The Mo’ Cowbell run continues to be a St. Charles tradition
Instead of applause, runners heard cowbells at the fun Mo’ Cowbell race in St. Charles, MO.
This was the fifth year that the event had been brought to Historic Main Street, and despite the bitter cold, the runners were in great spirits.
It is the first local marathon where all the proceeds remain in the community. The race draws in experienced and beginner runners varying in all ages.
The run provided a 5k, half marathon, and a full marathon. Participants noted that if a runner wanted to try the half or full marathon this is the best course to begin with. With flat trails and a beautiful scenery, the race is a fan favorite.
Volunteer, Mary Abbey, has participated all five years and loves the interaction with the runners, “It’s just seeing all kinds of people, different ages, different walks of life, and they are all very cordial and happy to be there.”
Along with the dedicated volunteers, runners like Rodger Scharck come back every year. “This is my fifth one here, and I am one of twenty that have done all five, so that’s kind of special.”
With over 15 hundred miles of racing, Rodger has run all over the United States, including the Boston Marathon. However, he holds the Mo’ Cowbell Marathon as his favorite. “The cow of course, it’s the cowbell, so how unique! How many races across the country have a cow?”
While there was a few experienced runners, the race had a good deal of beginners as well. New runner, Kara Krekeler explains what she liked about her first cowbell run, “I really liked the kind of atmosphere with the cowbells. I liked the view as I was running that last bit and seeing the river, you don’t get that anywhere else.”
The beginners who participate in the 5k are lucky to run next to the half and full marathon runners, giving them inspiration and hope for what they can achieve later on.
While everyone was awarded a medal of completion, the winner of the full marathon was Marshall Phares with a time of two hours and 42 minutes.
