I have completed the Cowtown Challenge 10K/Half in 2017, 2018 and 2019. I complete the challenge because why not, I was already going to be down might as well run more and get more swag. I enjoyed coming back to this race several years in a row. It was mainly because of the price but also there was a series so if you completed 2017-2019 all the medals would fit together. I would highly recommend this race, from the expo to race it is one you can't miss. I really like having the challenge and I know that in 2020 it changed slightly as there is an additional fee for a better challenge swag. I also like having a participant shirt along with a finisher shirt. If you sign up at the expo for the next year it is cheaper. The expo is one of the best one I have seen with lots of vendors and free stuff. Definitely check out this race.

My favorite race. The main reason is it is a party so it helps with the mental game of running a marathon. I will note that the weather is generally cold so bring some cold gear. In 2018 it was 32 degree. The expo has always been amazing, I have been running this race since 2016. There are always vendors giving out a lot of free stuff and awesome vendors providing services prior to the race like PT. I really like how you can try out and exchange your participant item because you never know. The morning of the race is always a party with loud music and people ready to run. I really like the confetti canons at the beginning of each wave. It is a great way to pump up the runners and make the runners in the back feel special like the ones in the front. The course is definitely not flat but if you train well you will have no problem. Just warning, your running race may become a drinking walk...there are so much free alcohol on the course that it can get you a little tipsy. Either way in 2018 I really needed it. I don't drink while running but that year at mile 16 it was so cold that I needed something to keep me warm and that helped. The back half is definitely well supported and with some funny props from the local community. I will say it is mentally hard to split off from the half marathoners at around 12 miles and then have to go the opposite direction of the finish line. The finish line was awesome and a lot of people cheering you on. I was a little disappointed that the pizza was cold when I finished and there wasn't any option in terms of real food. They do have various snacks and hydration for you to take with you. I am always impressed with the medals, every year is special and the reason why I am always going back. This is a race to not miss and if you get in early the price is very reasonable. If you take on the challenge of a 5K on Saturday you get a finisher coin.

I have ran this race twice, once in 2017 and a second time 2018 (part of the I35 challenge). First thing is first, this race is not flat. It is a hilly race and definitely need to train on some hills. I really like the city so I have been returning to KC for various races. In 2018 they decided to create a downhill last mile and man that helped. The expo is centrally located at the train station so that was really cool to go. They have a lot of different vendors at the expo from buying shirts to nutrition, and even a garmin from the company. If you can stay right by the start/finish line. It makes getting to the race so much easier. The first year I didn't but the second I did. I was thankful to be able to roll out of bed and race. The corrals aren't managed well but most people line up well especially with the help of the pacers. The pacers were amazing and helped me conquer the hills. The pacer I had went above and beyond to encourage us and keep us motivated. The course was great as it showcased various landmarks of KC. If it wasn't for the hills I would have enjoyed the race more but that's the challenge haha. Once I got to the last mile man that really helped me finish strong. Cross that finish line was a great view too. The medals have always been amazing and after party strong. This year they brought BBQ and was delicious after 13.1 miles of hills in addition to the various items vendors were giving out to the participant. I would highly suggest this race if you are trying to check off the 50 states.

One of my favorite race. I have participated in the half (4 times) and marathon (1). This was my first marathon so I didn't have many expectation for a marathon as I never seen the back half. Overall it was a great experience. The Expo is a decent size and you are able to learn more about the race and events that lead to the race. In addition there are many different vendor anywhere from other races to race gear. The starting of the race has always been chaotic, there are corrals but they aren't managed effectively. Instead of having each corral wait a minute or so to clear out the runners they let everyone go so it gets crowded for the first several miles. With the old course we split around mile 8 so after that there isn't many runners around me so it was nice to spread out. I will say that there aren't much course support on the back half of the race except when getting to relay stops. I will say the support of the volunteers is great where ever you are in the race. Since I am a slower runner and finished around 6 hours there wasn't many finish line activity which was disappointed. Most vendors have packed up and left, I will say I was still able to get my burger from Carl's Jr and my finisher shirt. I was a little disappointed in the finisher shirt as the quality was lacking and has gotten worst in 2019. Definitely sign up early as they rarely have discount codes for the race.