Our Upcoming Races 

Eisenhower Marathon/Half - 04/19/2025

DoNot Stop Half - 04/19/2025

Garmin Marathon - 04/26/2025

Trolley Run - 04/27/2025

Lincoln Marathon - 05/04/2025

Running with the Cows Half - 05/10/2025

Colfax Marathon - 05/18/2025

Greater Kansas City Midwest Half Marathon - 05/18/2025

Bill Snyder Highway Half - 05/24/2025

Hospital Hill Run - 05/31/2025

Clinton Historic Half - 06/14/2025

Hometown Half Marathon - 06/14/2025

Four on the 4th - 07/04/2025

Valentine Marathon/Half - 08/02/2025

Words to run by

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." Mark Twain

Meet your Pacers for
Running with the Cows

Half Marathon Pacers: 1:30 1:35 1:40 1:45 1:50 1:55 2:00 2:05 2:10 2:15 2:20 2:25 2:30 2:35 2:40 2:45 2:50 2:55 3:00 3:10

Half Marathon SmartPace Teams

1:30 SmartPace Teams

Tyler B. - 1:30 pacer

Tyler got back into running in 2022 after a long hiatus. He ran his first half marathon at the Garmin Kansas City Half in October of 2022 and realized how great it was to challenge himself. Since then, he has run multiple half marathons including the 39.3 Series in the spring of 2023. He enjoys running with the Lee's Summit running group on a weekly basis. He is currently training for his first full marathon with the hopes of qualifying for Boston!

Robert S. - 1:30 pacer

Robert Stocklaufer is a 24 year old runner who recently qualified for the Boston marathon! He spent 6 years in the Army National Guard where he discovered running. That is when he made the decision to become the fastest runner for his units PT test which he accomplished by running 2 miles in 10:34. He now has a Marathon PR of 2:43:24 when he placed 2nd overall at Revel Rockies marathon in Colorado.

1:35 SmartPace Teams

Matt H. - 1:35 pacer

Matt has several pacing events under his belt and is excited to help with more races. Ultimately his passion for pacing is to help runners achieve their own goals and at the end of the race hear that those around him hit PRs and/or couldn't have finished that well if it wasn't for him. Lots of friends would describe him as inspiring and he wishes to help each runner with words of encouragement and advice before, during, and after the race. Matt started running with high school football and track but didn't really become committed to endurance running until the past couple years and has fallen in love with running and being a part of the running community. Matt is convinced that pace groups add a huge benefit for people to reach their goals and is looking forward to sharing laughs and encouragement with you each mile of the race.

Ryan H. - 1:35 pacer

Ryan took up running again in 2018 after a several year hiatus due to family obligations and injuries. In just the last couple years he's made up for his time off by running 3 marathons and over a dozen half's, not to mention numerous 10 and 5ks and a couple duathlons. He enjoys running with friends and challenging himself to beat them (despite most being several years younger). His goal is to qualify for Boston in the next couple years. Ryan always enjoys helping others and thought pacing was just another opportunity to do so and still get some miles in.

1:40 SmartPace Teams

Stephen L. - 1:40 pacer

Stephen picked up running in late 2010 after realizing that two little curtain climbers needed their dad to be able to romp and play instead of sitting on the couch eating potato chips. Inspired by his brother who had also achieved great health results via running, he trained and completed his first 10k at the TLC Groundhog in January 2011. Since then he has run 5ks, 10ks, 10 mile trail, 20 mile trail, 50K trail, 44 miler at Brew2Brew multiple times, The Hawk 50 mile trail race, a dozen or so full marathons, countless half marathons, sprint and international distance triathlon along with an ironman distance in 2014. His first marathon was the MO Cowbell in St. Charles, MO. The social and all inclusive aspect of running and multi-sport is what keeps Stephen going. Stephen has completed all 6 World Majors Marathons and loves to help others with marathon and half marathon pacing more than anything.

