The Bass Pro Shops Marathon was the 172nd largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 167th largest in 2022.
Last year 8.6% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 5.5% of runners qualified for Boston in 2022.
This gives the Bass Pro Shops Marathon the 224th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 308th highest percentage in 2022.
Its Course Score of 98.43 ranks it as the 282nd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 5th fastest course in Missouri.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Bass Pro Shops Marathon a PR Score of 98.43. This PR Score ranks it as the 221st fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest in Missouri.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Bass Pro Shops Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 1341 feet (408m) Min Elevation: 1239 feet (377m)
Miles 4-8 are hilly and the course flattens out after that. Pacing in the first half is key. The race is very well supported and there is great swag.
Race Tips
Hill training is a must, in preparing for this race. There are rolling and sustained hills, from miles 4-8. After that, there are a few rolling hills. The weather is anyone's guess. Race conditions have been from the low 40's to 70's and clear to rainy. Watch the weather and pack gear for any weather conditions.
The best areas to stay in are South Central and Southeast. There are great restaurants, in those areas. The downtown area has been revitalized and has some great spots as well.
TJS's review of 2013 Bass Pro Shops Marathon.
4 /
5 Stars
Review
For a small town race this marathon is very organized. The weather the first weekend in November is generally cool (40's) and it happened to be a little windy (13 mph winds) but weather was not a negative.
The course is simple. It gets a little more "exciting" the second half but I ran by myself most of the time. There are definitely several "rolling hills." Nothing awful but a lot of elevation changes.
The water/ gatorade was very consistent and available at EVERY even number mile split for the full (and even more towards the end). They offered some sports beans but some sports gel would have been better. I brought my own and I'm glad I did.
Also- The 2013 long sleeve race shirt is hands down the BEST shirt I've ever received from a race. (And I've run A LOT of them!)
Race Tips
There are pace groups but nothing faster than a 3:30 so if you plan to run faster than that you are on your own!
