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Garmin Marathon (prev. Oz Marathon) Runner Comments
Back to Garmin Marathon (prev. Oz Marathon) Information & Reviews
Course 3.8 
Organization 4.1 
Spectators 3.1
Number of comments: 147 [displaying comments 1 to 11]
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G. H. from IL
(4/24/2023)
"A good race with some small tweaks needed" (about: 2023)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Garmin Marathon (prev. Oz Marathon)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I ran this race in 2023 as part of my 50-marathons-in-50-states goal. It was my 29th marathon overall, so I have a lot to compare it to. The positives: * Race morning logistics were easy. Parking was plentiful, packet pickup was available the morning of (which was nice because I came in from out of town), and the start/finish line couldn't have been any closer to my car. Port-o-potties were plentiful, which usually isn't the case. * The course was nothing special, but pleasant: some nice neighborhoods and some paved trails through forest preserves. * In terms of quality, the t-shirt was average, but the medal was definitely above average. * Everything I needed as an out-of-state traveler was easy to get: flights to and from KC, rental car, decent hotel, food, etc. This is a good race to do if you share my 50-state goal. Opportunities: * WATER/GATORADE The cups at the water station were small and the pours were insufficient. It wasn't a warm day, but I needed 2-3 every time I passed through. At several of the tables, you had to grab your own drinks yourself instead of having someone hand them to you in stride. They could have added one or two tables and brought down the average distance between hydration stations. * There was at least one road crossing that was completely uncontrolled by race volunteers or local police. This was right before the turnaround in the 12th or 13th mile. * The race directors shouldn't start the race IMMEDIATELY upon the conclusion of the national anthem. Give people a second to get their hats back on, get their music turned on, etc. * This is a tougher course. The first half of the course is generally downhill and the second half is generally climbing back up the same hills you just came down. I'm not complaining; it is what it is. Just be forewarned if you think 'flat' when you think of Kansas. | |
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M. R. from N.E.
(5/23/2022)
"Just a shame" (about: 2022)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Garmin Marathon (prev. Oz Marathon)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I wish this race was longer, said no marathon runner, ever. Except in this case. What do you say about a marathon that didn't count because it was too short? Apparently somebody misplaced a traffic cone at one of the turnaround points. When I got home my own Garmin watch congratulated me on running a half marathon (It had only logged 26.08 miles). It's a shame it was all for naught because it wasn't an easy race to run. Half the race was into winds in excess of 25 mph. And it got steadily windier as the day went on. After I finished I couldn't even drink a free beer. I'd tip the cup up and the wind blew the beer out of it before I could taste it. I came in from out of State and paid for airfare, rental car, hotel room, race registration and other expenses and in return I got some cups of gatorade, a few Power Gel's, a tee shirt, a large medal, and a letter of apology. As you can sense I'm not happy about this. The Pros were: Very small expo for packet pickup. Hotels very near the start/finish A nice course on bike trails Race pacers A parking garage at the start and finish to get out of any bad weather. The Cons: You'll be running in Kansas which can be extremely windy Several turn arounds on the course A little hilly but only noticed when you face into the wind. I'd run it again if Garmin paid for my registration. | |
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G. R. from NC
(4/19/2019)
"This marathon has almost everything you want" (about: 2019)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Garmin Marathon (prev. Oz Marathon)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I was concerned about this marathon based on reviews from prior years. This marathon exceeded my expectations and more. Easy package pickup the day before or the morning of the race. Easy parking in a covered parking deck right at the finish line. I was able to stay in my car until minutes before the start which was great since it was mid-30's. My car was closer to the finish than the bag check! Start only a short walk away. Course was mostly paved greenway with plenty of water stops and Gu at many of them. Volunteers did great job of having water, gatorade or gu ready. Police kept traffic stopped at all intersections. As stated most of the climbing is in the second half of the marathon but nothing major. Finish line had plenty of good food, burgers, hot dogs, chicken and BBQ in addition to normal post run bagels, chocolate milk and beer. Even had margaritas. Massage available, results easy to get and age group awards handed out immediately. There was a mix up with the medals at the end, but race director will be mailing out correct medals. Easy to fly in and out of KC. Free photos from several spots on the course and the finish line. | |
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s. A. from California
(5/5/2017)
"Great race in the land of OZ" (about: 2017)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Garmin Marathon (prev. Oz Marathon)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 We really enjoyed the Garmin Marathon. Overall it was an excellent event. The course is fine, yet hilly. The Oz theme is very cute...loved the flying monkeys hanging from trees. Good aid stations the entire way. Post race food is great with chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, beer and margaritas. A nice tent to take shelter after the race to eat and drink with heat lamps. A great medal! There were bars, choc milk and protein balls as well along with a live band playing. If you need tons of spectators maybe not for you. Only negative was delay getting to start. Need to open more roads and access to start to avoid delays for runners to get there on time. | |
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M. C. from Maryland
(4/29/2017)
