Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Apr 29, 2024

Heart of America Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Heart of America Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.4

Organization 4.5

Spectators 3.6

Number of comments: 68 [displaying comments 21 to 31]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 > ]

T. W. from Columbia, Missouri (9/11/2010) "Epic. Two hours in a Hawaiian tropical storm." (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 6+ Heart of America Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 It's the best of the Midwest. The variety of sensations coupled with the simple and pleasant approach of the people make this a signature race for the Midwest. The early start at 6 a.m. on Labor Day signal, "Hey, where else would you rather be than here - today?" It is dark and cool, about 55 degrees. I enjoyed the lack of pretentiousness or pomp and circumstance in this race. The approach is much like the first two guys who ran the race in 1960 - show up, go, then finish and shut up already. The course winds through the University of Missouri campus then leads out of town, following an old pioneering routes to the Missouri River. As the sun begins to rise you are passing cows and cornfields on your clandestine meeting at the old oak tree with your fellow Bushwackers (are we to raid Lawrence this morn'?). The last 14 miles winding through the river hills is grueling. You have mostly separated yourself from other racers and are now left to conquer these ups and downs on your own. The sun is beginning to be a problem, and it's likely that the humidity index is accelerating even quicker. There may have been dew or even light rain in the morning, so you are caught between shivers of coolness and wetness and bouts of baking and thirst. You need to be self sufficient since the water/Gatorade stands come only every 5 miles or so. (There are no fast food stops on the Oregon Trail.) The last 6 miles seem to extend the race beyond the difficulty level. There are two major hills and one last mile up a small incline. You have returned to town to celebrate your plundering of Lawrence and ready to make stock of your bullet holes and friends that you have lost along the way. A post-race pizza party adds spice to the event: they simply lay out pie after pie and you feed until you are happy. Add a pitcher of beer to mark the holiday. Epic race with many positive aspects. No negatives.
E. B. from St. Louis (9/7/2010) "Run for fun" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Heart of America Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Great race if you're just looking to get out and run with some folks who love the sport. Small field, no frills, but all the basics are covered. The course is quite rural, so there aren't many spectators. Miles 20-24 are a bit bleak as you run on the shoulder of a state highway. The rest of the course is beautiful (and hilly). Heat wasn't an issue this year, but it often is. Post-race party at Shakespeare's was great.
J. E. from Indiana, USA (9/27/2009) "Terrific, Tough, Memorable Marathon" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Heart of America Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 On our drive home, as my running buddy and I analyzed the race, he finally summarized it perfectly. "There are two types of folks who run this race," he said. "There are local runners, for whom this is a point of local pride. And there are hard-core marathoners who relish a true challenge." That's right on it. I really, really liked this marathon. It is the full opposite of the highly produced, big-city marathon. It is organized by volunteers, not paid administrators, who love running and don't apologize for the toughness of the course. Six huge hills and numerous other smaller hills are the key feature. I found the big loop portion of the race just wonderfully scenic. The ups, downs, twists, turns all made for a most enjoyable route. This is a tough course. And I look forward to running it again. Thanks to everyone who had a role in making this a real gem in the Heart of America.
John Hill from Missouri, USA (9/15/2009) "Outstanding, Challenging Race" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Heart of America Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 If you like small marathons that are challenging, and you want a run for the pure enjoyment of completing a difficult course, then this is for you. Tough hills, but great support for a small marathon. It's not a Boston qualifier, but it's well worth the effort to add this to your schedule. My daughter and I have run 28 other marathons in 28 different states, and we thoroughly enjoyed this challenge. You'll run with outstanding people who are there for the thrill of the challenge - just like you. Sign-up - do it - and you will not be disappointed.
l. c. from Chicago (9/15/2009) "All marathons are hard!!" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Heart of America Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 When I was picking up my package at the Hampton Inn, I overheard a lady asking Mr. Hal Higdon if this race is hard. He responded by saying that all marathons are 26.2 miles, no matter how you look at it, and therefore, they are all difficult to complete. I have to admit that I have never viewed a marathon from that perspective, and I have a new-found attitude. You can't beat the price, there are great spectators, and they give out a good-looking shirt and all of the pizza you can eat.
david black from Alton, Illinois (9/14/2009) "This is a challenging, well-organized marathon!" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Heart of America Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 You can't get more for your running dollar. Period. The event is very runner-friendly and has all the ingredients that much "fancier" events give you for three or four times the price. I've run this twice, and I look forward to doing it again. The course is a toughie; such is the reason for doing it. Weather doesn't always cooperate either. Yet there is a sense of REAL accomplishment involved. Every serious runner should do the HOA at least once!
A. E. from Columbia, MO (9/14/2009) "Well-organized, challenging, small marathon" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Heart of America Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is my favorite smaller marathon. At $25, it is a bargain. I ran it as my first marathon in 2004 and every year since. It is a challenging course, so be prepared for the hills. It has been humid every year that I have run it, and it's often foggy. This year was no exception. Some years there is also heat. This year was not as bad as last year. The course is what it is, along some roads with no shoulder, but it is tradition and they aren't going to change it. The hills are what make this marathon interesting. It is not boring, and the course is very scenic - taking you down to the Missouri River, and then up the big Easley hill. The organization is always exceptional. Being the 50th annual, this year the marathon was more of a big deal with a banquet and post-race pizza party. This marathon is great if you like an intimate marathon with a lot of personality and an extra challenge with the hills, heat, and humidity!
(Hugh) Emery Hutson from Joplin, MO (9/12/2009) "Glad I finished, but..." (about: 2009) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Heart of America Marathon COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I am probably unusual for a marathon participant (but what is "usual" about ANY marathon participant?). Before running this race, I had completed a grand total of two marathons. I completed Hogeye in Fayetteville, AR in 1984 and 1985. I tried Hogeye in 2002, but was beaten by the rain and the cold. Having said that, I had run marathon distance 18 times this year just training for the marathon. But, even at that, I was ill-prepared for this one! The course was brutal! I did not like the fact that a lot of it was on a state highway with no shoulder. The hill near the half-way point was unforgiving! My left knee almost quit me at about the 21-mile marker; and it was sheer stubbornness that kept me going. I finished less than 10 minutes before the 7-hour cutoff. My greatest feeling of accomplishment was that the course did not beat me! But I have a healthy respect for the course. I don't plan on giving it a rematch. Having said all of that, the organization was terrific! The people (volunteers and spectators) were very encouraging. I'll never forget the entertainment along the way (especially the Irish-style fiddlers at the campsite). I am glad that I ran the race ONCE and completed it. But I think that I'll let one time do it.
D. W. from Northwest Missouri (9/11/2009) "My first... and absolutely unforgettable" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Heart of America Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Absolutely beautiful scenery. Well organized. Challenging. I met some awesome people (that would be you, B.F.). Thank you for all of the memories, HOA.
Brett Barton from Columbia, Missouri (9/11/2009) "Amazing route... great marathon" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Heart of America Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This race will grow on you. There is so much character and variation in the route that it takes a couple of runnings to really appreciate everything that Heart of America has to offer. Miles 14-18 are some of the most beautiful miles you will ever run as you take in the rolling countryside on an early September morning. I've run the big ones (Chicago, Boston, Marine Corps), but there is just something special about the intimate feel of this marathon. Yes, it is hilly and I wouldn't want it any other way. If you are looking for something unique, challenging and a bit off of the beaten path, then I can't think of a better choice than Heart of America. Make it a Labor Day tradition!

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 > ]

Become an Advertiser

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Become an Advertiser

© 2000-2024, All Rights Reserved by MarathonGuide.com LLC

Privacy Policy Refund Policy Terms of Use