Salina Crossroads Marathon
Salina, KS
- Marathon, Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, Half Marathon Relay, 5K, Kids Run
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Small Place. Big Race. Salina Crossroads Marathon is a Boston Qualifier, featuring a flat, fast and scenic route that takes you through the sights of Salina, KS. Registration will be available Friday afternoon, followed by live music and a race bib raffle. On “Race Day” Saturday:– There will be an … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Nov 08):
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
| H (°F) | 50 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 75 |
| L (°F) | 46 | 44 | 54 | 47 | 58 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Rainy, Double Loop!!
I arrived in Salina Friday, the night before the race mentally and physically prepared to run in the rain or so I thought. I stayed somewhat close to the start/finish … MORE
I arrived in Salina Friday, the night before the race mentally and physically prepared to run in the rain or so I thought. I stayed somewhat close to the start/finish and ran in the rain to pickup my bib and then met with other runners from the running clubs I belong to for photos, which is always fun, stopped to use a potty, and I mention that because it was the only time I stopped for that purpose before and during the race. I know, I can’t believe my insides behaved that day! Soon after we were told to line up and then the race began!
The Salina Crossroads Marathon is a double looped course for the marathon and a single loop for the half as well as flat I was told. I tried not to think about that as I’m not particularly fond of flat races so when some hills appeared after mile 4 I was pleasantly surprised! Yes, I had neglected to look at the elevation profile for the race and that’s ok. Ignorance is sometimes bliss.
I’m really grateful that the race was not canceled because the rain was no joke. I have not ever in any other race where it has had rained not taken off my layers. I tried to stay warm and dry underneath but alas my running jacket was not waterproof. I was soaked before the end of the first loop as was everyone else. Everyone, everyone. I continued on and tried to keep pace with pacers from the 5:30, 5:45, and the 6h groups but I ultimately couldn’t keep up. The weather made me experience pain in places I don’t usually experience it. Even so I kept going, even though I dragged my feet at the end. And I met some cool people at the back of the pack and stayed at the finish until everyone was done. Thank you to the RDs, the amazing volunteers, people of Salina, and my fellow runners for an epic wet day!
Cold and Rainy Half
Very well organized and executed race. The runner's guide is available online and was also sent in pre-race emails. Very limited options for flying into Salina. Rental car company was … MORE
Very well organized and executed race. The runner’s guide is available online and was also sent in pre-race emails. Very limited options for flying into Salina. Rental car company was off-off site! Packet pickup at very small expo in the host hotel (Homewood Suites by Hilton) downtown, a few blocks from race start/finish. A few local vendors/businesses at expo with freebies. 2023 race shirts were available for purchase along with cowbells, magnets, and a few other items. Met one of the RDs, Daniel, at the expo. Cool dude. Got a pic with him while thanking him for putting on the race. Race morning was cold and rainy. Coupons were available at the expo for a discount at one of the local mom/pop Italian restaurant. Lots of free parking available around the downtown area close to the race start/finish line. The race directors kept a very close eye on the weather and sent out updates as it got closer to the start of the race. Nothing spectacular to see along the course except for a few murals here and there. Course was well marked. Noticeable, gradual incline around between miles 6 and 7 but otherwise it was a flat course. There were hydration stations along the course with sufficient volunteers despite the yucky weather. Felt great to finish and get my medal. A few photo ops at the finish line. While there wasn’t a place for runners to stay warm at the finish line, a few block over, the community center was open and bathrooms were available to dry off and change out of wet clothes. Lots of finish line food and drink available, including pie (first thing being handed out after the medal :] ) hot chocolate, hamburger and/or cheesesteak sliders, water, bananas, chips, and a lot more which I’m forgetting. Didn’t explore much due to the weather but drove around the downtown area and captured pics of the amazing murals. There are many talented artists in Salina and it’s great to see their work on display on buildings downtown. I captured 12 different murals and I’m sure there were a lot more.
Overall, I highly recommend this race. The cost of registration ($15 for the half marathon) is unbelievably low and you get so much for that price, including a nice quality finisher’s medal. You can pay an extra $20 for a race shirt. (I’ve paid more for other races and the medal looked bleeehhhhhh!) The RDs can’t control the weather but despite the weather, they did their best to ensure runners had a great experience.