"What a Total Disappointment" (about: 2017)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Garmin Marathon (prev. Oz Marathon)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 This race was a trainwreck. The good part about it, was that packet pick up on race morning was great and went off without a hitch. The water stop volunteers were also fine. But, that is about it. First off, the 6:45 start was not followed. So it was cold in the morning and as the clock ticked closer to 6:45 we learned from the announcer that the race would start at 7:00 because of 'traffic delays'. What nonsense. Many of us got there on time, so start the race as scheduled. Then as it got closer to 7:00, we were then told it was going to be a 7:10 start time. So a 25 minute delay because of poor planning. And it was cold outside but the shelter tents were all full of NON-RUNNERS so you had to brave the elements as you waited for the start. The course was ok, but the last half of the out and back may be boring for some. Upon crossing the finish line, I was handed a medal and warm bottle of water. THAT IS IT! Where was the chocolate milk? Sandwiches? Beer? All the other stuff they talked about? I guess the half marathoners ate and drank it all. But I do know for sure that if you finish at 5 hours or later you would not be eating. What a disappointment. And if you do think about running the race next year and you take a leap of faith that there will be food, do not count on any loved ones being able to see you on the course. The least spectator friendly course I have ever ran. Lastly, shame on the RD for running out of food and for starting late. No excuse! | |
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T. G. from Illinois
(4/24/2017)
"Family Fun Event!!!!" (about: 2017)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Garmin Marathon (prev. Oz Marathon)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran in the half marathon. This was my first race in Kansas, and I was very well pleased. I missed the expo because I got there too late the night prior; however, I didn't have any issues with picking up my race packet the morning of the race. Is it a small race? Yes, but the runners were packed with energy. I was a little disappointed in the lack of spectators along the course. Also, I felt sorry for the long traffic delays/congestion....Did Olathe not know the marathon was taking place???? I don't know, but that could have been organized a little better for the commuters. The hydration stations were plentiful. The post race activities were awesome as well. Although I didn't eat, it was a nice touch to have the free grilled sandwiches at the end. I would definitely do this race again if the opportunity presented itself. It was a little hilly, but I've experienced worse. Great job RD. Awesome medal as well!!!! | |
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Paul Brown from Georgia
(4/23/2017)
"An event worth remembering..." (about: 2017)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Garmin Marathon (prev. Oz Marathon)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I was pleased to have completed the 15th Annual event in 2017. I did not complete the course to the best of my ability, did not maintain the mental toughness needed to iron out the 'gentle' hills, but had a great experience. The out and back second half was beautiful with chances to cheer others and receive cheers in return. Many costumed runners added to the fun factor. The volunteers were wonderful; a diverse population was there to support the runners which was refreshing. Organization was super! Medals were good if you care about that kind of thing. Spectators were sprinkled throughout the diverse neighborhoods,not a real large presence ultimately. Only complaint, do not boast of chocolate milk at the starting line for ALL runners and run out. Olathe should be VERY proud! | |
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Dave Graves from Volga, SD
(6/6/2016)
"Small marathon in a suburban area" (about: 2016)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Garmin Marathon (prev. Oz Marathon)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 One's observation of a race is no doubt skewed by the person's performance. Since I had a good race, I left Olathe/Kansas City with good feelings. In driving the course the day before, I thought the hilliness would be a challenge, but found almost all of them to be gentle, rolling hills. The second half of the course is out and back on a bike path; about like running in a nature park. I enjoyed it and I like getting glimpses of the race leaders as I head towards midway and the tailenders as I leave midway. I know some complained about the lack of spectators, but I don't require the community to come to the parade for me to consider it a good marathon. | |
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N. S. from Denver, CO
(4/28/2016)
"Kansas is NOT flat - but still fun!" (about: 2016)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Garmin Marathon (prev. Oz Marathon)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I heard traffic was bad, but we stayed at the hotel so didn't experience that. The hotel was amazing and it was so convenient with the start and finish, expo, etc. right there. There were even several restaurants right across the street. I would like to see marathon-branded merchandise available for sale at the expo. On the plus side, the shirt was one of the nicest I've ever received and I will wear it often. I enjoyed the course, and I especially enjoyed the out and back portion along the river and train tracks. That portion was asphalt, not concrete, which I had feared before running. The course was hilly, so it definitely won't be your fastest, but it is enjoyable and the scenery was pretty. The medal is a bit large for my taste, but it's well made and memorable. I'm a slower runner and the finish line still had food, beer, etc. This was a very enjoyable race and I'm glad I chose it. | |
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P. E. from Valatie, ny
(4/25/2016)
"Nice race and friendly people" (about: 2016)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Garmin Marathon (prev. Oz Marathon)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Worked into my 50 states calendar and I'm glad it it did. Really nice small marathon with friendly people and easy logistics for parking. Medal is large and great Oz themed shirt. Course is mostly flat and fast, though I'm am not. Would do again as everyone is friendly. |
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