Storm the Dam Trail Marathon

The course was over 4 miles short of the requisite 26.2 (or, over 2 miles short of a half marathon). Mile markers 3 (16) and 8 (21) were missing and the mileage never made up, as confirmed by my GPS. I noted this to the volunteers manning the course a few times, and they contacted the race director about it, but there was never an attempt to rectify this wrong. After the race, the race director, to her credit, apologized for this error. She noted that a few years earlier the course had been too long. She noted that she didn't expect much in the way of complaints because it was fewer and not more miles. This should give you a sense of the quality of this race's organization. There were also some issues with race marking in the wooded sections of the course leading to many runners going off course, but these were corrected for the second loop. Most of the finishers seemed to take the news of an inaccurate course in stride (pun intended). I believe this is because many runners were local and could easily run the course again next year, or had not sank large expenses into the race. Since I had come from across the country to run a marathon in Kansas as part of a 50 state journey, I was and am less sanguine. I now need to pay a second time for a flight, rental car, hotel, and take additional time off of work and away from my family to return to Kansas. I will not be returning to run this race, and I urge out-of-state runners to similarly abstain. I do not generally write negative reviews, but I do so in this case to alert future runners of this race: Do not trust its organization.

I had a great time, great experience... however the course was almost 2 miles longer than a 26.2. The organizers were great. But if its a marathon, can you take off the extra 2 miles!!??

Couldn't have asked for a better experience. The course was well marked and very scenic, with moderate rolling hills and challenging single tracks through the woods. The organization was seamless, from package pickup to all the volunteers on the course. If you are looking for a huge race with thousands of screaming crowds, keep looking. If you are looking for a quiet race through the woods and fields with very few others around, you will LOVE this race!! Well done everybody..THANKS!!!