Rain rain go away
Very good production, small town with the tiniest airport make sure to call the rental car company if your flight is late or cancelled as they don't open on the … MORE
Very good production, small town with the tiniest airport make sure to call the rental car company if your flight is late or cancelled as they don’t open on the weekends
Nice swag and post race food..post race food was awesome.
The people were super nice but this is a turn and burn type town unless you want to drive the hour east to visit the Oz museum.
Fantastic small town marathon!
Great small town race! Super affordable, only paid $35 (I believe there was a window where the cost was only $5). Parking was easy, check in was incredibly organized and … MORE
Great small town race! Super affordable, only paid $35 (I believe there was a window where the cost was only $5). Parking was easy, check in was incredibly organized and efficient. Expo was small, but very well organized with around 15 vendors. The volunteers were friendly, welcoming, and knowledgable. It rained the entire race, but the organizers were very thorough ahead of time with race communication (storms were forecasted). The marathon course is the half marathon course (ran 2x). However, despite the rain, there were plenty of aid stations for all 26.2 miles. Volunteers remained friendly and helpful for the entirety of the race. Crowd support was moderate to minimal at times, but was limited due to the rain. The race production was great, the post race party (even in the rain) was solid as well. If you’re looking for a PR, this is a good one. One tough hill, but other than that, super flat course. Local YMCA opened to allow runners to shower and change after the race (id and race bib required). Such a great race, for a great price. I will be back!
Horrible Weather but Do It Anyway
Salina was a small town race. The Expo small but the vendors sold the basics of what you might need. The weather forcast was horrible. Shout out to the RD … MORE
Salina was a small town race. The Expo small but the vendors sold the basics of what you might need. The weather forcast was horrible. Shout out to the RD for excellent communication and plenty of updates. We were gaven several options to drop down in race distance, take our chance to run or do the race virtually. Rain, cold, thunder and lightning was predicted. We donned our ponchos and chose to run. It was rainy, cold and windy the whole race but no lighting. In-spite the rain, the race started on time and all of the water/aid stations were manned. Plenty of port-o-lets on the course. We even had some crowd support via some of the neighbors. The course was on the road. It went through town, neighborhoods, and a park. There were a couple of wicked hills but do-able. After the race there was cheesecake, pastries and other food items offered. Because I was cold and wet I didn’t stay for the post race village activities.
I liked the way the RD handled everything. It was fun and I’d recommend it.
Extremely friendly & well run race
My friends and I all ran the full marathon. The course was advertised as 2 loops with "one hill" in it. However, on race day we discovered there were 2 … MORE
My friends and I all ran the full marathon. The course was advertised as 2 loops with “one hill” in it. However, on race day we discovered there were 2 equally significant hills! Not a hilly race, but turning that corner & finding another unexpected big hill was daunting! (I’m from the South Texas where we have no hills!) So set your expectations accordingly!
The weather was forecast to be terrible electric storms. Twenty minutes before the race the forecast still showed lightening from 9-1pm. However, God is good! It was a nice gently rain the entire race with no lightening at all. The race aid stations were fully stocked and staffed despite the rain. There were even many spectators braving the rain to cheer us on. Everyone was so friendly – even the other runners!
This was a great race. If you’re looking for a Kansas marathon, I highly recommend it.
Big race in a small town
A few of us ran this half as the first race of a double weekend, with the Yeti Endurance half being the second on Sunday. Salina is a small town … MORE
A few of us ran this half as the first race of a double weekend, with the Yeti Endurance half being the second on Sunday.
Salina is a small town but they offered up a HUGE welcome to the runners. Course support was great, with plenty of water stops and a surprisingly frequent offering of gels.
The prettiest part of the course was in the middle, going up, up, up a long hill to the country club. It was fun going back down. The rest of the course was pretty flat, running on the streets of the town and through a couple of parks.
The weather was rainy and miserable but they did have heaters in the start/finish area to gather around.
Many, many people were able to register for free, or only $5 as the race received a large grant. All 50 states and several countries were represented.
I would run this again (if I were local/close).
What a beautiful Kansas course!
The course was just beautiful! We ran through several parks and neighborhoods that were painted with the colors of autumn. Even though it rained for most of the day, there … MORE
The course was just beautiful! We ran through several parks and neighborhoods that were painted with the colors of autumn. Even though it rained for most of the day, there were so many spectators out cheering us on too! Fun signs, tons of food at the finish line, including sliders and pie!
