Rock The Parkway Half Marathon

Kansas City, Missouri

Saturday, April 14, 2018

When I completed the Rock The Parkway Half Marathon on Saturday, April 14, 2018, the weather had featured a constant temperature of 43 degrees with overcast skies and a 10-15 mph wind with higher gusts.  There was also a few light rain showers and a small sleet shower.  The course was on paved city roads that were completely closed to traffic with intersections controlled by police officers who let cars cross during gaps in the field of nearly 4000 participants.  The course has almost no flat areas.  The first five miles were ups and downs on the Ward Parkway that gained elevation.  The next four miles went through a neighborhood of old well-kept mansions where a Civil War Battle was fought prior to their construction.  The last four miles returned to the start/finish line on the Ward Parkway.  None of the hills were very steep or challenging.  Water/Gatorade station were located approximately every 1.75 miles and were manned by plenty of friendly efficient volunteers who endured the bad weather and took care of the needs of the participants.  The water/Gatorade stations were very well organized as all stations had the Gatorade first and the water second with the tables spread out which allowed the participants to receive their liquids with a minimal amount of congestion.  The post-race party featured a live performance by a rock band who were very talented; however, almost no one stayed around to enjoy the band as most participants were only interested in getting out of the cold and warming themselves in their vehicles.  This is the second time that I have done this event which is very well organized.  Despite the less than desirable, overall I managed to enjoy myself.  I really want to thank everyone who endured the weather to insure that event was able to be held in a first class manner.

The Exposition

Before The Race

After The Race