. I would recommend this marathon to anyone living in the area.

This marathon was so awesome! This is such a scenic area of central Missouri. The run goes from the heart of Columbia (Mizzou football stadium) to the Missouri River and back to downtown Columbia. The aid station volunteers were cheerful and motivating, the aid patrol cars were seen often driving the route to make sure everyone was okay, there were volunteers at each 3-mile increment calling out your splits, and the finish had the best 100 or so loyal family and friends to cheer you to a great finish! Even in the drizzle this was a wonderful race!

Hot. Hills. What more could you want? Carried through decades by the hard work of a few dedicated people. I have to admit this is the ONLY marathon I've run (4 times). However, this is notice that I'll be back for the 25 th. anniversary of my first.

This was my second marathon, and I must say it definitely was the better of the two. The fan support (people who held up signs with words like 'power' and what-not on them) was great. The aid stations were plentiful, and no one ran out of sports drink (like the other one I ran.) They should have had more age group awards, bagels at the finish (not just fruit), and the magnets were a bit of a let down (medals would've been much better, but that's ok.)

This was my 21st marathon in 19 states. The course I found interesting as I end up doing a lot of urban marathons. It is very challenging with the hills, heat and humidity. The spectators (both human and bovine) were friendly and supportive, what few spectators there were. There was no expo or pasta dinner, but as they promote on their website, it's the cheapest entry fee and you do get a t-shirt along with your finisher's magnet (and they were extremely cheaply made magnets). A little advice to the organizer's, I would prefer paying $5-10 more for an actual medal. This marathon can be summed up in one word: CHEAP!

I ran this course this morning and after the 8 hour drive home have some comments about it. Of the 29 marathons I have ran this is the toughest course of them all. Not only due to the constant hills and turns, but also because of the lack of spectators (cows don't count) and country route taken. The start is tough in the dark as there are no closed to traffic streets anywhere on course. Add to that the fact that the first fluid station is 3 1/2 miles into the run and the next one is at 7 miles. Let's see, hills heat and no fluids early on hhmmm? I guess the kick in the pants for me was to complete this very tough course and receive a magnet as opposed to a finishers medal. Come on now people!!
The cold 'dip' at the finish line was refreshing and the pride one gets from completing such a run are the two positives from this Labor Day race.

If you live close to this race be sure to preview it before signing up! Being from Pennsylvania I decided to take the hike to Missouri to run what was supposed to be a nice peaceful course filled with rolling hills. Nice and peaceful it was. The course was very serene flanked by the Missouri river and many farms. Rolling it was not. Compared to other marathons I've run, (philadelphia, baltimore, and tampa) these hills were monsters! Easliy hill climbs over 200 ft. in less than a mile! So if its fast and flat you want, stay away from this marathon. On the other hand, if your up for a challenge go for it! I found out there is a reason why only a hundred people sign up (and almost 20% of them DNF). The race is an early start and it is still dark through mile 5. The roads are not closed to traffic, but this was not really a problem after it became light. If you run this marathon, be sure to take some time visiting Columbia. In this very small town, there are some fantastic restraunts, movie theaters, a nice college campus, and it just so happened the Tigers had a home football game that weekend!

The Heart of America marathon has been touted as a very hilly and challenging race. I found exactly the opposite to be true. Yes, there are hills, but they are small and gradual. The footing was a little tricky for the gravel downhill portions. This would be the perfect race for the virgin marathoner...

The 2001 race had about 175 participants, which is more than normal, possibly to Hal Higdon's participation. A predawn start still did not prevent running in the heat the last half of the race. Hills were a major challenge. In the 10-11 portion you are running downhill on a gravel road and trying not to wipe out from the loose gravel under your feet. The hill at mile 13 is a monster: a 200 foot climb in a little over 1/2 mile!!! The water stations were understaffed, and my family ended up helping at most of them while waiting for me to come through, then had difficulty getting away from them to follow me to the next stop. The course is very scenic and the ice bath for your legs at the end very inviting.