Most Runner Friendly Marathon!
Highly recommend. This is by far the most runner friendly marathon of the 70 I have run. It is hard to believe that this marathon started in 2022, it has … MORE
Highly recommend. This is by far the most runner friendly marathon of the 70 I have run. It is hard to believe that this marathon started in 2022, it has the feel and execution of a well established event. Great communication from registration through lining up in the corrals, to include a very informative runners guide. Plenty of lodging and restaurant options in Salina with some funs things to do in Salina. Parking was close, I bet over 90% of participants were parked within ¼ mile of start/finish line, I arrived an hour early and was within 100 yards. Weather this year wasn’t optimal (rain with thunderstorms forecasted). Race director must have developed an ulcer over the decision to let us out on the course or he had better weather intel because I thought for sure we were in for some more severe rain with lightning about two hours into the run. Rained throughout and I think I heard thunder, but never saw any lightning flashes. Volunteers did a yeoman’s job of supporting the runners with smiles and cheers in less than ideal conditions. Fortunately, this was the first year of all paved race route because I saw some the previous trail section looked pretty sloppy with mud/puddles. Plentiful and well stocked aid stations (water/Gatorade, gels, fruit pickle juice). All this and there is pie at the finish line!
Small Town Big Fun
This race company is the best out there. This race is paid for by the sponsors so all proceeds go back to the community!! That's why they can sell tickets … MORE
This race company is the best out there. This race is paid for by the sponsors so all proceeds go back to the community!! That’s why they can sell tickets for $5 and $10 and give free race entries. They are great in working with you if you need to defer, transfer, change distance, etc. Race swag was a t-shirt but I also bought a blanket which is very nice, soft, and cozy. Lots of good eats after the race. It rained the whole time this year and the wonderful volunteers were still at the aid stations where there was plenty of water, gatorade, GU, bananas, pretzels.
Plenty of lodging in this town. We stayed an extra night and visited the Stormy Hill Museum to see what made Salina a town. We also stopped in The Garage and checked out the fun cars they had there. (They also have self serve beer). Take some time and explore the murals. It was so wet and rainy we didn’t see them all but they are amazing!
Good food and beer were had at Old Chicago Pizza and Blue Skye Brewery.
Where is Salina, KS? Find it and run it
Yep, lots of rain but didn't seem to dampen anyone's enthusiasm. Certainly, didn't expect to find such a low-cost marathon having an excellent course layout, such a great staff and … MORE
Yep, lots of rain but didn’t seem to dampen anyone’s enthusiasm. Certainly, didn’t expect to find such a low-cost marathon having an excellent course layout, such a great staff and so many supportive, smiling and very wet volunteers. This was my 68th marathon and I will put it as one of the top ten.
Smyles your not in TN anymore!!
This was a great race, I dropped down from 1/2 to 5k with ease. Everyone was nice from Race director to Volunteers. The 5k route took us on a nice … MORE
This was a great race, I dropped down from 1/2 to 5k with ease. Everyone was nice from Race director to Volunteers. The 5k route took us on a nice tour of the city, I saw beautiful murals and nice countryside. They take much pride in their city. They love BBQ there, it’s a big deal. I’m not a meat eater or I would have gotten some, I heard great things about their food, people loved it.
This is a race to run if you find yourself needing a race in Kansas.
Great Race.. Pleasantly Surprising
The Race is excellently organized and supported by the city. They are so well financially supported by sponsors, that the price of the race starts at $5 and 'goes up … MORE
The Race is excellently organized and supported by the city.
They are so well financially supported by sponsors, that the price of the race starts at $5 and ‘goes up to’ $7. Don’t let the price fool you.. it is better organized than most that charge over $100. The total registered was 5200 people in the 5K, Half, Half rely and full marathon. There were pacers and all the water stops were amazingly staffed and all had water, gatorade and GU with many volunteers and they stayed until the end…even in the rain and cold. I would recommend this race!
They say there is two hills in the middle of the course.
Salina punches well above weight class
Despite the sidewards rain this was a great course. Flat. Lots of food at the finish line and fire columns at the start to help battle the rain. It rained … MORE
Despite the sidewards rain this was a great course. Flat. Lots of food at the finish line and fire columns at the start to help battle the rain. It rained for most of it. We were cold, we were miserable, and we absolutely loved every moment of it.
