Eisenhower Marathon

Wow! What a fantastic race! If you like small town races you will not be disappointed with this one. It was a cold morning but that did not stop the race director and volunteers from putting on an excellent, well organized race. The people of Abilene are wonderful, the Eisenhower museum is fascinating and the medal is my new favorite. The course can be a bit confusing in the park but there were plenty of volunteers to keep you on track. I put a five for spectators because of the frequent, well stocked aid stations manned with enthusiastic and encouraging volunteers who made it a top event.

Not to sound mean, but this was probably one of the most boring marathons I have ever run. The 2-loop (with 2 loops inside each loop) course was super boring. The spectators were absolutely non-existent. The water stops were however adequately supplied and the volunteers super friendly. The weather was horrible (not their fault of course). It started at 16 degrees and finished in the high 20s. The finisher's medal was just ok, but the T-shirt was cotton (who does cotton these days?!) was gray and super ugly!! Last, only about 100 people competed in the full marathon, which meant you have to run by yourself for miles at a time!! The pre and post-race food were great though, even though I didn't have any. Bottom line, if you need Kansas, look for another race, since I could not wait to get out. Silver lining: 4 more and I'll have my 50 states :-)

A perfectly nice small race with some of the friendliest people that you will ever meet. I couldn't count how many times I was thanked for coming. The course was a double loop which went through a nice park four times. Lots of water stations which was good because it got a little warm and most had food including fruit. Not many spectators but the volunteers were very kind. A nice shirt and excellent medal which incorporates the Eisenhower theme. We parked for free literally steps from the start/finish at the Eisenhower Museum. Runners were treated to a free pancake breakfast and a big discount to the museum. Overall a very relaxed small race. After the race take a ride to Manhattan for Little Apple Brewing or head to Topeka for Happy Basset or Blind Tiger Breweries