Rib Run Marathon

It was my first experience with the Rib Run, and I had heard that KC's marathon was a difficult course...but I was not expecting the start time delay, the lack luster crowd, nor was I expecting the completion of the 1/2 marathon only to realize that I would only have to complete the same course again. Mentally, it was difficult. I would suggest expanding the course to avoid that. As far as organization, I didn't run into any difficulties with that.

I thought the KC Marathon was very well organized and well supported...One word of advice to make it better would be to have a Rib feed the night prior to the race rather than after the race, eating heavy food after running 26 miles wasn't too appealing, and I also think that would give out of town visiters who aren't familiar with KC a nice welcoming. The Crown Center hotel was very helpful and accomodating, and I would recommend that out of town guests request late check out in order to clean up before heading home, it costs no extra...The course was very good, it provided a variety of scenery from wooded parks, to river, and city areas. There were some semi-challenging hills but for the most part it was a level course, and the fan support along the route was nice as well. The only thing that I would recommend would be extend the course in a way so that marathon runners would not have to complete the same route 2 times.

This being my first marathon, I can't compare it to others, except for what friend's have told me about others. Doing the 1/2 marathon route twice was mentally excruciating. The hill on the start wasn't too pleasant, and the crowd support was horrible. But being that I read last year where KC was ranked as one of the fattest cities in America, it doesn't surprise me that supporting a marathon wouldn't be the first thing on people's lists to do.