Kansas City Marathon 10-18 - Anyone here running it?

I love KC!

2:03:58

2-flat

If you run 2-flat, my prediction will not come true. please run 1:59:59 so people don't call me crazy.

So if I win in 2:30, I can win a cool grand? Where do I sign up?

training says 2:55ish but hills will keep me happy with anything under 3. Hoping for cool temps

quit disrespecting the great city of Kansas City you pack of jackasses! Put me down for a sub 230 (hopefully-pr of 233). My dad ran a sub 230 there in the 70s, in what was then called the Macy's Marathon.

I have a couple guys who might run under 2:30, and it's not a flat course by any means, plus a couple women who have gone under 3.

For the 1/2, I have several guys who should run under 1:08, including Mathew Chesang, who's tearing up the roads this year, and several women that should be under 1:20.

Our total numbers are up, too, with over 1400 registered in the 26.2, and nearly 4000 in the 1/2, making it the largest and best 1/2 and marathon on this side of the state (I don't know exactly how many signed up for St Louis this year).

Should be quite the awards ceremony too, in the new Sprint Center.

I will be encouraging increasing the prize money next year, but with the market the way it is, that could be a very hard sell, even with our increase in numbers. Good luck to all, hope you like the course and hope we get a weather break.

I'm doing the half...hopefully Smesang wont be done with his cool down when I cross the line.

ML, is the half marathon replacing the hospital hill half?

Ring the bell loudly wrote:

ML, is the half marathon replacing the hospital hill half?

Hospital Hill is in June

The Hospital Hill races are put on by a different group; Mid-America Running Assoc (MARA) is not part of HHH any longer, this being the decision of the HHH organizing committee. MARA is involved with the KC Marathon, 1/2 and 5 km, thanks to the KC Sports Commission's great efforts and Waddell and Reed's great sponsorship. Two separate events at different times.

I am very excited about the response to the marathon, we have never had this turnout at any time in KC running history, though the Trolley Run comes close.

Mike- With 3 x as many half marathoners sharing the start and the last 5 plus miles with the marathon course, did the organizers anticipate and appropriately staff the latter stage aid stations to ward off any logistical problems? Nothing like busting your hump for 21 miles, only to dodge, compete with, etc., the less-competitive half marathoners walking, standing, and talking through the aid station as you are trying to finish strong at pace, and grab those last precious drinks. An issue I have only encountered on these shared finishes. Thanks.

At least split the course down the middle those final five miles with cones and marshals, keep the half-marathoners out of the way of the marathoners.

terps, I have not sat in on that part of the organization's plans for the race (I am on Invited Runners and Finish Line) but I can say that this course is very similar to last year's. I will certainly pass on your concerns today, I'd feel the same way, too. I can tell you I don't have an answer, but will certainly make your concerns known.

any big names coming to KC? What is the prize money?

Does having it on Saturday vs most marathons on Sunday, hurt this race?

The prize money is modest, $1000 to win the marathon and $500 to win the 1/2. Dick Beardsley is the invited speaker.

Thanks Mike. Hopefully the volunteers/marshalls will keep things moving.

The course won't be split in the final miles for the 1/2 vs. the marathoners, so you'd need to be on your guard once you have merged back with them. The upside to that, from what I have seen in other races, is that the people at the back of the short race will often cheer on the frontrunners of the longer race, as long as the frontrunners don't behave rudely to them.

Given the size of the roads, the number of volunteers, police expectations for managing traffic and so on, this is the best that can be offered for this year and we'll do our best with it. If the race continues to grow and with it the volunteer base (which is always a challenge) things will continue to improve. Hope you all enjoy a great race and what looks like ideal weather.