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Marathon Details - Blue Springs Trail Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > MO > Blue Springs > Blue Springs Trail Marathon

Blue Springs Trail Marathon

Blue Springs Trail Marathon & 50K, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay

Blue Springs, MO USA

~~November 1, 2020~~ - CANCELLED

http://www.bsrun.com/2020-blue-springs-runners-50-50

Marathon Results

By Year:

2016 2014 2012 2006 2005 2004 2002 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

Crushed stone bike path along the Little Blue River. Very easy on the legs.

Contact Information

Name:	Louis Joline
Address:	Send SASE to: Louis Joline 64 Anchor Drive Lake Tapawingo, MO 64015
Phone Number:	816-679-8185
Email:	Email the organizers

Race Organizer

Trail is 4 miles longer this year (7/18/11)

Louis Joline

Good news, we have 4 more miles of trail this year, so I may remeasure it to take advantage of the extra length. Out and back is now 30 miles and I can find another mile to make a 50K. Better carry a radio; with the extra lenth you are going to get lonely, sorry about that. Lou

Runner Reviews (15)

Course 4.4

Organization 4.4

Spectators 3.3

Write a review

Number of comments: 15 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

Ben Keefe from Kansas City, USA (12/6/2016) "Flat, Fast, Cushioned, Solo" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Blue Springs Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Boston qualifier, crushed rock trail, nearly zero elevation change, early 7am start, out and back, out and back. No spectators, three aid stations (Start, Middle, Turn Around). About 20 to 30 runners total. T-shirt and flashlight for all runners. USATF certified. This is a very, very small race. Entry fee was $30 dollars. I have ran this for the past four years. If you need to run with someone to hit your time, either bring them with you or you will probably be out of luck. The course is crushed gravel (my personal favorite) it's as fast as pavement without the punishment. RD, Lou Joline, has been doing this for a long time. Understand what you are getting into with this race. Zero frills, nothing fancy, no crowds, cold weather, early morning. This is a race for people who love to run for the sake of running, not stuff. My favorite race of the year.
G. B. from Kansas City, MO (10/28/2013) "Beautiful" (about: 2013) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Springs Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was by far the most beautifully scenic course I've ever run. My first 'trail' marathon. Amazingly peaceful.
Ben Keefe from Kansas City, Missouri (4/23/2013) "Like a group training run with swag!" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Springs Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I loved this race but I like running alone. You start and the sun is just coming up. It's an out and back on a trail running along a creek. The aid stations are well stocked because an ultra is going on at the same time. No spectators except for the aid stations. Free pictures, a medal, a great group of people. Super cheap. It's a BQ but don't look pacers unless you bring a friend. Great organization. VERY LOW KEY
D. C. from Salt Lake (12/20/2010) "Hot Vegetable Soup Awaits You." (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Springs Trail Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 My comments: 1. A race utterly without any form of hype. Just pure running with friendly runners and volunteers that make you want to move to Missouri for the rest of your life. That's why it gets five stars for spectators/support. 2. This race is the antithesis of a Rock 'n' Roll marathon. And that is a compliment to this race. 3. The vegetable soup at the end was a nice touch. It warmed my body and soul. 4. The course is f-l-a-t. That can cut both ways. In all, great race.
A. N. from AZ (11/16/2010) "barebones running" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Springs Trail Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This race is simple and basic. It's a great running surface and nothing you can really call a hill exists on the route. It's small, it's basic and it's just about running. My only complaint was the lack of port-a-potties. There was one set of bathrooms and if you couldn't make it to those you had to move to the side of the trail. This was the friendliest group of runners I've ever encountered. Almost everyone smiled or said hello as we passed back and forth all morning (it was an out-and-back course with multiple distances being raced on it). I had a great time, and if you don't need big crowds or fancy medals, you might just want to check this one out.
R. P. from Missouri (11/1/2008) "Missouri River Run with Pretty Fall Colors" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Springs Trail Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This is called a "trail" race, but it's really a flat, crushed stone bike/walkway that meanders around the scenic Missouri River Basin. To run this race (your choice of 1/2 marathon, marathon, 50K, or 50-mile), be prepared for two things: (1) loneliness, and (2) gravel in your shoes. With that said, this was a very well organized race with scenic fall colors and well-stocked (but few) water stops. Post-race area included tons of homemade food, hot soup, hot chocolate, and some of the friendliest people you will meet. Be sure to get your one-of-a-kind finisher's medal - a light switch cover on a string. It will be the talk of your medal collection for years, and will invoke some great memories. Overall, this is a fun, small race, and one worth doing. I even managed a PR and BQ, so will always have a special place in my heart for the Blue Springs Trail Race.
