The
MO' Cowbell Half Marathon last weekend was my 51st half marathon and the 3rd time I have "run" the half marathon in St. Charles, MO. My 2013 time would have been the best time on this course and in 2017 and 2018, I opted to mostly walk the course. In 2017, I took a lot of pictures on the course because it was a beautiful and sunny day. So be sure to
check out the 2017 race recap for course pictures. The 2018 race was hot and steamy and started in foggy conditions, so I didn't take any pictures on the course.
What I did take photos of was the expo, which is always held the Friday and Saturday prior to race day at St. Charles Community College. Both days offered FREE exercise classes, packet pick-up, and lots of vendors. Even if you aren't running the race, the vendors and FREE classes would be worth your while.
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| Free cowbells!!! |
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| Bumper stickers for all distances |
I worked at the expo on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the shirt pick-up area. It was super busy, but I was pretty much in motion the entire time. Next year I will have to remember to wear a pedometer because I swore I got in at least 10,000 steps during my shift.
We received a lot of positive comments on the jackets this year, even though race day was too hot to wear them. This jacket is perfect for fall and winter runs!
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| The drawstring bags also come in handy year-round! |
On race day, I did get a few early morning photos since I arrived so early. There is plenty of parking all around Frontier Park and downtown, but you really do have to heed the race director's warning and arrive by 6:00 a.m. or you could get stuck in traffic searching for a parking spot, leaving little time to relax and warm up prior to start time. You also have to allow enough time to get parked so that you can be at the start line by 7:20 a.m. with your cowbell for
Don't Fear the Reaper!!! Then at 7:30 a.m. the marathon, half marathon, and half marathon relay begin with the 5k following at 8 a.m.
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| Start/Finish line set up |
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| PR Bell!!! |
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| And the medal! |
No matter what the weather brings, I always enjoy this race. The course takes you through some scenic areas of St. Charles County, the community support is awesome, great pre-race communication, training runs during the summer, you get to shake your cowbell to Don't Fear the Reaper, nice medals for all distances, you have the opportunity to
pose for photos with Chuck - the mascot - who has 6-pack abs instead of udders, and the swag is always top-notch.
The 2019 date is already set for Sunday, October 6th so be sure to pen it in!!!
