MO Cowbell Marathon Reviews

  Half is great, Full is not

By MN about 2024

Review

I agree wholeheartedly with the review from 2023.

Logistically, this race is well-organized and the expo is great. Course-wise, this is a great race for the Half Marathon distance. You'll get a good mix of scenery - some St. Charles streets (1-2), some country and farmland (2-6), the New Town neighborhood (probably the best part) (6-9), then ultimately a big hill up (11) and then down (12) back to the St Charles streets (13). The back half is on the Katy Trail (13-18, 21-26) and on the Creve Coeur connector trail (18-21). There is some shade during these parts but mostly out in the open, and water stations are pretty sparse, so plan accordingly. Very few spectators or scenery on this back half. It will be a grind. Also expect to see a good number of bikers passing you on the Katy Trail.

I think this race would benefit greatly from being held in November or December. The weather (80+, sunny) has been an issue the past few years.

Race Tips

Save energy and have a plan for how to keep your mind occupied during the back half. If you can, get dropped off about halfway down Main St and walk to the start. Otherwise expect to have to park far away unless you arrive very early.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I really think the Half Marathon (have ran twice) is an excellent race, but if you want to do the full marathon, proceed with caution.

Check out what St Charles has to offer if you're making a weekend of it - there are several neat places.

  Great logistics, unenjoyable race

By JD about 2023

Review

The logistics of this race were incredibly smooth. The expo and bib pickup were easy. We stayed at Country Inn & Suites, which was super convenient to get to and from the start. Getting to corrals was quick and easy, and bag drop-off was seamless. The hoodies and medals were beautiful.

Unfortunately, the water stops were about every 2.5 miles, which is not nearly enough, especially for an 85 degree race. There was one enjoyable section in the first half in a cool neighborhood area called New Town, I think. Otherwise, we were running on country road, highway, and a gravel path with no shade. There's a big hill around 10, which was doable, but the two other hills at I think 16/17 and 20/21 were brutal. It was boring with little support along an unshaded out-and-back. There was just nothing to look forward to after passing the half. I would not run it again for these reasons. I run partially to see new cities, and this just offered very little in scenery. The course looks like you run along the Missouri River and it would be pretty, but it's just not scenic in any way.

Race Tips

Save energy for the back half, and try to have your own cheering squad in those tough areas later in the race. Carry your own water/gatorade.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Country Inn and Suites could not have made for an easier experience. Big A's on the Riverfront had the best burger I've ever eaten. We caught a movie Saturday evening at the theater right down the road, which proved to be a great relaxing way to spend the day after hitting the expo.

  Mostly flat but 3 BIG hills

By ab about 2018

Review

First half more interesting than second half that includes some off road flat trails. 2018 was very hot and they needed more water stations added for last 8 miles but otherwise well run. Nice touch was free finisher photos.

Race Tips

Check elevation as there are significant hills at about 10 about 17 and about 20 - rest is basically flat.

  

By FCO about 2016

Review

Only two things I didn't like at this race; minimal water stops, and lines to porta-pots were to long. They had adequate porta-pots, unfortunate only two lines which were so long made it stressful before the race. Easily could have had each line have two porta-pots instead of two lines sharing 20 porta-pots.

Lovely race, running through some older areas of town and some of the newer town-homes was quite quaint. Easy on street parking near start - no biggie at all.

Race Tips

Pack your own water.

Nice hill on back half near river - make sure you save some in the tank or you will feel defeated when you reach it.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Nice dinner choice at Erios Ristorante- very tasty! Country Inn & Suites (St. Peters) was very very late w/ check-ins, but very accommodating, and inexpensive!

  

By RAL about 2015

Review

Flat.
Well organized.
Not too crowded.