Eisenhower Marathon
Abilene, KS
- Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
The Eisenhower Marathon returns this April. Join runners from across the country to run through the same territory cattlemen followed when bringing their herds to Abilene on the Chisholm Trail in the 1800s. Runners love this mostly flat and all paved course. Race begins and ends at the Eisenhower Presidential … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Apr 18):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 63 | 79 | 70 | 85 | 59 |
| L (°F) | 31 | 50 | 47 | 49 | 37 |
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A small-town race that run big on heart
I came to Abilene, Kansas chasing another step in my 50-state full marathon journey - and left with a deeper appreciation for small-town races that run big on heart. The … MORE
I came to Abilene, Kansas chasing another step in my 50-state full marathon journey – and left with a deeper appreciation for small-town races that run big on heart.
The race was flat, fast, and friendly. The course took us through quiet country roads, open skies, and the kind of calm that forces you to focus inward – just your footsteps, your breath, and the occasional cow watching from the field.
The weather played along: cool and crisp, perfect for long miles. Aid stations were simple but consistent, and the volunteers were kind-hearted Kansans who made you feel like family. It was kind of race where everyone cheers for everyone. And in those final miles, when the body starts fading, that matters more than you think. Loved KS – On to the next state!
Nice Surprise for a Small-Town Race!
This will go down as one of my all-time favorite races! Registration price was reasonable. Communication and social media post were good. I flew into Wichita, and it was about … MORE
This will go down as one of my all-time favorite races! Registration price was reasonable. Communication and social media post were good. I flew into Wichita, and it was about a 1 and a half drive to Abilene. Packet pickup was easy – no expo – and I stayed at a new Holdiay Inn about 2 miles from the start. The start of the race was very low key and there were pacers even at my slow pace. (I was so grateful for that). The course was nice and flat – It looped (twice through a park) and that was ok. The volunteers were amazing. Such a friendly little town. The finish included of course a medal and a big box of Valentine candy! the shirt was great too. Overall, this was a great choice for me for Kansas! Well done organizers!
Flat flat flat
This small-town half marathon by the Eisenhower Presidential Library. It's a smaller race with probably no more than a few hundred people but the course is remarkably flat and should … MORE
This small-town half marathon by the Eisenhower Presidential Library. It’s a smaller race with probably no more than a few hundred people but the course is remarkably flat and should not be ignored. The race leaves downtown and heads out to a local park, where a couple of laps through the park add on miles before returning back to the start. The course is incredibly flat and is absolutely a PR-able course. Water stations were strawberry Gatorade (surprisingly good) and water, with GU and gummies at a few of them. One had mandarins, which I greatly appreciated. The volunteers were friendly and all of them seemed really excited to be there, not just phoning it in. A few places, people had sat up lawn chairs or were standing around cheering people by name, which wasn’t on the bib, so I guess they were looking up runners by bib number, which really showed how into it they were. Don’t expect the street lined with people, but what you do get is top-notch.
Turnout was high this year. High enough that they ran out of shirts and medals for the half marathon, so they said they’d send them by mail. I will come back and update swag and production once that gets rectified.
A great small race with a big time feel
I paced this one & organizer was fab. Easy course & the fierce wind never materialized. Dining is limited but it's a make it work moment. Great course support and … MORE
I paced this one & organizer was fab. Easy course & the fierce wind never materialized. Dining is limited but it’s a make it work moment. Great course support and finish line was excellent. Pancakes were waiting for me! I’d do this again. Visit the library too!
Awesome small town race
Great organized small town race. The water stops were plentiful. I was concerned about running along side a state hi-way, but they shut down one lane and used a pilot … MORE
Great organized small town race. The water stops were plentiful. I was concerned about running along side a state hi-way, but they shut down one lane and used a pilot car so never felt unsafe. The bling was amazing!!
Fun small town run
This was a great community event. Even the boy scouts passed out drinks. Scenery was better than I expected. It's cowboy country and residents were out on their horses cheering … MORE
This was a great community event. Even the boy scouts passed out drinks. Scenery was better than I expected. It’s cowboy country and residents were out on their horses cheering on runners. Fun small town event. I would do it again.
Would do it again
Prerace communications were great. There was a bib pickup but not really an expo as this is a small race. We had a 7:00 start which went off on time … MORE
Prerace communications were great. There was a bib pickup but not really an expo as this is a small race. We had a 7:00 start which went off on time and smoothly. For a small race there was an abundance of pacers. The race course was easy after the first lap. I would of liked more course markings if I was running alone. The RD does not like mile markers so we were watching our watches more than normal. The shirt and medal were themed to the race and I doubled this race with Lincoln Marathon. Race day was okay early but the heat and wind came in at the finish- Please note I took my time.
