Back to Lewis & Clark Marathon (MO) Information & Reviews
J. P. from midwest
(9/23/2005)
"Excellent double-loop course" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Lewis & Clark Marathon (MO)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I'm typically not a fan of double-looping marathon courses but this one is really fun. The hill at the one end of the course is really a non-issue and helps break up the flatness of the course. The Katy Trail was hard packed dirt/gravel and soft on the feet. Lots of shade. Only downside is that if you're into lots of cheering, the course doesn't lend itself to much of it (which doesn't bother me anyway). The organization was excellent. Plenty of port-a-potties and water stops were top-flight. Didn't mind finishing outside and enjoyed the post-race beer and hot dog, which was different than the usual dull banana/bagel deal. Thank you to all the volunteers and Fleet Feet for doing such a great job. We had a blast. | |
K. D. from Union, Missouri
(9/22/2005)
"Terrific fall marathon and half" (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Lewis & Clark Marathon (MO)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Ran the half last year, and moved up to the full for '05. The folks at Fleet Feet did it right both times, from the easy packet pickup at the Chesterfield store (very friendly staff) to the enthusiastic finish line name announcements and nice t-shirt and medal. Decent post race food and massages as well. Some folks liked the arena finish from last year, but I preferred the outdoor finish of this year's race, to be honest...Course is pretty much pancake flat except for a 'slight rise' around miles 12 and 25. I do a great deal of my training on the Katy Trail about 40 miles west of where the race is run, so it is always a big morale boost for me when we leave asphalt and hit the trail. Having never run a double loop course before, I wasn't sure if I'd appreciate the 'knowing what lies ahead' thing, but I actually enjoyed knowing when the aid stops were coming up on the second loop. The volunteers were wonderful, and deserve major kudos for getting out there early and keeping us going. All the race planning in the world is meaningless without the volunteers to execute it! I live less than an hour away, but would make the time to do this one even if it was a destination marathon. Great job to all at Fleet Feet...see you in '06! | |
D. W. from St. Louis, MO
(9/22/2005)
"Nice course, but poor organization, logistics" (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 Lewis & Clark Marathon (MO)s
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 This is a nice course for a 1/2 marathon. My problem was with the traffic and logistics. Following directions, I arrived at the the arena area around 6:00am. It then took an hour to get into the parking lot. Upon picking up my runners package, I was told not to worry , they had delayed the race start. I walked out of the arena, only to hear the starting gun sound. I also disagree with the location of the mile markers and course distances. Using a GPS, the mile markers appeared to be set-up based upon the previous year's start, at the other end of the parking lot. I measured the course at 13.3 miles instead of 13.1. In short, I like the course, but too many concerns to make me want to do it again. | |
W. W. from St. Charles, MO
(9/22/2005)
"Good Local Marathon" (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 Lewis & Clark Marathon (MO)s
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I last ran this Marathon in 2003. There have been drastic improvements since then. The starting shutes worked out great this year. Everyone was in the proper place to make for an enjoyable start for all. The water stops worked out fantastic. If only the St. Louis Marathon would follow your example for the water stops! Porta johns were located in the right spots. The arena worked out great having it open for the beginning. The ability for the restrooms there was great. Keep improving, I just hope that you start getting more full marathoners to participate. It really got lonely after the half guys disappeared. Keep up the good work Fleet Feet! The St. Louis Marathon needs to take notice. | |
S. B. from USA
(9/20/2005)
"poor traffic control before and after race" (about: 2005)
4-5 previous marathons
| 3 Lewis & Clark Marathon (MO)s
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 This is my 3rd time running the half marathon and 2005 was my worst experience with the traffic. Almost missed the start of the race trying to get there even though I was only 2 miles from the family arena at 6 am. Need traffic control as many cut in line for those that had been patiently waiting in a single file line. How about traffic police near exit 14? Ridiculous -- think I'll stick with the St. Louis marathon event in April which is much more organized and professional ( and better medals). | |
R. M. from Missouri, United States
(9/19/2005)
"Great run, quick times, beautiful weather." (about: 2005)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Lewis & Clark Marathon (MO)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Great organization, plenty of fluid stations. They had GU available at several check points. One rough hill, but other than that a straight flat fast course. Ran this course last year and this year was just as nice if not better. Will run this course again next year. | |
A Run ner from US
(8/9/2005)
"Enjoyable event" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Lewis & Clark Marathon (MO)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my first full marathon but have participated in 2 others (1 full since then & 1 team). I enjoyed the variety of old St. Charles, Katy Trail, and a little road work. One pretty steep hill but not too long. Backside was a little warm without shade, but everything else was a enjoyable. Volunteers were great and fellow runners made it fun. Sorry to hear they changed the finish to be outside. I would have agreed that the Family Arena Finish was way cool! Hats off to Fleet Feet! Will run this one in 2005! PS: Actually witnessed a guy holding up a sign inviting his girlfriend to marry him (as she ran by - participating in the event)! Wonder how that turned out? | |
S. P. from St. Louis, MO
(6/8/2005)
"Flat, shady, and boring" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Lewis & Clark Marathon (MO)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This is an okay small marathon if you live around the area, but don't travel here from far away to run. If you do then you will be let down. The course is flat and runs through historic St. Charles during the first few miles, which is neat. Then it loops around and returns to the start on the MKT trail. The trail is shady but the spectators and aid stations are few and far between. At about mile 11 there is a large hill (short but very steep). Then you pass the starting line again before following the exact same route as the first half to complete the second half. Pretty boring! I would recommend this if you are looking for a personal best time because it is a flat and fast course. | |
s. s. from alabama
(9/27/2004)
"2,500 half marathoners 450 full" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Lewis & Clark Marathon (MO)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Not a lot of shade. The 2nd loop needs to start around 6:15 to minimize sun. Loved Saint Charles. Let people in town know when the marathon is so they can come out and cheer for all the money we are bringing into the town. | |
Danny Swindle from Newport, MI
(9/27/2004)
"Nice small run" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Lewis & Clark Marathon (MO)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Pros: I believe there were only about 400 marathoners. Nice to run on Katy Trail. Good to start and finish in the Family Arena. Great weather. Great crowd for a small race. Massages always a plus. Everyone seemed to line up at their expected pace. Cons: Had to carry a coupon for hot dog and drink (could have just put an X on the bib). Mixed: Not sure if I like the double loop. It was nice to know what was coming up the second time around, and I understand it makes the water stops easier, but I believe I prefer a single loop. Had to share Katy Trail with bicycles but they were polite. The trail could get pretty crowded when this event grows. |
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