Kenny M. - 1:40 pacer

Kenny began running in high school, competing in both cross-country and track, as an alternative to playing football. He has been a runner ever since. Kenny ran at Northwest Missouri State University (Go Bearcats!!), before being sidelined by injury. After college, Kenny began running again to stay active, and to get in better shape. He has run over 500 races to date, including 68 marathons (PR of 2:50), and over 125 half marathons (PR of 1:20). Kenny believes the biggest mistake people can make is starting off too fast. He is looking forward to sharing his passion for running with others and helping them and encouraging them to reach their running goals. Through his high energy and motivation, Kenny is confident he can help you achieve your goal time. What does he enjoy about running? Helping people in reaching their goals, being active, and the camaraderie and atmosphere in the running community. Also, running allows him to eat lots of Peanut M&Ms (it's a mild addiction...ha) without too much guilt.

1:45 SmartPace Teams

Matt O. - 1:45 pacer

Matt started running cross country in high school after getting cut from the soccer team, and quickly fell in love with distance running. The camaraderie of group runs, the calm of a long solo run, and the thrill of racing are all integral parts of Matt's life. Matt has been a distance runner for 25 years, building up from 5k's to marathons and a couple ultras (not too many of those though!) Matt has completed over 90 half marathons and close to 80 marathons, and has paced over three dozen events. He is looking forward to helping people meet their goals as a pacer!

Sybil O. - 1:45 pacer

The greatest loves of Sybil’s life will always be her husband and their three children, but running is a very close second. She took up running while finishing her education degree at the University of Kansas. She had never run before, but needed a healthy outlet. After a friend convinced her to run a half marathon in 2008, she was hooked. She has been training and racing ever since. Sybil has run countless races of all distances, including the Boston marathon four times. She is excited to train with her running group, KC Endurance, for her 5th time at Boston in April 2024. Sybil can’t wait to help other runners achieve their goals out on the course!

1:50 SmartPace Teams

Stephanie M. - 1:50 pacer

Stephanie started running for fun and as a way to keep in shape in between weekend soccer games. She signed up for her first half in 2012, and became hooked on distance running. She has run everything from a 5k to a 50k. She enjoys recovery runs with her dachshunds Riley and Norman. She has ran 44 (and counting)full marathons to date, including 7 consecutive Boston Marathons! She looks forward to helping people meet personal running goals, while making the marathon experience a great one!

Chris C. - 1:50 pacer

Chris started running in 2012 as a way to be more active with his kids and lose weight. Since then - he has lost over 50lbs. Chris has run several marathons and countless half marathons and enjoys the friends he continues to meet along the way. The running community is a very close group, and Chris says it's fun to travel across country and run into people he's run with previously.

1:55 SmartPace Teams

Spencer T. - 1:55 pacer

Spencer has been an active runner for the past four years since he finished college. He was a cross-country and track runner in high school and primarily focuses on half-marathon distances now. Spencer enjoys challenging himself on distance runs and is passionate about helping others get into the sport. He believes that running is good for both the body and mind, and has been a great stress outlet for him.

Cory S. - 1:55 pacer

Cory began running seriously in 2010 when he was introduced to triathlons. First a sprint, then olympic, then half Ironman and eventually the full Ironman. Sprinkle in some half and full marathons, and running has become a rhythm of life; including a weekly early Sunday morning run of 10+ miles. His running highlight was being able to run the final 10 miles of IMFL (2021) with his daughter (who was 21 at the time) and crossing the finish line together. He now desires to be a source of encouragement and inspiration for others in reaching their goals. We can do this! Let's go!!

2:00 SmartPace Teams

Jeff M. - 2:00 pacer

Jeff ran through high school and college to cut weight for wrestling often running 30-50 miles per week. In 2009 he decided to focus on running completing his first half marathon and training for his first marathon. Jeff has completed 33 marathons, 4 50Ks and 1 100K. While striving for continuous improvement in his own running he has a passion for helping other runners achieve their goals.

