Not ideal conditions for running a marathon, but there was still a great turn out as over 2,000 runners showed up for the race that covered three states and ended in Joplin. With temperatures in the 80’s, several seasoned runners said they has trouble struggling to finish as many walked.
The route was along the historic Route 66 where the marathon started in Commerce, Oklahoma. There was also a half marathon, and a 5k run. The half marathon started in Baxter Springs, KS and the 5k run started and ended in Joplin.
Two Kramers, who aree not related ended up winning the men’s and women’s marathon. Katie Kramer of Oklahoma City won for the women finishing with a time of 3:13.31. Ryan Kramer from Des Moines, Iowa finished at top for the men with a time of 2:51.57. The top Missouri natives were both from Maryville. The top men’s finisher was Kenneth Miller who finished in a time of 3:01.07 and Joann Shipp was the top Missouri woman finisher coming in at 3:21.24
The Joplin Convention and Visitors Bureau pulled off a great event and it must be noted that the approximate 500 volunteers who helped organize the event did an outstanding job of putting it all together.
