Logistics: Closest major airport is in Wichita, but an easy 1h20m drive to Salina. Expo: Small, with friendly, local vendors. Not much swag, but that's what I expect for a … MORE
Logistics: Closest major airport is in Wichita, but an easy 1h20m drive to Salina.
Expo: Small, with friendly, local vendors. Not much swag, but that’s what I expect for a small race.
Hotels: They filled up fast and the cost was 2-3x what you would normally expect for Salina.
Race Day Parking: Many free parking lots available on the street next to race start. Very convenient.
Race Course: It’s a 2 loop course so you run next to the half-marathon finish line , and then do it again. Although I prefer a single loop or P2P courses, I don’t mind this format as you know exactly what to expect the second time around and can help mentally. The course is not too scenic, but I didn’t expect it to be. There is a small lake and a park that are the highlights or scenery, but otherwise there’s not much to look at. The roads vary from beat-up farm-to-market roads (watch your footing) , gravel, well-paved side roads. Even though there is not much to look at, the course was not boring as it had many different segments and few long straight-ways. I feel the RDs did the best they could for this town, but I’m told the city received funding for new park trails next year, so perhaps this course will only improve. There is only one major hill to speak of. It’s a decent steep hill but nothing to worry about. I’m used to running steep hills lately so the first time around, no problem, just slowed down a bit. But the second time around is at mile 20, and because I didn’t pace well on this race, I had to power walk it. The downhill after the uphill more than makes up for loss time.
Race Day was cool and cloudy (in the 50s) and really ideal for racing.
The longest straight stretch of road is the last quarter-half mile to the finish line. It is flat so you can see the finish line when you turn onto the street and it seems so close, but oh so far. For me, I had broken down the last 5 miles and was having a hard time sustaining a long jog. But once I got a glimpse of the finish line it motivated me to fast-jog it in that last bit (the best I could do).
The finish area, post-race party was great. After handing you a medal, they hand you a piece of chocolate pie. This was a first for me. And OMG, it hit the spot so well. They also had burgers, great hot dogs, chocolate milk, and other food choices. A band was playing.
Overall production was good. Plenty of aid stations and porto-potties, and enough volunteers.
For me, it’s good to keep small races like this in perspective. I love to run, and as long as the race provides the basic needs I am happy. They did a great job marketing this race on Facebook and as a result the number of participants ballooned this year. It was a bit crowded for about 8 miles, depending on your pace, of course. I fear that this race could get over-hyped and people expect more than it is. I have no complaints (besides my poor pacing), and would recommend this race for 50-staters.
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Small, well-organized race
Logistics: Closest major airport is in Wichita, but an easy 1h20m drive to Salina. Expo: Small, with friendly, local vendors. Not much swag, but that's what I expect for a … MORE
Logistics: Closest major airport is in Wichita, but an easy 1h20m drive to Salina.
Expo: Small, with friendly, local vendors. Not much swag, but that’s what I expect for a small race.
Hotels: They filled up fast and the cost was 2-3x what you would normally expect for Salina.
Race Day Parking: Many free parking lots available on the street next to race start. Very convenient.
Race Course: It’s a 2 loop course so you run next to the half-marathon finish line , and then do it again. Although I prefer a single loop or P2P courses, I don’t mind this format as you know exactly what to expect the second time around and can help mentally. The course is not too scenic, but I didn’t expect it to be. There is a small lake and a park that are the highlights or scenery, but otherwise there’s not much to look at. The roads vary from beat-up farm-to-market roads (watch your footing) , gravel, well-paved side roads. Even though there is not much to look at, the course was not boring as it had many different segments and few long straight-ways. I feel the RDs did the best they could for this town, but I’m told the city received funding for new park trails next year, so perhaps this course will only improve. There is only one major hill to speak of. It’s a decent steep hill but nothing to worry about. I’m used to running steep hills lately so the first time around, no problem, just slowed down a bit. But the second time around is at mile 20, and because I didn’t pace well on this race, I had to power walk it. The downhill after the uphill more than makes up for loss time.
Race Day was cool and cloudy (in the 50s) and really ideal for racing.
The longest straight stretch of road is the last quarter-half mile to the finish line. It is flat so you can see the finish line when you turn onto the street and it seems so close, but oh so far. For me, I had broken down the last 5 miles and was having a hard time sustaining a long jog. But once I got a glimpse of the finish line it motivated me to fast-jog it in that last bit (the best I could do).
The finish area, post-race party was great. After handing you a medal, they hand you a piece of chocolate pie. This was a first for me. And OMG, it hit the spot so well. They also had burgers, great hot dogs, chocolate milk, and other food choices. A band was playing.
Overall production was good. Plenty of aid stations and porto-potties, and enough volunteers.
For me, it’s good to keep small races like this in perspective. I love to run, and as long as the race provides the basic needs I am happy. They did a great job marketing this race on Facebook and as a result the number of participants ballooned this year. It was a bit crowded for about 8 miles, depending on your pace, of course. I fear that this race could get over-hyped and people expect more than it is. I have no complaints (besides my poor pacing), and would recommend this race for 50-staters.
