This has always been one of my favorite races, and they did not disappoint this year. This was the 2nd race in the Heartland 30K Series. The weather cooperated fantastically and gave runners a perfect KC Autumn morning for running. The race started on time, and seemed to run without any incidents that race directors can control. Running through the Country Club Plaza, past the Nelson Adkins Museum of Art, and along Brush Creek is a beautiful way to see this part of this Metro area.

There was a medical emergency at the finish line which seemed to spectators to take an excessively long time for emergency personnel to respond to, but that really can't be blamed on race organizers. The assigned medical personnel were responding to an incident on a portion of the course several miles from the finish line, and a secondary crew had to respond. Fortunately there were racers and spectators at the scene who were able to provide medical support to the participant until Paramedics arrived - and the incident had a reported good ending. The incident caused a disruption at the finish line and race official did an excellent job keeping the area clear while maintaining an open finish line for participants still on the course. I understand there was also an issue with an elderly driver who managed to drive into the race area where thousands of participants were gathered - because she drove right past the traffic control officers, and became panicked - again, not something race directors can prevent. She literally drove around a large construction road/closed barricade to enter the crowd (fortunately again without injury incident).

Free photos and great bling (giant finisher's medals for the 10K, 2 Mile fun Run, and Kid's Run are a hit) including an awesome technical shirt. For KC area runners this is quickly becoming another one of the must-do events.