This is now my 8th state in my quest to hit all 50 states before I turn 50. Flew into Kansas City International Airport via Spirit airlines out of O'hare on the 17th of April. Luckily I was able to get a lift from Joe and the rest of the crew who drove from Mississippi to run the full marathon. (suckers) My flight landed in the afternoon so we proceeded to head to the race expo. We didn't use the gear check since our bibs didn't have a detachable small piece of the bib to hand out. We had about 30 minutes to stretch and warm up before the race started. There were no speakers at the back of the corral so we totally missed the National Anthem and didn't hear the race start so we all just waited until the people in front of us started running.

Because of the weather I did not bring my phone with me which I use to listen to music and follow my pace. A new for me so I latched on to the 2:40 pace group and figured I will try to hang with them as much as possible. Turned out to be the best thing I did. Katrina was AWESOME!!! She totally rocked our pace group.

The temperature dropped as the race went and the rain become steady. And the wind...geez. On top of that there were hills which I am not trained in flat Chicago. Despite that and my under training I was very pleased with my 2:50 time. The only thing that really could have been better was the amount of water stations. Had it be warm a lot of runners would have been hurting.

The post race party was okay but it could have been better. The tent which housed the runners for a free beer and sandwich could of been much bigger. Just minor logistical stuff. Things that can be improved for next year.

This race has the makings of a bucket list race. I highly suggest doing the half marathon!!!

Frank

Arriving at the hotel parking lot where the expo was being held at brought a sense excitement. Thinking since Garmin was the main sponsor of the race it was going to be something else. To be fair I wasn't let down..lol. Entering the hotel lobby I saw the entire race expo just by turning my head left to right without taking another step. Getting the race bib was quick and easy. The staff very friendly. Then took 20 steps to the right to receive my race shirt. Saw four exhibits and that was pretty much the expo. I guess I was expecting something more.

Our hotel was only less than a quarter of a mile from the expo. We dropped our luggage. relaxed and then headed to dinner before turning in for the night. I kept looking at the weather forecast because it wasn't looking pretty at for the race on Saturday. A big glob of yellow and red on the doppler radar was heading our way. Actually fitting for a Land of Oz theme race. ;)

As we arrived at the Garmin Headquarters I was surprised to see the amount of cars in the parking lot...(free parking!!!) Looks like people weren't afraid of getting a little wet.