I did this race first in 2014 for the half marathon distance. I loved it so much I decided it would be my first full. The course is mostly flat, with a few inclines and a bridge to cross. You mainly run on the road, but if you do the full you also run on the Katy Trail. Its a flat trail system that used to be railroad lines. Since they were no longer used for the railroad system, they have been converted to a trail system for bikers and runners. Its flat with pea gravel or paved areas. The course only offers water and gatorade. The expo has been growing over the years. This year had many vendors and I believe they are looking to add more next year. They have a MOtivational mile right when half marathoners are needing it the most, along mile 10. Mile 10 is one of the few places in the course that has elevation. It is a steady incline, with a significant decline mile 11-12. The motivational mile really is a great place for family and friends and it's nice to see all the support cheering you on. If you do the full, they have you run across a bridge (you are on a running path) and into a different county. You also cross into a small tunnel. The start and the finish take place in old historic area of St. Charles. Being the race is held in October in Missouri, weather is always in question. Usually since its the first Sunday in October, the weather is perfect for runners. They offer beer and food to the runners at the end. There is a VIP section you can buy into. I did not do that. They do have bands that play and Chuck, the cow with abs as the mascot can be viewed before and after a race. He loves pictures. This year they made a giant cowbell and allowed the runners to "ring the bell" for any accomplishment! You betchya I rang that bell good! I had just finished my full and I was ecstatic! I also had an injury during training, so to finish made me happy. I had to deal with runners knee that popped up at the Go Girl Half in KC Labor Day weekend. I was not able to get in my 20 miler, nor was I able to run for more than 2 weeks before the race. I think since this course was flatter, I did not have the inflammation pop up and problems begin really until mile 23. By then I knew i would finish and I was fine with walking the rest! You get a shirt, a bag, and a cowbell in your swag! You can also win more by registering with an ambassadors code. I am an ambassador for this race. I only applied to be an ambassador because I liked it so much! My code for 2016 is JACKDCB16. I will definitely be back for the race net year, but distance depends on my healing. Definitely fun running this race. They offer a 5k, half marathon, marathon, and half marathon relay. I went down with a group of girls. One other was doing the full, one was doing the relay and one did the 5k. The two doing the shorter distances said they had just as much fun doing the race as they did cheering for the marathoners on the course. They sat on the benches near the Katy and cheered people on. It was great! HF#11286