Garmin Olathe Marathon Reviews

  The course was a nightmare 26.2 how about 27.4

By Anonymous about 2024

Review

Ran the full marathon today volunteers in regards to directions and the lead bike pacer for the course seemed to have no idea what was going on and didn't know the course. The top 15 runners got ran off course by over a mile then were told by the lead bike rider I'm not sure where I'm going so we had to turn around I'm all for a race being a little over but not almost 27 and a half miles then some runners chips didn't even work and now we are forced to take the chip time for results for qualifiers which keeps people out of majors like Boston and Chicago. And people who ran faster times than others are punished in "official" results by running more than a mile off course due to the course not being marked properly and the lead bikers not knowing where they are going more but having the same distance on a chip time as people that now finish ahead of them

  1.2 mile detour

By CG about 2024

Review

Terrible experience the top 15 runners were led off course around mile 19 the lead biker took us the wrong way as the course was not marked properly and they "didn't know" where they were going. Ended up covering 1.2 miles extra runners missed out on a BQ and Chicago automatic qualifiers and many chips for runners did not function couldn't track runners and 1 timing checkpoint for the race at mile 12. It's not Garmins fault directly but they should get the city to organize the race better.

Race Tips

The first half is easier than the second just pace yourself and control the downhills the 3 biggest hill sections are mile 7 13 and 17-20

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

Parking was easy

  Oz Marathon regained my trust!

By DD about 2023

Review

Last year the race was a bit short and didn't count for 50 staters, BQ's or Marathon Maniacs. They redeemed theirselves this year. My Garmin read 26.38 at the end of this year's marathon. I love the Wizard of Oz theme even though I don't prefer to dress up I loved seeing the costumes along the course. Very nice medal, ok t-shirt, post race food was not great, bagels, cream cheese, pretzels--but they did have chocolate milk, so that was a win.

Race Tips

The first half of the race is much easier than the second half, more downhills. At least it seemed that way to me and my friends. If I would have taken the first half a little slower I may have met my goal. Maybe. The course had plenty of water and Gatorade, Gu's, some had fruit and cookies among other things. The weather is always going to be a bit windy but it wasn't that bad this year. There are lots of trees in most places, which blocks the wind nicely.

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

We stayed at the Hampton but LaQuinta is closer and possibly a better bet. Parking in the Garmin garage is nice. There is a shuttle pick up right by the Hampton so that's one plus of staying there.

  

By EMR about 2013

Review

Small (700 in the full) fun race. They play up the Kansas-Wizard of Oz connection so lots of folks are in costume and it nurtures a fun atmosphere. Course may not be "Hilly" but its not "Flat and fast" as advertised. Make sure you check out the profile. Plenty of aid stations but they are all organized differently. Supposed to award finishers tech shirts but I couldn't find them anywhere. Also ran out of mylar blankets.

Race Tips

Miles 7 to 13 are the most hilly. Miles 15 to 25 are on a paved bike trail. It is the most scenic part. In 2013 we had ideal weather, cool and cloudy.

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

Race day parking was a breeze in the Garmin lot but hard to find a spot for the expo (we competed w/ employees). Must use the lot around back and Garmin needs to put up signs becuase this lot is not apparant. I stayed @ host hotel LaQuinta and they were great. 2 miles away, offered shuttle service, late check out and no minimum stay!