Bren W. - 2:00 pacer

Bren runs for her physical and mental health, to strive to better herself every day, and to feel close to God. After beating stage 3 breast cancer, running reminds her that she is more than alive, she is grateful for every step! As a New York City and Boston marathon qualifier, multiple Ironman finisher, USAT All American, with a marathon PR of 3:14, half marathon PR of 1:35, Bren's passion for running is infectious to all around her. She is eager to help you believe the impossible is possible, help motivate you to reach your goals and enjoy the journey!

2:05 SmartPace Teams

Shelly A. - 2:05 pacer

Shelly entered her first race in 2018 after being inspired by a coach in a group fitness class and about halfway through a 115-pound weight loss. She has raced competitively since 2019, running her best times with SmartPace Teams. Shelly has completed about 25 marathons, including all the World Majors and about 40 half marathons. She enjoys the friendship and support that the Kansas City running community provides. Shelly's goal for the runners in her pace group is to help them forget they are doing something hard for at least the first part of the race, to conserve energy. Then when it's time, encourage them to turn it up and finish really strong!

Dawna G. - 2:05 pacer

Dawña started running over 25 years ago to get in shape. She signed up to run her first marathon in January of 2003 and was hooked. She is currently training for her 43rd marathon (and 30th state.) She ran her first and only (so far) 50 mile race in March of 2021 and her first 50K in April of 2022. She is looking forward to running with you and helping you get to the finish line!

2:10 SmartPace Teams

Evan B. - 2:10 pacer

Evan began distance running in 2010 when he started training for his first half marathon. Since then, he has completed 2 full marathons and countless halves. Evan finds pacing to be extremely rewarding and is hoping to deliver a great experience for those aiming to finish very close to their time goals.

Andrea W. - 2:10 pacer

Andrea started running to stay in shape after high school. She started meeting up to run with other mom's of young kids after her youngest was born. Those friends encouraged her to sign up for races. She did her first half marathon in 2003 and first full in 2004. Since then, she has completed numerous half marathons and 22 full marathons including Boston! She hopes to help others share in the joy of setting and achieving their running goals through pacing!

2:15 SmartPace Teams

Molly R. - 2:15 pacer

Molly started running shortly after moving to KC. She has now completed numerous half-marathons, and enjoys running on Saturday mornings with Runner's Edge. Molly uses the Smart Pace Strategy, which allows her to finish racing feeling strong and with some "kick" left! She looks forward to encouraging and helping the running community accomplish their personal goals! Molly has helped friends achieve PRs during races and has encouraged friends/family all the way to the top of numerous 14ers in Colorado! She can't wait to cross the finish line with you.

Becki T. - 2:15 pacer

Becki is a passionate runner who loves sharing her joy in the sport with others. As a mom of 6 kiddos she often tells people, "If I can do it, you absolutely can!" Becki will encourage and motivate you to get that desired time, pushing you through the discomfort and reminding you that this is what you've trained for!

2:20 SmartPace Teams

Mindi F. - 2:20 pacer

Mindi started running as an adult for exercise but started adding some distance in 2013 with her first half marathon. Since then she has run several half marathons and 7 full marathons. She enjoys meeting running friends for early morning miles or taking her black lab out for some miles. She is married to a marathon runner and has two energetic boys who play sports. Her family motivates her to stay active. Pacing gives her an opportunity to give back to the running community where she’s found inspiration throughout the years.

Trenton P. - 2:20 pacer

Trenton is an active duty Army recruiter who found a passion for running about 8 years ago. Since becoming a recruiter he has ran 2 full marathons (with another in the future) and 8 Half Marathons ranging from 1:56-2:06. He typically runs 30-40 miles a week and wants to run an Ultra for his Birthday next February.

2:25 SmartPace Teams

Sara A. - 2:25 pacer

Sara has mastered running and talking at the same time through her routine early morning runs with friends. She has run over 75 half marathons starting 22 years ago. Her most memorable race has been the Hood to Coast relay in Oregon. Sara enjoys the challenge of half marathons without the intense training of a full marathon. Her favorite races are those running with her daughter. Sara's tip today is to stick with the pacing splits for the first few miles, and then you can plow forward later to beat the pacer. It is always tempting to surge forward at the start of the race. Sara is looking forward to helping you reach your race goal and to enjoy the experience along the way.