Marina White from Southern CA (3/31/2008) "Smallest Marathon in Oct., says RW mag. It shows!" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Springs Trail Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 This marathon had all that one would expect from a small-town race with an equally small entry pool... which is to say that there were some nice and not-so-nice things. First off, the race director, Lou, is very accommodating and nice! (If you can get a hold of him, which is really not easy - a major downside to this race.) I mean, what other race director would personally pick a runner up from her hotel, since she came at the last minute from out of town and didn't know the area?? I don't know of any, except Lou! So that is a major plus to me! I liked the course; it was easy to navigate and had a place for a mid-race drop bag, so you could leave clothes or fuel for pick-up during the race. However, the course was not well marked at all, probably since many people running it were from the area and seemed to know where to go (luckily I was near one such person, because there were a few places I would have gotten lost, undoubtedly!). No time-cut off made for a nice laid-back race, and there was also a plentiful supply of nice food at the end and at a few places along the course. The people around (not many spectators, be warned!) are very nice, and I had a nice experience overall. But the race website really needs more details (such as results... I still don't see where they are posted from the run, which was almost six months ago), and also someone needs to be available for runners to contact easily!
B. Z. from St. Louis, MO (11/1/2007) "Mind over matter; but gorgeous!" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Blue Springs Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was a small run with 60-70 runners spread out widely over the 13mi. loop course. I was basically by myself from mile 11 to the finish, so my motivation HAD to come from within and the awesome folks at the aid stations, especially at mile 2.5 (and same again at 24 when I really needed them!) This was a great small run. The gorgeous trails were breathtaking as advertised, and the soup after was delish. I ran this as a first marathon. I finished, but felt a little lonely and wished I'd brought headphones. I know some people don't like loop courses, but as a 'guest' on this course, I appreciated it. My only recommendation might be that if you run it as a first one, come with a group and bring plenty of patience and motivation for lack of a course map, goody bag etc. It's a small run, but worth it.
R. F. from Manhattan KS (8/1/2007) "Great First Marathon; Best Participants" (about: 2006) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Great organization; everyone was relaxed and happy. The other runners were encouraging and fun! It was easy for my family to see me at many different points, for support (sports drink) with a little driving. Lots of food. Need more porta-potties (the only negative). Beautiful weather (fog rising at the beginning), scenic, easy course (a little bit of gravel in the shoes). Few spectators; the other runners made up for it! If you just love to run, this one is for you!
R. H. from Up North (11/1/2006) "Beautiful and Fun Marathon" (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Springs Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This was a fun event. The races included a half marathon, marathon, 50K and 50-miler. There were only 109 runners and four relay teams that finished their races so there was definitely not a zoo-like atmosphere. The course was flat and full of beautiful scenery. Achieving a 12-minute PR does make any race seem sweeter. Coming from a northern state, I was pleased to find the trees were full of color and still held most of their leaves. The aid stations were spaced out a bit farther than the typical marathon, so take your bottle with you. The volunteers were great. A few things seemed a bit odd to me. The first item was the finisher's "medallion," which was actually a face plate for a light switch, which had a picture taped over it. I must have missed the significance of this award, but it'll make a great conversation among my running club. Another thing that was difference is the runners were not listed in the order of their finishing times, but rather it's a combination of their time and a handicap factor, which appears to be based upon gender and age. It doesn't matter for those racing against their age group, but does play a role in the overall placement, if that is important to you. The third oddity was that the end of the half marathon was a half-mile from the start/finish of the other races. Just prior to the start of all four races, the director mentioned this fact and told the half marathoners to keep running until they got back to where they started and that they wouldn't be charged extra for the added half mile. Then he said, "If you want to know your half marathon time, look at your watch!" This race catered to the longer distances. With all this said, I am grateful I selected the Blue Springs Marathon as my Missouri marathon and highly recommend it to those who enjoy running for the sake of running, not for the crowds and added fanfare.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]



