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Apr 28, 2024

Heart of America Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 4.4

Organization 4.5

Spectators 3.6

Number of comments: 68 [displaying comments 41 to 51]

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

J. H. from Columbia MO (9/11/2005) "This ain't Chicago" (about: 2005) 3 previous marathons \| 2 Heart of America Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Heart of America is everything it's advertised to be. It's hot, hilly and just plain difficult. Obviously, this does not attract a very big crowd of runners, but that's what I love about it. It's the unofficial 'tough guy' marathon. The course is mighty hard, but the portion from 17 to the finish has to be the toughest. By that time, the sun is high in the sky, you're tired and you still have 3 major hills to tackle...and these are looooong, steep hills. Support on the course is adequate, with water/gatorade stops about every 2-3 miles and the occasional person to give time splits or make sure you don't take a wrong turn, but you won't see a whole lot of cheering, smiling faces as you're pretty much out in the middle of nowhere for most of the run. There isn't a lot of fanfare when you cross the finish line, but with only 100 or so runners, you'll get plenty of attention with some of the friendliest people you've ever met giving you whatever you need. An ice bath at the finish is a nice bonus too. At $25, you won't find a cheaper marathon and I think anyone who completes HOA gets special bragging rights.
M. B. from Columbia, MO (9/11/2005) "Challenging, but Fun" (about: 2005) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Heart of America Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This marathon is challenging, but not impossible. I'd been warned about the hills and heat and those with more experience gently suggested that I try something flatter for my first marathon, but that only made me want to run the HOA even more. And I'm glad I did. If you're looking for a small race without intimidating crowds this is the one for you. I met a wide variety of people along the race and everyone was very encouraging. My family was able to follow me throughout the course and the cheering crowd at the very end was great. Finishing gave me an overwhelming since of accomplishment. I now have the confidence to try other marathons. I will definetly be back for the HOA next year.
R. E. from Iowa (9/8/2005) "Hot, hilly ... I was warned!" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Heart of America Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was exactly what I expected based on the comments on this site. Thanks to previous years' runners. It was the toughest of the 16 marathons I've run -- including Estes Park -- but oddly fun. The Missouri River stretch is good runnin'. Mighty purdy. The volunteers were great, water stations ample. The few spectators -- mostly other runners' families -- were great. The woman with the wet cloths deserves a ticket to heaven. I wonder how hot it got by, say, 10:30 on that unpurdy stretch of Providence Road, and I wonder how many people dropped out.
D. B. from Smyrna, TN (9/7/2005) "First Class Act!!!" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Heart of America Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a race put on by runners for runners who want a real marathon experience. The course was tough and the heat was on, but it was everything I want to experience in a marathon. Every fine detail was attended to from start to finish. This race is for you if you like small no-nonsense events. The volunteers were awesome, water stations were well stocked and just the right distance apart. The cold water tank for tired weary legs at the finsih was the icing on the cake!! Thank you Columbia Track Club for such a perfect marathon experience.
B. F. from Southern Illinois (9/7/2005) "What an accomplishment" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Heart of America Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I have never been challenged in a race like this one. The temperature greatly intensified the effort. There was plenty of winsome volunteers, especially the wonderful lady who draped a cold towel over me at the finish line, then walked me for another few minutes. Thanks to the couple passing out cold wet wash clothes during the final six miles of the heat. That's Biblical. Water stations were super and cheerful. The whole staff had every detail in order. Thanks for it all. The course was beautiful. Suggestions: Due to heat, begin the race a bit earlier in behalf of the many who finish beyond four hours. Charge an extra $10 and provide a little nutrition on the 18 mile mark. Also, our spouse and children are curious why we train so much each day,and are then gone on weekends to a race. It helps them understand when they see a big shiny impressive finisher's metal. The metal is the main thing we come home with to reminisce. Anyone completing that course deserves a sizable token. Overall, the organization displayed great integrity. Thanks. B.F., Southern Illinois
Nickolas Brown from Smithville (Kansas City) Missouri (9/6/2005) "Fun, friendly, and fullfilling 1st Marathon" (about: 2005) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Heart of America Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 July of 2004 I read 'Marathoning for Mortals' and decided to test my convictions that I could probably never do a marathon. I had run high school cross crountry as the only Senior on the Junior Varsity Team-this translates-I'm not gifted, talented, or fast. I liked the name of Heart of America and decided this was the one to train for. I didn't know there were alot of other easier choices! The volunteers were nice, thoughtfull, and helpfull. I was happy with water station spacing;but, carried some water in case I underestimated. Do it again? It's a role of dice knowing that no matter how much you train you could have a bad day and not get to finish-add to that a tough course and you really have to want to run this race to go for it more then once. If I came back it would be because of the people-they are worth it. For you runners that can't handle heat-this could be another dicey option depending on the weather for the day.
A. E. from Columbia, MO (6/13/2005) "Challenging, fun, scenic course" (about: 2004) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Heart of America Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I decided last year to run my first marathon. No one forewarned me about the HOA course. However, I've run a flatter marathon since, and HOA is still my PR. I think this course is a great first marathon if you are in good shape. There were less than 120 entrants so the course was not crowded. The course was challenging with 6 major hills, but the first half was mostly downhill which you can use to your advantage. The only improvement I would make would be to get a sponsor for some more food at the end of the marathon. For $25, this marathon can't be beat. It's a challenging, fun, scenic course.
A. B. from Memphis, TN (4/8/2005) "First-Rate Race!" (about: 2004) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Heart of America Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The marathon was excellent. Thank you to those who put it on, including the friendly water/Gatorade volunteers. The course was beautiful and the spectators were great. It was nice to be able to see my family so many times along the course. The only thing that would have made it better is if there were portable bathrooms along the course. However, the entry fee is so low, there is really nothing I could complain about. Again, thanks to all who put the race on. Fantastic job!!
M. C. from Columbia, Mo. USA (9/17/2004) "Very fun and hard!" (about: 2004) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Heart of America Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon and I loved it! I was very nervous after talking to some people in the beginning who told me how difficult it was. They weren't kidding! Easley Hill is amazing just to look at let alone run it. I met some awesome people who were very positive about the race. Everyone wishes you the best and the spectators made it fun as well. There weren't that many, but the scenery is so great that I didn't care. The finish was very rewarding, with lots of people cheering and just knowing that it was done was great. I'll definitely be back next year!
J. G. from St. Louis Missouri (9/15/2004) "A small and simple marathon." (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Heart of America Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 If you need a crowd to urge you on or a flat course for a PR this is not the race for you. There are plenty of other races that you can go to for that. If you want a tough but fair course with good volunteer support and less than 200 runners go to this race. In the heat and humidity it would be a beast but it's Labor Day in Missouri. After dealing with big crowds at big races this was a breath of fresh air. It's everything the website said it was. I'll be back again. Thanks to all that put it on.

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