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Marathon Details - Frisco Railroad Run (formerly the Frisco Marathon)

North America Marathons > USA > MO > Willard > Frisco Railroad Run (formerly the Frisco Marathon)

Frisco Railroad Run (formerly the Frisco Marathon)

OMRR Frisco Railroad Run (formerly the Frisco Marathon) & 50M, 50K, Half Marathon, 8K

Willard, MO USA

April 26, 2025

http://www.friscorailroadrun.com

Marathon Results

By Year:

2024 2023 2022 2021 2019 2018 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

This is a very flat and scenic PR course (rail-to-trail fine-crushed hard-packed gravel) on the historic Frisco Highline Trail from Willard to Bolivar, Missouri

Contact Information

Name:	John Everett
Address:	PO Box 10067 Springfield, MO 65808
Phone Number:	417-844-4018
Email:	Email the organizers

Race Organizer

Scenic, historic, easy trail event! (3/14/19)

Richard Johnson

This is the 11th annual Frisco Marathon, 50K, 10 Miler, and 50K Relay in Willard, MO (suburb of Springfield, MO). All races are point-to-point with bus transportation provided. Consistent with the old Frisco railroad theme, the Frisco emblem will be prominent on the medals that all runners receive and on the T-shirt artwork. Model train car trophies to top runners and 3 deep in age groups. The race is all on the old Frisco High Line trail with cool temps, net downhill, and the wind likely at your back (from the south). This is a PR course! The trail is very scenic with trees in full bloom, green grass, and several old bridges on the trail. The marathon and 50K will be certified! (Marathon will be a Boston qualifier—earn a state record on the 50K.) Special plaques provided to Boston qualifiers! Aid stations every 3 miles. Great food at race end for all runners. 50K Relay teams (2-5 runners per team) get special awards. Fly in to Springfield or save money by flying to St. Louis, KC, or Tulsa, then drive 3.5 hours on the Interstate. Register before March 1 to save money. There is no early start but time limits are generous. Do a double marathon (Frisco and the Kansas Marathon) or do a triple (Frisco, Kansas, Boston). The fine, smooth gravel surface at the Frisco will be easy on your legs. See you there!

Runner Reviews (22)

Course 4.3

Organization 3.8

Spectators 2.7

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Number of comments: 22 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

