If you live in the Kansas City area, or if you want to experience some of the prettiest areas of Kansas City from the road as a visiting runner, Rock The Parkway half marathon is THE race for you. I've done it for 5 years, and no matter what the weather or my finish time is, this race is my happy place.

KC Running Company is a great local business that truly cares about runners and runner experiences, and Rock The Parkway definitely showcases this. The race is big, so they do wave starts to decrease congestion on the course; they spend time on shirt and medal design, they place the water stations perfectly spaced apart. Because it's Rock the Parkway, there is also music in the course, which I love to see at a race. The start is at Burns & McDonnell where there is a ton of parking, but there is even MORE parking at a nearby high school (my pro tip is to park there). To me, having stress free parking at a race is huge.

The course is fantastic as it goes north on Ward Parkway, past the beautiful homes and churches and Meyer Circle fountain. It then goes through a gorgeous neighborhood that, for several years, has hosted an unofficial aid station called Rock the Belleview which, let me say, you do NOT want to miss. (If you like a beer or doughnut break during a race, you'll love it) It then heads to the famous Loose Park to loop around and head back to Ward Parkway.

Once you get to mile 2 or so of the race, it's pretty flat with a handful of rolling hills (or, to KC folks, "neighborhood inclines" lol). There is much opportunity in flat stretches to get speed for a PR if you're so inclined. And the last mile is a gentle downhill, so if you've got stuff left in the tank at the end, you can fly to the finish. Most KC runners' half marathon PRs are on this course.

Another thing I love about the course is that because it largely takes place up and down one large street, your loved ones can easily drive up and park on a side street to spectate, drive up to Loose Park to catch you again, and then hop to the other side and park to catch you again if they want. It's all very accessible for spectators, and it shows. There is a lot of fun to be seen while running-I've stopped a time or two to wave to a diva in an evening gown, hug a rescue dog seeking a family, and to take a dance break with some girls that I think may have had extra espresso shots :)

You will finish to the sounds of a band and announcers calling your name. Finish line festival area has lots of great goodies and backdrops for photo ops, which you will probably want because, like I said, you'll likely run a good time or PR on this course and want to remember the day. Or you'll be with a bunch of new friends acquired on the course and want photos with them to celebrate!

Because the race is so great, virtually all KC area runners end up being involved with it somehow, either as runners, volunteers, or spectators. I lovingly refer to it as the KC running community version of the high school party of the year: everybody you know is going, and you don't want to miss out! So come join the party!