Joplin to end marathon due to lack of interest

JOPLIN, Mo. -- It's the end of the road for the Mother Road Marathon.

Citing increased costs and declining participation, the Joplin City Council on Monday voted to end the marathon, whose route included a stretch of Route 66.

Only 572 people participated in the event this October, with most running the half-marathon and 5k run. That was 200 fewer than last year and 69 fewer than 2011. The first Mother Road Marathon in 2011 drew 1,657 runners, said Patrick Tuttle, director of the Joplin Convention and Visitors Bureau. He said runners this year represented 26 states and there was one couple from the Netherlands.

The event was promoted as the only marathon through sections of three states -- Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma -- and as a challenge course because of its 219-foot incline in elevation from Commerce, Okla., to Joplin, The Joplin Globe reported.

Councilman Mike Woolston said the event cost more than $70,000 this year and generated only $35,582 from entry fees.

"I think it's losing money and it's just not taking off," he said.

Tuttle said participation could improve if someone could promote the marathon at other marathon events but he and his staff have other duties. Council members said other organizations also face time and financial challenges.