The Garmin Olathe Marathon was the 138th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 166th largest in 2022.
This year 4.9% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 9.8% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Garmin Olathe Marathon the 191st highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 281st highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 97.90 ranks it as the 329th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 7th fastest course in Kansas.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Garmin Olathe Marathon a PR Score of 97.90. This PR Score ranks it as the 274th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 7th fastest in Kansas.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Garmin Olathe Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 1088 feet (331m) Min Elevation: 854 feet (260m)
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
Anonymous's review of 2024 Garmin Olathe Marathon.
1 /
5 Stars
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
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.
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.
EMR's review of 2013 Garmin Olathe Marathon.
4 /
5 Stars
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.
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!
