The MO Cowbell Marathon course is about half on paved roads (~14.5 miles) and the rest on dirt.
The MO Cowbell Marathon starts at the banks of Missouri River in St. Charles, Missouri, and takes runners on a winding course through the area's historic neighborhoods.
The race returns to the start/finish at approximately the halfway point where runners head out for an out-and-back section on the Katy Trail as well as crossing the Missouri River.
The MO Cowbell Marathon was the 131st largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 128th largest in 2022.
This year 2.4% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 2.4% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the MO Cowbell Marathon the 418th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 334th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 98.89 ranks it as the 220th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest course in Missouri.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the MO Cowbell Marathon a PR Score of 98.00. This PR Score ranks it as the 265th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 4th fastest in Missouri.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
MO Cowbell Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 549 feet (167m) Min Elevation: 436 feet (132m)
Course updated 09/05/2024
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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.
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.
JD's review of 2023 MO Cowbell Marathon.
2 /
5 Stars
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.
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.
ab's review of 2018 MO Cowbell Marathon.
4 /
5 Stars
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.
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.
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!
3.6 Stars from 5 Reviews