The course elevation profile looked intimidating until you look at the y-axis. The one “big” hill on this course I ran up while wearing body armor, so don’t let it dissuade you from going. It’s not that big. It’s not that steep. It’ll slow you down, sure, but for the region it’s really tame. There’s free hot food at the finish to include free Philly-style sliders and other little burgers and BBQ. The medal is classy and super shiny and the tshirt was a very soft cotton. This race is a bit of a drive for me and I’m already saying I’m going to be there next year. Were it not for the rain this could have been a PR course easily and I’m already looking forward to signing up. This great little burger joint with multiple national recognition is right around the corner, so go to the Cozy Inn and get some sliders after. They were far better than that bland Castle place…
First Time Runner
Taking the rain out of the equation (it rained the entire time), this was a well organized half marathon. easy to get to packet pick up, the race directors were … MORE
Taking the rain out of the equation (it rained the entire time), this was a well organized half marathon. easy to get to packet pick up, the race directors were there and they did a great job of interacting with the participants.
On race day parking was easy, getting into the starting corrals was simple. we were missing a 2:00 pacers but we ran with the 4:00 full pacer, Kimberly, she was awesome keeping us going.
I wish we could have stuck around for the after party, but the rain drove us away.
Great rainy, cold, half!
The course this year ran counterclockwise around Salina, and avoided any dirt trails. Unfortunantly the rain and the cold temps were a battle. Rain was drizzling the first half, but … MORE
The course this year ran counterclockwise around Salina, and avoided any dirt trails. Unfortunantly the rain and the cold temps were a battle. Rain was drizzling the first half, but then after an hour it just increased the downpour. In spite of that the crowd support was great, good snack, and a very fun, cheap race. It is getting very popular each year growing in leaps and bounds!
That one hill!
The course is relatively flat until that one hill right in the middle! It's straight up for what felt like a quarter of a mile! Definitely a doozy! After that … MORE
The course is relatively flat until that one hill right in the middle! It’s straight up for what felt like a quarter of a mile! Definitely a doozy! After that ther is one steady incline but not terrible!
It rained the entire race so there were not a whole.lot of spectators but the ones that were there were phenominal! They had music, bells, signs, and encouraging words!
I would definately recommend!
My bib did not work but they say they are working on it! O well!
Great small-town race
The race directors go above and beyond for the runners. The volunteers were amazing - it rained the entire morning and everyone were still out there smiling for hours. Great … MORE
The race directors go above and beyond for the runners. The volunteers were amazing – it rained the entire morning and everyone were still out there smiling for hours. Great on course support with water and gatorade at every stop plus plenty of gels and other snacks. I thought the course was nice, mostly completely closed to traffic. One hilly area that last ~2 miles and the rest is super flat. Highly recommended!
Would come back to run full marathon
I was entered into this race for free, which is a huge bonus. For a free entry it is not shocking that there is a lack of swag, I still … MORE
I was entered into this race for free, which is a huge bonus. For a free entry it is not shocking that there is a lack of swag, I still got a race shirt and a nice medal at the end. Unfortunately the weather the morning of was not ideal, it was raining and around mile 8 it was pretty much a downpour. Even though the conditions were not great, all aid stations were well stocked with plenty of volunteers. They claim there is a “locally famous hill”, however there is definitely more than one hill. Not more than what I was used to, but I was not mentally prepared for that many hills, I thought it would be mainly flat. There were probably 4-5 hills total and 1 hill was pretty much a vertical climb. I wish there was a few more options for food post race and the ability to purchase extra race swag, but I understand when entry fees are $0-$5 I may not get some of those items. I would like to come back to run the full marathon.
Rainy Race Day
Salina Crossroads was a lot of fun. We made it just in time to pick up our packet the night before, it was quick and easy. They did a great … MORE
Salina Crossroads was a lot of fun. We made it just in time to pick up our packet the night before, it was quick and easy. They did a great job communicating about the weather the night before and the morning of the race. There wasn’t much crowd support, but that’s because it was 50 and rainy the entire time. The course was fun, simple, and clearly marked. There is one “main’ hill but it’s followed but a few uphill climbs – but the majority is flat. Pie at the finish line was awesome. The t-shirts and medals are nice.