This was my second year in a row running the full marathon at the MO'Cowbell in Saint Charles, MO. This is also my second review for this run. In the first review, I stated how flat the course was, how I ran a marathon PR, and how awesome the race was. Needless to say, you learn more about something the second time you do it. What I've learned is the course is extremely flat.... for the half marathon runners. Miles 15-22 are a beast of an uphill battle. In my opinion, this is the way marathons should be set up... and by that I mean the course should be set up for a bit of a challenge. I think that's the reason for training to run 26.2 miles, is being able to battle yourself and the course physically and mentally. If it wasn't the case, then we would all be able to run marathons. Just know that when this race is advertised as flat, they're not totally lying, but they are mainly talking about the first 13 miles. This year's weather played a big role in my time as well. It started as a foggy, cool morning and stayed that way until about the 12 mile marker when the sun came out. Then it get extremely hot and extremely humid very fast. Luckily, I had trained outside all summer so I was physically prepared for it, but mentally after a brisk morning, it did take a toll. As you can see from the picture below, it looks like I jumped into the river I was running over on the bridge ad that was only at mile 22. Needless to say, I didn't match or beat my personal PR from last year, but I still had the same amount of fun! The race has beautful scenary, a lot of water/medical stations, the people in Saint Charles are so nice both during the race and outside of the race... I honestly just can't say enough. This medal was part of a 4 year medal series in which they all will connect and create the sound booth from the "More Cowbell" skit from Saturday Night Live. The band members in the medal series are depicted as cows... yes, it's awesome. I will be finishing the 4 year medal series and I can't wait to see the finished product. Last year, I also bragged about the quarter zip running pullover that was given as SWAG and this year they even topped that. We all received full zip running jackets that are a bright blue with orange logos. I highly recommend this race for all types of runners. They have all of the running options including 5k, half marathon relay, half marathon, and full marathon. Everything about this race is incredible, even when something like extreme weather change happens, the management team and volunteers still handled it to perfection making the runners feel safe and comfortable. SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!!!