Apr 28, 2024
Current Year Results
Results Search
Biggest/Best Boston Qualifier
2024 Results
2023 Results
2022 Results
2021 Results
2020 Results
2019 Results
2018 Results
2017 Results
2016 Results
2015 Results
2014 Results
2013 Results
2012 Results
2011 Results
2010 Results
2009 Results
2008 Results
2007 Results
2006 Results
2005 Results
2004 Results
2003 Results
2002 Results
2001 Results
2000 Results
☰
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 61 to 68]
|
Bob McKee from Liberty, SC
(1/2/2003)
 "The best marathon I've run" (about: 1994)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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. | |
|
James Anderson from Greenville, IL
(9/17/2002)
 "Nice, but no bagels" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 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.) | |
|
A Runner from Englewood, CO
(9/15/2002)
 "$20 Entry, but You Get What You Pay For..." (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 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! | |
|
A Runner from northwest Ohio
(9/2/2002)
 "ONE TOUGH COURSE" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 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. | |
|
A Runner from philadelphia, pa
(7/10/2002)
"challenging but fun" (General Comments)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 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! | |
|
A Runner from Kansas City
(10/1/2001)
"good race for beginners" (General Comments)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 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... | |
|
A Runner from St. Peters, Missouri
(9/22/2001)
 "Three H's-heat, humidity, and hills" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 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. | |
|
A Runner from Howell, Michigan
(9/9/2000)
"Personable Organization and Pleasant Scenery" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The 41st edition of 'Heart of America' on Labor Day, 2000 was blessed with cool and cloudy conditions, unlike some of the hot and humid HOA runs in recent years. About 150 runners complete the 26.2 miles, with perhaps another 40-50 doing 13.1 training runs. Perhaps another 150 serve as spectators along the way cheering on family and friends. In a word or two, the event is entirely unpretentious and contentedly small. No bands, cowbells or shouting crowds. Just simple rural stretches along farm land and a truly spectacular stretch run along the Missouri River. In a word, a beautiful course with many small to moderate hills. The event organizers are efficient and friendly. The aid stations are plentiful and well-stocked. The t-shirt is a basic gray with event title on front and a neat course map on the back. The medal is similarly understated--one inch wide by one and one-half inches high! Yet, all this and great run with ample post-race refreshments, fruit, pop and bagels, etc. for a $20 registration fee. It was a great run on a challenging and enjoyable course. Well worth the trip! |
© 2000-2024, All Rights Reserved by MarathonGuide.com LLC