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Ben Keefe from Kansas City, USA (12/6/2016) "Flat, Fast, Cushioned, Solo" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Blue Springs Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Boston qualifier, crushed rock trail, nearly zero elevation change, early 7am start, out and back, out and back. No spectators, three aid stations (Start, Middle, Turn Around). About 20 to 30 runners total. T-shirt and flashlight for all runners. USATF certified. This is a very, very small race. Entry fee was $30 dollars. I have ran this for the past four years. If you need to run with someone to hit your time, either bring them with you or you will probably be out of luck. The course is crushed gravel (my personal favorite) it's as fast as pavement without the punishment. RD, Lou Joline, has been doing this for a long time. Understand what you are getting into with this race. Zero frills, nothing fancy, no crowds, cold weather, early morning. This is a race for people who love to run for the sake of running, not stuff. My favorite race of the year.
G. B. from Kansas City, MO (10/28/2013) "Beautiful" (about: 2013) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Springs Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was by far the most beautifully scenic course I've ever run. My first 'trail' marathon. Amazingly peaceful.
Ben Keefe from Kansas City, Missouri (4/23/2013) "Like a group training run with swag!" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Springs Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I loved this race but I like running alone. You start and the sun is just coming up. It's an out and back on a trail running along a creek. The aid stations are well stocked because an ultra is going on at the same time. No spectators except for the aid stations. Free pictures, a medal, a great group of people. Super cheap. It's a BQ but don't look pacers unless you bring a friend. Great organization. VERY LOW KEY
D. C. from Salt Lake (12/20/2010) "Hot Vegetable Soup Awaits You." (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Springs Trail Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 My comments: 1. A race utterly without any form of hype. Just pure running with friendly runners and volunteers that make you want to move to Missouri for the rest of your life. That's why it gets five stars for spectators/support. 2. This race is the antithesis of a Rock 'n' Roll marathon. And that is a compliment to this race. 3. The vegetable soup at the end was a nice touch. It warmed my body and soul. 4. The course is f-l-a-t. That can cut both ways. In all, great race.
A. N. from AZ (11/16/2010) "barebones running" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Springs Trail Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This race is simple and basic. It's a great running surface and nothing you can really call a hill exists on the route. It's small, it's basic and it's just about running. My only complaint was the lack of port-a-potties. There was one set of bathrooms and if you couldn't make it to those you had to move to the side of the trail. This was the friendliest group of runners I've ever encountered. Almost everyone smiled or said hello as we passed back and forth all morning (it was an out-and-back course with multiple distances being raced on it). I had a great time, and if you don't need big crowds or fancy medals, you might just want to check this one out.
R. P. from Missouri (11/1/2008) "Missouri River Run with Pretty Fall Colors" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Springs Trail Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This is called a "trail" race, but it's really a flat, crushed stone bike/walkway that meanders around the scenic Missouri River Basin. To run this race (your choice of 1/2 marathon, marathon, 50K, or 50-mile), be prepared for two things: (1) loneliness, and (2) gravel in your shoes. With that said, this was a very well organized race with scenic fall colors and well-stocked (but few) water stops. Post-race area included tons of homemade food, hot soup, hot chocolate, and some of the friendliest people you will meet. Be sure to get your one-of-a-kind finisher's medal - a light switch cover on a string. It will be the talk of your medal collection for years, and will invoke some great memories. Overall, this is a fun, small race, and one worth doing. I even managed a PR and BQ, so will always have a special place in my heart for the Blue Springs Trail Race.
