Rock the Parkway Half Marathon and 5k

I ran the 5k in 2013, and basically kicking myself for not springing for the half marathon! (I was in the best shape ever at the time of the 2013 5k, but I hadn’t done a 13.1 in maybe 2 years so my butt was afraid)
Why am I kicking myself? Pretty much the baddest-​assed bling ever. I like bling, what can I say. And no, you don’t get bling for the 5k (which is fine, I don’t believe you should have to)
The race itself was nice. I didn’t know what to expect… being not from the area (The Ben Franklin Parkway in Philly is like a major city street whereas the George Washington Parkway in DC is a quiet trail with trees and a river and lovelyness) This parkway was more like the GW Parkway in DC. Very doubtful I’ll be back unless I go to visit my friend who lives out there (the whole reason I did the 5k last year anyway) But if you’re in the area totally worth checking out :)

I ran the 5k in 2013 and the half marathon this year. For such a large event it is definitely managed and executed exceptionally well. Parking is good, porta potties are in decent proportion (thought that doesn’t mean you won’t find long lines in the 30 minutes prior to race start!) and the wave start for the half marathon definitely helps with congestion at the beginning.
The course is pretty and well-​supported, though in my experience wasn’t as easy as I had hoped. No major hills but rolling ones most of the time. It was unseasonably humid this year and I wasn’t yet acclimated so I fell behind my pacing group as we passed Loose Park.
For any serious local runner this race is a must run at least once — though probably multiple times. Was disappointed with myself for missing a PR by about 2 minutes but I’ll probably sign up next year so I can give it another go!

Rock the Parkway is my favorite race in the KC area. In its first year (2010), I ran the now-​defunct 10k, but every year since I have run the half. Typically, I try to run as many races as possible skipping repeat races in order to try new ones, but I always come back for RTP. The half starts off at the Burns & McDonnell plaza and continues up and down Ward Parkway. It usually features 3 or 4 bands and thankfully typically Ironband (you should definitely check them out if you aren’t already familiar with them. they play at a lot of marathons/​triathlons and even played at Kona last year). The course is fairly rolling hills, but the best part is the gradual downhill in the last few miles towards the finish. This course holds my half marathon PR probably because of that gradual downhill. This course is also very spectator friendly… since you are doing an out and back on the different sides of Ward Parkway, your family can easily find a way to see you multiple times… even if they want to do the 5k themselves. KC Running Company does a great job with all of their races, but considering RTP sells out EARLY every year, they do an awesome job with managing a large race like this. I really liked the addition of a wave start in 2013 and it definitely helped make the start less crowded. The aid stations are well spaced and the spectator support is high. and best towards the end. The swag is also an A in my book. Nike Dri-​Fit tees and the medal is always very well done without being obnoxious. Another plus of the race is that there is TONS of parking nearby at Burns & McDonnell and Rockhurt school. I’ve never had an issue getting a spot (though I am notoriously early) and even better I never have any hassles getting out before the race is over.
This race is also part of the Heartland 39.3 series which is 3 local half marathons in about a month. Love the series as well! Such an awesome program to have. KC Running Company is legit race management company. I would recommend ANY of their races, but RTP is definitely their top dog. Sign up, but make sure you do it early. it typically sells out around January!
Course + scenery = A
Swag = A
Parking/​Management/​Logistics = A
Spectator support = B