Libby W. - 2:25 pacer

Libby was a competitive gymnast growing up and thrived on the structure and pain of sports. She wanted to get back into another sport once the time consuming medical school and residency were completed, so she decided to start running. She then went on to get involved in triathlon, now having completed 10 Ironman 70.3 events, including the 2018 World Championships in South Africa, one full Ironman, 5 marathons, nearly 50 half marathons, and countless 5K and 10Ks. Her current goal is complete the 6 World Major Marathons (3 down, 3 to go!). She loves cheering on others and never takes running or herself too seriously. She is honored to run alongside fellow athletes as a pacer to help them reach their goals just as others have done for her!

2:30 SmartPace Teams

Aron M. - 2:30 pacer

Aron started running several years ago lose weight and stay healthy. Did his first half and it went from there completing over 60 half marathons, 7 marathons, and 9 Ultra marathons. The distance is what drives. Pacing is a great opportunity to return the help he got over the years from more experienced runners. Cant wait to see you out there and hep you get a PR!

Hien Frances T. - 2:30 pacer

Hien Frances starts running late more like in her adulthood, to be honest. She started running a few years back to stay in shape and be active. She signed up for her first 5k and loved it. She has been running numerous 5k, 10k and handful halfs and couple marathons. She believed in RUNNERS HELPING RUNNERs She is new to pacing and excited to help runner to achieve their running goal and have a good time on the course.

2:35 SmartPace Teams

Scott B. - 2:35 pacer

Scott started running again at the young age of 41 just to lose a few pounds and be in better health. Joined a local running club and after a few years of a mile here and a mile there he decided to try his first marathon in spring of 2014 and has been hooked since. Two years since the spring of 2014 he has completed many marathons and 70+ half marathons. His favorite thing about running is the camaraderie that runners share and helping others achieve their goals whether it be a first race, a PR or just enjoying a run with good company.

Ray C. - 2:35 pacer

Ray started running at the age of 30 to lose a few pounds and be in better health. After a year of a mile here and there he decided to sign up for his first race, a half marathon, and has been hooked ever since. He has completed several half marathons and will complete his first marathon this fall. His favorite thing about running is the camaraderie between runners and how helpful they are with each other in order to achieve their goals. He is looking forward to helping you achieve your goals, whether that be completing your first race, setting a new PR, or just enjoying a run with good company.

2:40 SmartPace Teams

Shekita R. - 2:40 pacer

Shekita started running in 2013 after a friend invited her to run in a local "Diva" 5K event. To date, she has completed numerous 5Ks/10Ks, over 20 half marathons and three marathons. Shekita's initial running experience ignited a strong passion and appreciation of the sport. Her positive experience using Pacers, during her first marathon, planted a seed to one day help others on their fitness journey. She genuinely enjoys observing spirited expressions as runners cross the finish line and is excited to cheer with you as you cross the line of SUCCESS!

Rebecca R. - 2:40 pacer

Rebecca started running to stay in shape for tennis and found a love for running ever since. Though setting a certain pace is important, she also just enjoys the experience of meeting people while running and getting to know them.Rebecca has ran over 21 marathons and can’t remember how many half’s!

2:45 SmartPace Teams

Katie A. - 2:45 pacer

Katie started running in summer of 2019 when her son was 2 and she had just gone through a divorce. She felt like she needed to have hobbies and to find herself again and running was the saving grace! She completed her first half marathon Fall 2019 during the KC Marathon running with the 2:40 pacers. 2 years later, she had her first pacing role, coming full circle and pacing the 2:40 half marathon group at the KC Marathon. No challenge is too small for Katie as she has taken on a 50k, as well as the Disney World Dopey Challenge (5k, 10k, Half, Full in 4 days) and The Princess Challenge (5k, 10k, half). She is currently training for her 6th marathon!