Marina White from Southern CA (3/31/2008) "Smallest Marathon in Oct., says RW mag. It shows!" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Springs Trail Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 This marathon had all that one would expect from a small-town race with an equally small entry pool... which is to say that there were some nice and not-so-nice things. First off, the race director, Lou, is very accommodating and nice! (If you can get a hold of him, which is really not easy - a major downside to this race.) I mean, what other race director would personally pick a runner up from her hotel, since she came at the last minute from out of town and didn't know the area?? I don't know of any, except Lou! So that is a major plus to me! I liked the course; it was easy to navigate and had a place for a mid-race drop bag, so you could leave clothes or fuel for pick-up during the race. However, the course was not well marked at all, probably since many people running it were from the area and seemed to know where to go (luckily I was near one such person, because there were a few places I would have gotten lost, undoubtedly!). No time-cut off made for a nice laid-back race, and there was also a plentiful supply of nice food at the end and at a few places along the course. The people around (not many spectators, be warned!) are very nice, and I had a nice experience overall. But the race website really needs more details (such as results... I still don't see where they are posted from the run, which was almost six months ago), and also someone needs to be available for runners to contact easily!
B. Z. from St. Louis, MO (11/1/2007) "Mind over matter; but gorgeous!" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Blue Springs Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was a small run with 60-70 runners spread out widely over the 13mi. loop course. I was basically by myself from mile 11 to the finish, so my motivation HAD to come from within and the awesome folks at the aid stations, especially at mile 2.5 (and same again at 24 when I really needed them!) This was a great small run. The gorgeous trails were breathtaking as advertised, and the soup after was delish. I ran this as a first marathon. I finished, but felt a little lonely and wished I'd brought headphones. I know some people don't like loop courses, but as a 'guest' on this course, I appreciated it. My only recommendation might be that if you run it as a first one, come with a group and bring plenty of patience and motivation for lack of a course map, goody bag etc. It's a small run, but worth it.
R. F. from Manhattan KS (8/1/2007) "Great First Marathon; Best Participants" (about: 2006) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Great organization; everyone was relaxed and happy. The other runners were encouraging and fun! It was easy for my family to see me at many different points, for support (sports drink) with a little driving. Lots of food. Need more porta-potties (the only negative). Beautiful weather (fog rising at the beginning), scenic, easy course (a little bit of gravel in the shoes). Few spectators; the other runners made up for it! If you just love to run, this one is for you!
R. H. from Up North (11/1/2006) "Beautiful and Fun Marathon" (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Springs Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This was a fun event. The races included a half marathon, marathon, 50K and 50-miler. There were only 109 runners and four relay teams that finished their races so there was definitely not a zoo-like atmosphere. The course was flat and full of beautiful scenery. Achieving a 12-minute PR does make any race seem sweeter. Coming from a northern state, I was pleased to find the trees were full of color and still held most of their leaves. The aid stations were spaced out a bit farther than the typical marathon, so take your bottle with you. The volunteers were great. A few things seemed a bit odd to me. The first item was the finisher's "medallion," which was actually a face plate for a light switch, which had a picture taped over it. I must have missed the significance of this award, but it'll make a great conversation among my running club. Another thing that was difference is the runners were not listed in the order of their finishing times, but rather it's a combination of their time and a handicap factor, which appears to be based upon gender and age. It doesn't matter for those racing against their age group, but does play a role in the overall placement, if that is important to you. The third oddity was that the end of the half marathon was a half-mile from the start/finish of the other races. Just prior to the start of all four races, the director mentioned this fact and told the half marathoners to keep running until they got back to where they started and that they wouldn't be charged extra for the added half mile. Then he said, "If you want to know your half marathon time, look at your watch!" This race catered to the longer distances. With all this said, I am grateful I selected the Blue Springs Marathon as my Missouri marathon and highly recommend it to those who enjoy running for the sake of running, not for the crowds and added fanfare.

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Marathon Details - Blue Springs Trail Marathon