A. R. from Weldon Spring, MO (4/27/2021) "Great small marathon, road/trail hybrid" (about: 2021) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Frisco Railroad Run (formerly the Frisco Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran this on 4/24/21. I drove down from St Louis and picked up my packet the evening before. Packet pickup was very quick and easy. No expo, but that is fine with me. The morning of, I arrived at the start area at 6:30 for a 7am start. There was plenty of parking at the Middle School, and I didn't have to walk a mile or take a shuttle. They had the school open, so we had access to large indoor areas including restrooms (which was nice because a light rain was falling that morning). The first (and last) 2.5 miles are on a paved trail, and the rest is unpaved 'chat' (hard-packed crushed gravel). Trail was in very good condition. I was expecting mud, because it had rained during the night, but the trail was not wet or muddy at all. I guess it drains well! I wore trail shoes, but road shoes would have been fine. Most people wore regular road running shoes. The trail is flat and straight, a little boring but pleasant enough scenery (mostly fields and farmland, with trees on either side of the trail most of the way). There were a few road crossings, but they are in rural areas, and we never had to wait for cars or deal with any traffic at all. It was very cloudy on our race day, but on a sunny day I think there would be enough shade from the trees. The course was never crowded, but there were enough runners that I never felt alone out there. The course is a simple out and back, and after the first few miles it was nice to see the leaders coming back in from the 50k and marathon divisions. So I never felt bored out there. The trail has mile markers posted trailside, but the race starts at about the six mile mark of the trail, so you have to correct for that in your head. I just broke down the race into quarters for the purposes of pacing myself, because there is an unmissable turnaround point for the half-marathoners at the quarter-marathon mark, which doubles as the 3/4 mark on the way back, and obviously the marathon turnaround as well. The aid stations were very well stocked. Otherwise there were only a few spectators out there, mostly at the road crossings. Obviously this is not a big city marathon. My only criticism is, I didn't love the t-shirt, which was kind of basic, not a tech shirt. Overall, though, a great experience.
C. B. from Columbia, MO (4/26/2021) "Good, no frills race" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Frisco Railroad Run (formerly the Frisco Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The course is a simple out and back on the Frisco Highline Trail. Asphalt for the first/last two miles; packed gravel & dirt for the rest. Aid stations are every 2.5 miles and are well stocked with water, Gatorade, gels, and other snacks. There are more cows than people watching this race - one you get outside of Willard, there is not much but farmland and trees. The race director advertises this as a PR course, and I would agree. Any change in elevation is minimal and the slopes are gradual (this is an old railroad track, after all). Bonus points for a very good looking medal.
Traci Pettys from Oklahoma (5/19/2018) "I loved it!" (about: 2018) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Frisco Railroad Run (formerly the Frisco Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Best volunteers and aid stations! The fans mooed at us as they grazed in the beautiful pastures along the Frisco Trail. I loved the lack of people around. Very sweet (:
Ed Sell from Chicago suburbs (5/1/2018) "Great Organization, great food/water stops" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Frisco Railroad Run (formerly the Frisco Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I did this one because of the 12 hour time limit, as this was my third marathon in 3 months. Glad I did it, friendly people all around, the cows stood at the fence line cheering us on. Amazing water/food stops !
R. B. from Omaha, Nebraska (5/11/2014) "Good place to post a top time" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Frisco Railroad Run (formerly the Frisco Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This race is well organized for a small race although more aid stations would be a good idea. About 22.5 of the 26.2 miles are on hard packed gravel so easier on the knees and for me I think it aided a faster recovery. I was jogging again by Monday evening after Sat. race. Little bit of rain today but temps pretty good below 70 with only slight wind. Course is primarily flat, slight downhill/uphill from 10-16 barely noticeable. Aid station volunteers were enthusiastic and nice, with a small enough race and one of my better times I received third place in my age category, first award I've ever received in fifteen marathons outside the finisher types. Cool! The only reason for three stars for spectators is total numbers were small.
l. b. from Bolivar Mo (4/30/2014) "Much better" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Frisco Railroad Run (formerly the Frisco Marathon)s COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I did not see any news helicopters nor did I see any pace setters and Meb aparrently sat this one out. But it was a fun low key race. Organized well (except can anyone get the shirts right anymore?) Lots of trees... and gravel in my shoes.
A. K. from South (4/30/2014) "Good Small Race With No Frills" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Frisco Railroad Run (formerly the Frisco Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 The weather can be very unpredictable this time of the year. It turned out to be okay this year. Cloudy, with some light rain. Temps could have been a little cooler. I had read that gaiters could be useful, but luckily I did not need them. Finisher's medal was nice.
J. H. from Tennessee (4/29/2014) "Another great year for this event!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Frisco Railroad Run (formerly the Frisco Marathon)s COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 After running the marathon in 2012, I came back for my 1st 50K. It was another great year in Willard! The number of participants on this 'out & back' course, for all the different distances (8K, 1/2 marathon, marathon, 50K & 50 miler) was just the right size, as to not be too crowded while also keeping people near enough to you for support & encouragement. Great support at all the water stops! I love the flat, easy running course! AND....thanks to the Parks & Rec folks for the post-race showers!
David Zajic from Alabama (4/28/2014) "Great Flat Fast Race - One you won't want to miss." (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Frisco Railroad Run (formerly the Frisco Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 After seeing the organization, the course and the volunteers it hard to believe there weren't more folks running the race. My hat is off to the RD and his team. The course is perfect running conditions (some asphalt but mostly crushed limestone). It was real easy for my wife to crew me and was able to check on my many times on this out and back course. Aid stations had great volunteers and were stocked with everything I needed. Staying in Springfield was a breeze and a short distance from the race. I highly recommend this race.
L. R. from Cincinnati, OH (4/28/2013) "Volunteers and Fellow Runners Make this race!" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I ran this for my 9th state in pursuit of the 50 and as my first ultra. While it was a very soggy and cool day I have to commend the volunteers who took long shifts out in nasty weather to man the aid stations. Yes they are a little far apart (roughly 2.5 miles) but if you plan accordingly you should do fine...although dropping extra porta potties would be a great addition. Because this is an out and back there is a ton of fellow racer encouragement but also be prepared for long stretches where its just you and nature. Also - invest in some gaiters as I wore them and can't tell you how many runners I saw having to stop and pick things out of their shoes. Medals were very nice (love the ribbon) and shirts were good - overall a nice experience in Missouri.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]