Payton M. - 2:45 pacer

Payton has been running for over 10 years, with experience ranging from 5Ks to full marathons. Over the years, Payton has embraced every aspect of running, from personal training to pacing others in their races. As a seasoned runner, Payton knows the importance of staying consistent, maintaining a positive mindset, and supporting fellow runners to achieve their goals. As a pacer for this race, Payton plans to set a steady, encouraging rhythm and provide motivation every step of the way. Whether it’s offering helpful tips, uplifting words, or leading by example, Payton is dedicated to helping runners cross the finish line with confidence. Expect a mix of focus, fun, and unwavering support as Payton brings energy and expertise to the course.

2:50 SmartPace Teams

Laura B. - 2:50 pacer

Laura's first 5k was in 2010 and then first half marathon in 2012. Since then she has completed 50+ Half Marathons and another 20+ 5k/10ks. She loves the post-run feeling after every race and getting to experience that feeling with first timers makes it even better! Laura has paced many friends to a successful finish and enjoys the full race experience. Steady pace, walk through each aid station, joking and smiling are all part of pacing with Laura. Laura knows we are all stronger than we think and gently encourages everyone to keep moving forward. "You can do it!"

Kim C. - 2:50 pacer

Kim started running to lose the "baby weight" after her youngest turned 2. She fell in love with running, especially the half-marathon when she completed her first half (The KCM Half) in October of 2012. She enjoyed the race experience so much that she completed her second half just 4 weeks later. Since starting, Kim has completed 71 half marathons and over 50 5K & 10K runs and is a member of Half Fanatics. Kim's goal is to run to have fun and enjoy the journey.

2:55 SmartPace Teams

Bethany L. - 2:55 pacer

Bethany has been running since 2018. She decided to sign up for a 5k for a good cause, did some minor training, and completed it without walking. Considering she couldn't run a quarter mile before this small training, this was huge progress. This launched her into her distance running journey. If others could set big goals and run fun races, then so could she. Since then, Bethany has run numerous 5k, 10k, half marathons, random distance races along with her first full marathon back in November 2023. She has had wonderful family and friends along her journey that have encouraged her to be better, train smarter, and dream big. One of those dreams was becoming a pacer. She never imagined herself becoming a pacer but being the encourager and goal setter she is, this seemed like the perfect fit. She loved being able to jump in, cheer on, and help new friends meet their goals.

3:00 SmartPace Teams

Jessica L. - 3:00 pacer

Jessica started running in 2008 after her second son was born. She always admired runners but wasn't sure if she had what it takes. She quickly found out that you don't have to be an expert to put on those running shoes and just give it a try. Starting out with running 10 seconds at a time then walking and building up to running 30 seconds and then minutes, she was on her way to train for her first half marathon. "That experience of crossing the finish line makes you feel like you are on top of the world and can accomplish anything!" She has now ran over 25 half marathons and completed her 5th marathon in 2019. Jessica's passion for running has turned in to a way of life where she says "Running is good for the body, mind and soul". She looks forward to helping others reach their goals as they cross finish line together.

Penny T. - 3:00 pacer

Penny's started out as a race volunteer turned runner in 2011. Penny got more serious with running in 2016 and has run over 30 marathons, as well as three 50k and two 50 milers. She has also completed over 135 half marathons, pacing over 30 races. She loves talking running/races and looks forward encouraging others to help reach their goals using the run/walk intervals Galloway method.

3:10 SmartPace Teams

Layne W. - 3:10 pacer

Layne starting running in 2011, and over time has made it more and more important in her life. Her goals have (slightly) altered from being a full time photographer into getting her personal training certification because she wants to motivate others towards their health goals. Pacing is fun for Layne, and she is excited to jump in with both feet and help her runners cross the finish line happy and injury free! She wants you to sit back and not worry about time. You can depend fully on Layne to get you where you need to be. Layne likes to have fun, so feel free to tell her crazy stories or jokes. You'll have a lot of time together, so get comfy! Half Fanatic #5369

The Garmin SmartPacing Team

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SmartPacing is organized by The Runners's Edge in Kansas City and The Runners's Edge of the Rockies in Denver, with support from Races2Remember.com.