Small town race in Kansas
It's not the best known race in Kansas, but the small town atmosphere was a nice change. I chose this race because it was on a Saturday and I planned … MORE
It’s not the best known race in Kansas, but the small town atmosphere was a nice change. I chose this race because it was on a Saturday and I planned to run Lincoln the next day in Nebraska. It was only a 3 hour drive between the two and I was able to knock off two states in a weekend.
The course was an out and back which was mostly on roads, but also went through a park. It was part of the Chisholm trail. It wasn’t the most scenic race I’ve done, but the view was still nice and not monotonous. The road was closed to traffic which was nice. Overall, the course was mostly flat. There were a couple rollers in there just to mix it up.
Just over 100 finishers for the half. Not too many spectators, but the town was happy to have us there. Lots of yards and businesses had signs welcoming us.
Shirt has ok. I believe it was just a normal cotton t-shirt. Race medal was nice. It resembled the campaign buttons for Eisenhower which made it unique.
Overall, I enjoyed the area and the race.
Great small town race with awesome theme
Theme: This was a wonderful race in a small, Kansas town. Furthermore, with it being the hometown of Eisenhower, there's a great theme of "Ike" that "runs" through the shirts, … MORE
Theme: This was a wonderful race in a small, Kansas town. Furthermore, with it being the hometown of Eisenhower, there’s a great theme of “Ike” that “runs” through the shirts, medals, etc. The “I like Ike” finisher medals are easily one of my favorites! In addition, the race starts/finishes at the Eisenhower library/museum/home! Unfortunately, due to COVID, they were all closed in 2021, but in future years, it would be a great experience to enjoy post-race.
Course: As expected, the course is relatively flat. There are a few hills, but nothing major. I actually appreciated running OUT of town to enjoy the beauty of the fields of Kansas. Looping through the park was also a nice addition, especially to get some shade on a sunny day. I only have 2 “areas for improvement”: 1. There were no mile markers. In the days of GPS, it’s likely not necessary, but it’s nice to confirm where you are on the course. 2. Coming out of the park, there needs to be someone directing folks in the correct direction. (I saw a few folks turn to go back toward the start after their first loop…which was wrong) Otherwise, I really liked the course, as well as the timing mats at all of the turn arounds.
Overall, for his first year as RD, Steve Cathey did a great job! He was present at packet pick-up and made sure to go over the map with us. He also was very present on race day, which is a great sign. I saw him repeatedly go out on the course and run toward the finish with many of the last finishers. He clearly loves this race and has a passion for his community.
I highly recommend this Kansas race!
Sweet little race
Under new race direction this year, the size of this race was perfect for post-pandemic running. The double out and back was kind of tedious, but I read that the … MORE
Under new race direction this year, the size of this race was perfect for post-pandemic running.
The double out and back was kind of tedious, but I read that the course might change next year. I would love to see part of the race go through the actual town – up and down the beautiful (flat) roads with historic mansions to look at.
Abilene is a sweet little town and everyone (runners and volunteers) was friendly and cheerful. Had a great time.
Small town marathon in the heartland
This marathon was on a 13.1 mile course that was repeated twice. The course started at the Eisenhower Visitor's Center and was basically shaped like a three-leafed clover, with two … MORE
This marathon was on a 13.1 mile course that was repeated twice. The course started at the Eisenhower Visitor’s Center and was basically shaped like a three-leafed clover, with two of the leaves repeated for each round of the course. It was a little confusing, but there were course monitors that made sure we went the right way. The volunteers at the aid stations were very helpful, and there were course monitors riding horseback along the far end of the course, which was along the old Chisolm Trail. The medals were a play on the “I Like Ike” buttons which were very nice. They had food at the finish, but I skipped that part because of the need to shower before my late check out time from my motel. All in all it was an enjoyable weekend, and the organizers asked for feedback from the runners so they could continually improve the experience.
My favorite marathon
Very flat, very fast. I've ran this marathon 4 years in a row, and am getting ready to go back for a 5th year in a row. I've gotten a … MORE
Very flat, very fast. I’ve ran this marathon 4 years in a row, and am getting ready to go back for a 5th year in a row. I’ve gotten a new Masters PR every time I run it. I’ve BQ’ed the last 3 times I’ve run it. The weather is cool, but never too cold. It hasn’t gotten too hot, finish temps are usually low 60’s. It’s the best supported marathon I’ve run, with aid stations every mile. It’s small, but that means no long bathroom lines, and I was able to park about 50 yards from the start/finish line. It’s wide open, out in the country, so the air is clean and fresh. I didn’t think I would like the double out-and-back course, but now I LOVE it. We get to see all the other runners in the race, several times. Going back out on the course after the 13.1 turn around can be mentally tough, but that does’t last long when you see the other runners. Once you get to the 19.5 mile turn around, all you have to do is get home, and that doesn’t seem too daunting. And you get a nice gradual downslope at 23 miles, when your legs are killing, and by that time you can see the town, and know the finish is very close. At the finish line, it’s all you can eat pancakes and sausage!