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A. R. from Weldon Spring, MO (4/27/2021) "Great small marathon, road/trail hybrid" (about: 2021) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Frisco Railroad Run (formerly the Frisco Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran this on 4/24/21. I drove down from St Louis and picked up my packet the evening before. Packet pickup was very quick and easy. No expo, but that is fine with me. The morning of, I arrived at the start area at 6:30 for a 7am start. There was plenty of parking at the Middle School, and I didn't have to walk a mile or take a shuttle. They had the school open, so we had access to large indoor areas including restrooms (which was nice because a light rain was falling that morning). The first (and last) 2.5 miles are on a paved trail, and the rest is unpaved 'chat' (hard-packed crushed gravel). Trail was in very good condition. I was expecting mud, because it had rained during the night, but the trail was not wet or muddy at all. I guess it drains well! I wore trail shoes, but road shoes would have been fine. Most people wore regular road running shoes. The trail is flat and straight, a little boring but pleasant enough scenery (mostly fields and farmland, with trees on either side of the trail most of the way). There were a few road crossings, but they are in rural areas, and we never had to wait for cars or deal with any traffic at all. It was very cloudy on our race day, but on a sunny day I think there would be enough shade from the trees. The course was never crowded, but there were enough runners that I never felt alone out there. The course is a simple out and back, and after the first few miles it was nice to see the leaders coming back in from the 50k and marathon divisions. So I never felt bored out there. The trail has mile markers posted trailside, but the race starts at about the six mile mark of the trail, so you have to correct for that in your head. I just broke down the race into quarters for the purposes of pacing myself, because there is an unmissable turnaround point for the half-marathoners at the quarter-marathon mark, which doubles as the 3/4 mark on the way back, and obviously the marathon turnaround as well. The aid stations were very well stocked. Otherwise there were only a few spectators out there, mostly at the road crossings. Obviously this is not a big city marathon. My only criticism is, I didn't love the t-shirt, which was kind of basic, not a tech shirt. Overall, though, a great experience.
C. B. from Columbia, MO (4/26/2021) "Good, no frills race" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Frisco Railroad Run (formerly the Frisco Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The course is a simple out and back on the Frisco Highline Trail. Asphalt for the first/last two miles; packed gravel & dirt for the rest. Aid stations are every 2.5 miles and are well stocked with water, Gatorade, gels, and other snacks. There are more cows than people watching this race - one you get outside of Willard, there is not much but farmland and trees. The race director advertises this as a PR course, and I would agree. Any change in elevation is minimal and the slopes are gradual (this is an old railroad track, after all). Bonus points for a very good looking medal.
Traci Pettys from Oklahoma (5/19/2018) "I loved it!" (about: 2018) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Frisco Railroad Run (formerly the Frisco Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Best volunteers and aid stations! The fans mooed at us as they grazed in the beautiful pastures along the Frisco Trail. I loved the lack of people around. Very sweet (:
Ed Sell from Chicago suburbs (5/1/2018) "Great Organization, great food/water stops" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Frisco Railroad Run (formerly the Frisco Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I did this one because of the 12 hour time limit, as this was my third marathon in 3 months. Glad I did it, friendly people all around, the cows stood at the fence line cheering us on. Amazing water/food stops !
R. B. from Omaha, Nebraska (5/11/2014) "Good place to post a top time" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Frisco Railroad Run (formerly the Frisco Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This race is well organized for a small race although more aid stations would be a good idea. About 22.5 of the 26.2 miles are on hard packed gravel so easier on the knees and for me I think it aided a faster recovery. I was jogging again by Monday evening after Sat. race. Little bit of rain today but temps pretty good below 70 with only slight wind. Course is primarily flat, slight downhill/uphill from 10-16 barely noticeable. Aid station volunteers were enthusiastic and nice, with a small enough race and one of my better times I received third place in my age category, first award I've ever received in fifteen marathons outside the finisher types. Cool! The only reason for three stars for spectators is total numbers were small.
l. b. from Bolivar Mo (4/30/2014) "Much better" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Frisco Railroad Run (formerly the Frisco Marathon)s COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I did not see any news helicopters nor did I see any pace setters and Meb aparrently sat this one out. But it was a fun low key race. Organized well (except can anyone get the shirts right anymore?) Lots of trees... and gravel in my shoes.
A. K. from South (4/30/2014) "Good Small Race With No Frills" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Frisco Railroad Run (formerly the Frisco Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 The weather can be very unpredictable this time of the year. It turned out to be okay this year. Cloudy, with some light rain. Temps could have been a little cooler. I had read that gaiters could be useful, but luckily I did not need them. Finisher's medal was nice.
J. H. from Tennessee (4/29/2014) "Another great year for this event!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Frisco Railroad Run (formerly the Frisco Marathon)s COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 After running the marathon in 2012, I came back for my 1st 50K. It was another great year in Willard! The number of participants on this 'out & back' course, for all the different distances (8K, 1/2 marathon, marathon, 50K & 50 miler) was just the right size, as to not be too crowded while also keeping people near enough to you for support & encouragement. Great support at all the water stops! I love the flat, easy running course! AND....thanks to the Parks & Rec folks for the post-race showers!
David Zajic from Alabama (4/28/2014) "Great Flat Fast Race - One you won't want to miss." (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Frisco Railroad Run (formerly the Frisco Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 After seeing the organization, the course and the volunteers it hard to believe there weren't more folks running the race. My hat is off to the RD and his team. The course is perfect running conditions (some asphalt but mostly crushed limestone). It was real easy for my wife to crew me and was able to check on my many times on this out and back course. Aid stations had great volunteers and were stocked with everything I needed. Staying in Springfield was a breeze and a short distance from the race. I highly recommend this race.
L. R. from Cincinnati, OH (4/28/2013) "Volunteers and Fellow Runners Make this race!" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I ran this for my 9th state in pursuit of the 50 and as my first ultra. While it was a very soggy and cool day I have to commend the volunteers who took long shifts out in nasty weather to man the aid stations. Yes they are a little far apart (roughly 2.5 miles) but if you plan accordingly you should do fine...although dropping extra porta potties would be a great addition. Because this is an out and back there is a ton of fellow racer encouragement but also be prepared for long stretches where its just you and nature. Also - invest in some gaiters as I wore them and can't tell you how many runners I saw having to stop and pick things out of their shoes. Medals were very nice (love the ribbon) and shirts were good - overall a nice experience in Missouri.

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Marathon Details - Frisco Railroad Run (formerly the Frisco Marathon)