Cheryl Webster

You know, there are some races you go to and they just put a smile on your face. The RYR Endurance Races (I did the marathon distance) was one of those few that put a *big* smile on my face. The smile wasn't because of a really good finish time, actually it was one of my slowest, but the smile was because of how the race was conducted. From my first interaction with the race director, to packet pick up, to the race, to the end, the race was ran amazingly well.

Before I signed up for the race, I sent a question to the race director, who responded promptly. At packet up, the goody bag was really a goody bag with items you could really use, which showed the race's amazing sponsorship support. And last, were the wonderful volunteers at amazing aid stations, so supportive and encouraging. And there were many aid stations which you'd encounter about every half mile, with multiple port-a-johns along the way, too. No waiting!

If you didn't know it, you'd think this was a very mature race with years under their belt. It is very well worth entering!

Alexander Owen McCullough

...this was a very professionally organised local event. The route is very pretty and long enough that you excitedly count down the laps rather than just laboriously suffer them. The low key, very friendly atmosphere was geared for speed freaks who wanted to qualify for Boston or run for a PB on the flat course (Also wheelchair friendly) and also for those who wanted to Jog, walk, limp the 26.2 mile's to become an official marathon finisher and join the 1% of the human population who have done just that. Most of all it's for a local charity (Wendell Foster Center). I really, really enjoyed this event.

Thanks to, the organisers, the volunteers, the excellent DJ and all the fellow runners who smiled, nodded or said something like 'hello, keep going' as the laps drifted past.

Craig Smith

Did the RYR Casual Marathon in Owensboro, KY on Saturday.  They have several distances on Saturday, and a marathon on Sunday for those trying to qualify for Boston or wherever.  3 mile out and back on pavement, mostly level.  A fast course.  The Race Directors and volunteers treat the runners like rock stars.  I highly recommend this race.

Dave Miner

Wanted to thank you for such a well organized series of events.  Your many, cheery volunteers were great. They were so cheery I was tempted to make more water stops than needed.

I have done a half marathon in 49 states and this one was special.

The park is a beautiful setting, and it was nice to repeatedly see other runners.  Nice not to have any roads to cross.  Course was well marked.  Parking was easy.

All around a great race.  

Claude Bacon

The 50K was well organized and supported! Perfect Ultra for both first timers and experienced. Aid stations were well stocked and supported with excellent volunteers! Plenty of restroom opportunities. The self-supported aid stop was much appreciated as an additional aid stage option. Highly recommend this Ultra!

Jaycie Couch

I looked up "half marathons near me" and registered for this one, knowing nothing about it. I showed up with some friends, skeptical, but I immediately felt at home when I heard the Christian music playing. I was very impressed with the setup and supportive scriptures along the course. I didn't know I had signed up for a Christian event, but I was thrilled to find out when I got there. I definitely will recommend this race to others I know and plan to return in future years.

Jamie Kirk

I thought the race was well organized, plenty of parking, volunteers and aid stations. Very nice to have hot soup afterwards along with other goodies. Announcing our names as we came thru very nice as well. I also enjoyed and appreciated all the encouragement from the volunteers along the way. I think its great to bring this Race Series to Owensboro. The Green Belt is a beautiful path. There’s a distance for every runner. I will definitely run it again next year!

Meredith Neale

I completed the inaugural RYR Endurance Weekend Casual Marathon and am happy I did! The course was a flat loop with a small hill at the end of each loop for a change in the legs. The volunteers were fantastic. Race directors are fantastic people! Would absolutely recommend!!!

Sadie Smith

My race plans in California were foiled by black ice this weekend. I ended up jumping into a brand-new race in Kentucky, and I wanted to share it with the group as it’s a very “Marathon Maniac”- friendly event and a good 2025 option for anyone who needs the state or is just looking for a fun race with a good atmosphere.  RYR Endurance Challenge is a two-day event with a certified marathon course. There was a half marathon, 5k, and a “casual” marathon and 50k on Saturday and a 10k and competitive marathon (5 hour time limit) on Sunday. So, this could be used as a double if you are on the faster side.  The course consisted of 9 out and backs along a roughly 1.5 mile stretch of trail through a park. There was an aid station midway through the route, so you could get fluid and gels every mile and a half or so. They also had tables set up near the start for you to leave your own bottles or nutrition. Volunteers were outstanding, and there were people scattered throughout the course cheering and taking photos. You run the same 1.5 miles 18 times, but it’s a pretty section of park. Elevation gain was very minimal. There is a small hill at the end of each loop, but that’s the only one of note.  I ran a 2:58, so a decent option for a fast marathon if you are concerned about speed. There was a nice post- race spread and again, really awesome volunteers and spectators. Owensboro is a cute little town with good hotel options and some nice restaurants, so not the worst place to spend a weekend!