Third Annual St. Joseph Marathon to take place this weekend
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Runners will line the streets of St. Joseph starting and ending behind Civic Center Park in Downtown St. Joseph.
Race Director Brett Esely said over 600 people are expected to race in this year's marathon.
"Just looking forward to showing them (the runners) a great runner's experience anywhere from smooth check-in Friday afternoon at our packet pick up," Esely said. "To a lively atmosphere in the park at the starting line and hopefully a lively atmosphere on our route."
The full and half marathon, as well as the relay race, will begin at 7 a.m., followed by the 10k and 5k race at 7:30 on Saturday, Sept. 27.
A finisher medal will be given to runners after the cross, as well as first, second and third place medals for each age group will be handed out as well.
An overall champion's medal is handed to the number one male and female in each race.
About 300 volunteers will stretch across the race route, and Esely encourages anyone to come out and support the runners.
"Any city that has a race of this type of nature, they're sensitive to the route because obviously it's why people come," Esely said. "We wanted to make sure that we were showcasing St. Joseph landmarks and showcase things that make our city what they are."
He mentioned some runners are coming from outside of Missouri and are coming back for this race as well. This year, a runner is traveling from Alaska to participate in the marathon.
"This route is not the easiest route they'll ever run, St. Joseph is not a flat community, it is hilly," He said.
To sign up for the marathon, visit the St. Joseph Sports Commission website. A post-race "chill out" will take place at Civic Center Park.
"I don't know if I've ever stood out in the middle of Francis street behind Civic Center Park and have looked up west on Frances and thought iconic," He said. "But when our race shoots through that setup and you see the runners take off and come back in and you see that police escort, when you look back up at the skyline of Downtown, you see the spires of some of our historic buildings, it's a pretty cool scene."
