By Roger McKinney

rmckinney@joplinglobe.com

COLUMBUS, Kan. — The Cherokee County commissioners on Monday expressed disappointment that none of the planned Mother Road Marathon in the county would be on sections of the original Route 66.

They nonetheless said they support the project, which is expected to attract tourism.

Vince Lindstrom, director of the Joplin (Mo.) Convention and Visitors Bureau, presented information about the marathon being planned for October 2010 from Miami, Okla., to Joplin.

Lindstrom said half of the marathon would be through Cherokee County, but it would bypass sections of old Route 66 between Baxter Springs and Riverton and from Galena to the Missouri state line.

“We’re really hoping to have an international event,” Lindstrom said. “We will need your cooperation. Your blessing is really going to help.”

Commissioner Pat Collins was the first to express disappointment.

“I’m just curious as to why you’re not using the old road.” Collins said. “I can’t believe you’re not using the old highway.”

Lindstrom and Bill Hoover, who is on the marathon planning committee, said that in order for the route to be exactly 26.2 miles, and start in Miami and end at the Joplin Athletic Complex, the route had to stick primarily to the main highways.

They said the marathon would be entirely on the old route, until it arrives in Kansas.

Commissioner Jack Garner said the historic Rainbow Bridge, along old Route 66 north of Baxter Springs, would be ideal for the marathon route.

“I figured the bridge would be highlighted,” Garner said.

Collins said that despite the panel’s disappointment, the route doesn’t create a deal-breaker for the commission.

“We’ll look forward to seeing it take place,” Collins said. “I’d sure like to see it run down the old road. I think this is the beginning of something big.”