This was a small marathon with 110 finishers for 2012 but there are lots of people running the other associated distances (5K, 10K and half marathon). Packet pickup was well organized at Garry Gribble's Running Sports (Stoll Park location) and it gave you a chance to see a very well stocked running store. Since I live in a small town with no specialty stores it was nice to be able to look through the clothes. There is no expo or anything like that. The long sleeve tech shirt is good and unique. The finishers medal is bright, bold, and huge. Just what you need! As an extra you get a coffee mug to remind you of the race.

There are hotels close to the start and finish which make things convenient. I stayed at the Courtyard Kansas City Shawnee on Midland Dr and thought it was very good and very quiet. They had a pool and hot tub but I forgot my swim suit. Maybe next time. Breakfast starts at 7 AM and cost $6 which I thought was tasty and reasonable and gives you some time to digest before the 8:30 start.

The course is two out and back runs so you get to see the same 6.55 miles. The plus side is that it is all on wide bike trails with no cars. The downside is the pesky hills. My summary would be 1.5 miles downhill, 3.5 miles flat, 1.5 miles uphill, repeat x 4. There are 4 aid stations (per 6.55 miles) and this year it was hot. I was kind of wishing for some more aid stations but even as the day wore on they were well stocked with water and gator aid and gels. The runners all start at the same time and then slowly you are left alone. The 5Kers disappear, the 10Kers disappear, the half marathoners disappear, and then you are left with just a few runners out on the course. I don't mind being alone but if you need the support of 40,000 other runners this isn't the marathon for you.

So the pluses are small race, no cars, big medal, and Kansas scratched off your 50 state list. Enjoy and happy running!

The course is an out and back, and out and back for the marathon. The elevation chart does not do justice to the amount and quality of hills. There are almost no spectators along the route. Course support is very minimal. Expect 1-2 workers at each aid station. Water cups are mouthwash sized and at least one station ran out of water. While the shirts, medals and cups are nice, there are insufficient Porto-potties and at the finish no chocolate milk, bananas or other normal fuel. Just pumpkin pie. Which, while delicious, is not so awesome post massive hill finish.

The course is challenging (but manageable) with several hills - that you get to repeat twice. The 2 loop layout and aid station locations allows you to break the race down into 5k's. Although spectators are limited, the loop course allows runners to be each other's cheering section. And the race location in Shawnee Mission Park is a beautiful place for a autumn race. The organization is great and the volunteers are top notch.

For the cost of the event, I would not do it again. I ran the half-marathon (and have run 3 previous half-marathons - Marathon Guide only gave me the option of selecting 'Marathons'), and I was disppointed in this one. The shirt is very poorly sized (I got a 'small' which fits like a large or extra-large - not really usable except as an under-layer), and the refreshments/food at the end were extremely skimpy (only a slice of pumpkin pie and hot chocolate - no fruit, bagels, or any of the standard refreshments - not even bottled water!). Like I say - for the cost, this seems sad. I was o.k., but I felt sorry for the marathoners who finished and had no 'recovery food'. The course is nice because it's on a paved trail - but that is the only thing I think this race has going for it. I'm sorry to have to say, I have no desire to run it again.

This is a well-managed, difficult, low-key race that will challenge any runner.

The 2011 course was a double out-and-back with two significant climbs each leg. This may seem boring but it forces you to run a very smart race - a good lesson for a runner at any level. Most runners will run the second half significantly slower than the first half. Want to know if you're both in shape and know how to run a long race? Run this one.

Spectators are scant, as expected for any small race. The ones on the course were supportive and friendly.

The course is pretty and relaxing - you run along a bike path for 95% of the course, mostly in the woods. There's one open stretch that can be tough if it gets windy. The aid stations are well spaced, stocked appropriately, and managed by runners who know what they're doing.

Ben is known throughout Kansas City for his excellent RD'ing skills, so the organization was top-notch - no surprise to anyone.

Just as you may think there aren't any hills in Kansas, just wait till you get to run the Pilgram Pacer marathon. On nice paved trails in Shawnee Mission Park this marathon can really test the strength of any runner! Well marked and plenty of aid stations with well experienced runners helping out it doesn't matter if you have ran over 20 marathons or this is your first you will find that it can suit and fit anyones needs. The part of this marathon that really brings out the excitment in everyone is seeing everyone come up the last hill for the finish. And, yes there are hills in Kansas. Even for those not running there are many spots to watch and enjoy the sights as well as the chance to cheer for the runners all throught the course. As i tell everyone who will ask me how it was, my reply to them is... Go run it...you'll see!

The marathon was added to this event for the first time this year and I'm SO glad I decided to check it out. The course is on a paved trail in a very nice local park that is very scenic. It is a fun but challenging course with a few tough hills. There weren't many spectators except at the start/finish line because it is out in a park, but the course is a double out and back so you are constantly seeing fellow runners. Seeing other runners is better than seeing people watching in my mind. It was very well organized, the shirts are fun an unique and the finisher's medal is HUGE!! It is about 5in x 4in!! Very awesome! They also had a massage therapist at the finish, which is always nice after a challenging course. I will be doing this event again next year for sure.