A September marathon in Kansas with a noon start? Yes it was hot (high80s) and windy. If you run marathons for scenic views and the bling this is not the run for you. The 1mile loops around an unshaded parking lot and the small 5K quality medals serve as a reminder that this run is about honoring our 9/11 heroes and the soldiers who have sacrificed since. On the up-side the volunteers were great and restrooms and water stops were never more than a mile away. If I could suggest anything it would be to figure out away to do an early morning start to try to beat the heat.

Patriots' Run Marathon & Ultra is a small, well-organized event I thought had a very casual feel. The COMPLETELY flat course is not at all scenic (one mile loops through a mall parking lot), and it is not shaded, but that didn't prevent it from being a terrific event.

Start was uniquely at noon. It was hot this year (at least 85 F), but at least it was dry. Live music throughout the event, that was really nice as you approached the start/finish area.

Support was FABULOUS - there might have been more volunteers than runners!! Plenty of water/sports drink, and lots of food during the race (and after). If you parked on the backside of the course (still in the mall parking lot) you went right by your car. So not even ten steps off the course and you could quickly access items unique to your own support.

Lot of military participation - some in full gear (including rucksack!).

Plenty of kids around - but never in the way. It was really a wonderful event for those with families. The kids get to see what Mommy and/or Daddy's weekend trips to this marathon or that marathon is all about.

Thank you, Olathe!

I live her locally but this is the first time I have done this run. I am slow and just run to keep weight off and in shape. This was the perfect marathon route for me. I had 9 hours and 11 minutes to finish, if needed. I also loved the loop because you were never out there by yourself for stretches at a time. You had all kinds of people to talk to if you wanted to. This was a great organized race. My thanks to all who volunteered to make it happen. My deepest thanks to all our service men & women, and other first responder who were there yesterday reminding me of true sacarifices made everyday!

First, I recognize that, like many runners who travel 20 or 30 weekends each year, I am high-maintenance. Because I needed to catch a plane, the race director let me start early, which caused some initial problems, but which were worked out. Thank you, Tony.

Second, I thought 26 one-mile loops would not be very good, but you got to talk to your friends throughout the event, the many porta-potties were never more than a mile away, and tremendous aid stations were never more than a mile away. There was also entertainment and plenty of post-race food.

This was a very nice, low-key event. I highly recommend it.

This race honors those touched by the tragedy of 9/11. It gives runners the choice of a marathon or an ultra-marathon... or really any distance you choose! I opted to continue for the entire 9 hours and 11 minutes and found that the course was well supported for the entire time. There were cheering volunteers, LOTS of food, ice water, entertainment... and lots of encouragement from other runners. The course was a one-mile loop through the parking lot/service road of a local mall. It was a great venue since parking was ample, and traffic was not a concern. There is a hotel (La Quinta, very nice!) right in the parking lot as well. I enjoyed this event and plan to do it again! Well done... and for an outstanding cause!

This marathon was my first, I have to say, Tony Drew did an outstanding job of preparation!! The course was flat and the loop allowed you to still keep in touch with the other runners and hear the music from the great DJ near the starting line. I had a bit of trouble, as I was confused about the whole timing chip thing. I knew I wanted to run more than the 26.2 and I wanted to make sure my laps were counted, and was under the impression I did not need a chip at all. Thankfully I got one before the race - the "Chip Girl" knew her stuff!!! I would have loved being able to park my vehicle and drop off some "resting stuff" along where all of the teams were set up, instead of hoofing it back to my car to take a break. (If there was a plan in place to allow this, I simply was not aware of it.)

There are tons of veterans in facilities who aren't able to drive or would never have considered coming out but would have loved being bused out for an hour or so to join in the festivities. Just a thought.

Maybe next year, in order to draw more spectators, have a concert or a special guest visit during the later hours. I know this is not for spectators, but you have to admit, it keeps you going when someone is sitting on the sidelines clapping and cheering you on!!! I will do this again next year for my fallen brothers and sisters. I plan on getting the entire family involved!!!

This was my first full marathon, but I have been to numerous 13.1 and 10K's offering full marathons.

This is a small marathon that honors those who died on September 11, and those who served and continue to serve in the armed forces and emergency services. That is the purpose and the organizers do a great job of meeting this purpose. You probably won't PR, and the course (3/4-mile loop) isn't exactly exciting, but PRs and excitement aren't what this is about. It is a very moving marathon and if you do not have a connection to 9/11, maybe you should find another one. As for me, the company I use to work for lost almost 300 people that day. That is the reason I did this one. If it didn't start at noon, I would probably do it every year.

The Patriots' Run is a 9-hour, 11-minute run on a 3/4-mile loop in a nice little park. The purpose of the run is to commemorate and reflect on the events of 9/11 - and also to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives, and those who continue to put their lives on the line every day to preserve our freedoms and our safety. This year (2007), they added a certified marathon to the event. The marathon is 36 loops, with a short out-and-back to true up the distance. The organization was great! There were volunteers tracking laps for the runners (no chip timing this year - but maybe next). There was one aid station, but you passed it every 3/4 mile - that was great! There were race walkers, relay runners, ultra runners, 50 staters, 10-year-olds, and 70-year-olds. Also, there was a sister run in Iraq going on at the same time and live pictures were being sent back and forth... really cool idea. There was a great PA system and DJ playing music that you could hear on both sides of the loop. I really liked this run, and I'm certain it will grow in the future.

I really enjoyed this race, regardless of its modest size. Although there were not a ton of spectators, the ones who were out were very friendly. The other runners seemed especially spirited at this race and I met a ton of nice people. The track was not too hilly and not too flat. The course demands that you be a strong solitary runner as there are areas of the track along pasture (the Sante Fe trail areas). A small stretch of the course is along a section of busy road with near interstate speeds, but there were plenty of police, and solid traffic control. Aid stations were plentiful with potties being more sparse, but still adequate. I would suggest bringing plenty of gel packs, because I don't recall getting hold of one at this race and ended up in need of serious refueling. The participants couldn't have been more lucky with the weather; there were LOUD thunderstorms throughout the evening with pouring rain and even chilly drizzle the morning of the race which cleared into lovely sunny weather if on cue for the beginning and the duration of the marathon! This was certainly a worthwhile small-marathon experience!

My favorite race!! Loved the short loop and all the support. No need to carry anything with you. Tony did a fabulous job with this race. The support people gave 100% - so friendly. Lots of food, etc. If you need to do Kansas for the 50 states, this one is awesome. Would love to do it again this year.