Great price - great marathon
I came across this one and saw the entry fee was $5....yes, $5. I couldn't pass that up (and a few times it dropped down to free!). Plus, I have … MORE
I came across this one and saw the entry fee was $5….yes, $5. I couldn’t pass that up (and a few times it dropped down to free!). Plus, I have never been to Kansas before (or Oklahoma which I would have to drive through to get there) so that made it even better.
I found an inexpensive hotel only a few miles from the race start/finish so I was off. Race check-in/bib pick-up was easy and fast. I was set to start….but I slept pretty poorly. A headache kept interfering with me sleep and I finally woke up an hour early than I wanted almost throwing up. Luckily, I had packed my migraine meds and took those.
The race start was again pretty convenient – plenty of free parking. I waited inside near race day check-in and just leaned against the wall rubbing my head. This wasn’t going to be a lot of fun with my head but I was determined to try.
I lined up next to the 4:30 pacer but by the start had moved up to the 4:20 pacer. My only goal at this stage was to finish. But I ended up doing pretty well and was on 4:10 pace through mile 17. Then the wheels came off. I decided to walk/jog.
I really like how the course is a blend of asphalt and trail (most asphalt). Went through some nice parks. It was certainly flat – yes some ups & downs and one “hill” (you hit that twice) but certainly could be a p.r. course.
I came to the finish area, missed the turn for the finish chute which cost me/added a few more city blocks, but corrected myself and crossed the line a bit over 5 hours. I was happy with the finish, a new marathon or longer state for me (#12), and the medal.
Volunteers were great and a LOT of crowd support. I recommend this.
A fun, well put on race!
It was a very well put on race! I originally had some concerns as I ran this race in 2022 and it was a small, very well put on event! … MORE
It was a very well put on race! I originally had some concerns as I ran this race in 2022 and it was a small, very well put on event! I was concerned that with the massive growth in participants that occurred due to the awesome sponsoring of sign up costs (amazing!) that it would have some fast growing pains. I was pleasantly surprised that wasn’t the case at all!!! It was a very well put on race. My only negative would be they could use more port-a-pots, but that was it! The town of Salina was welcoming and has lots of art, great spectators! It was wonderful! I look forward to having the chance to run it next year!! I don’t want to miss it!
What a fabulous race very organizes
This is a walker/runner supported race beautiful city so hospitable. The finish line and expo was one of the best. The chocolate pie was the best after race snack ever. … MORE
This is a walker/runner supported race beautiful city so hospitable. The finish line and expo was one of the best. The chocolate pie was the best after race snack ever. Could have had more porta potty’s suggest you go before you show up.
Great race with great people
great communication with the runner and well organized, as a first-time half marathon runner the course was great and well-marked. I can see this being my first marathon in my … MORE
great communication with the runner and well organized, as a first-time half marathon runner the course was great and well-marked. I can see this being my first marathon in my future.
Proud to call this my hometown race
Amazing small town race but it’s growing in size very quickly. Very friendly, very organized, and the course was not hard. Only one hill. The course measured slightly long on … MORE
Amazing small town race but it’s growing in size very quickly. Very friendly, very organized, and the course was not hard. Only one hill. The course measured slightly long on most everyone’s GPS watch (13.3 and 26.6), but the race was so well organized and accommodating that the extra distance is no big deal. And it’s a good time of year for perfect racing weather. The race directors poured into this race and they care about making this race even better. No doubt it’s going to continue to get better each year.
Nice race with hometown feel
I ran this race because of a $5 promotional race fee. It seems that a lot of runners were attracted to Salina with this promotion. There were 1383 total half/full … MORE
I ran this race because of a $5 promotional race fee. It seems that a lot of runners were attracted to Salina with this promotion. There were 1383 total half/full runners in 2023 vs 407 in 2022.
The marathon is two loops of the half marathon course. The course winds around the countryside and downtown area. Some portions were on packed gravel which was actually a nice change. There are a lot of turns and a few loops and out and backs, it was nice to see other runners on the course. The volunteers and spectators were friendly.
Race day temps were perfect, 40’s and partly cloudy. The course is mostly flat with only one significant hill. The course did seem to measure slightly long, my Garmin was slightly ahead at each mile marker until mile 12. You make the last turn to the finish and it’s really far in the distance! My Garmin finished measuring 13.27 for the race. But the course is certified.
Race swag was a cotton t-shirt. The finisher medal is heavy duty. The age group awards for the top 3 (with 10 year age groups) were a little button that went on the ribbon of the finisher medal. The finish line party featured a live band. There were hot dogs, chocolate milk, and a slice of pie at the finish.
Salina itself is a nice town, the downtown is good sized (for a small town) with some decent restaurants and an ice cream shop. The BBQ at Hickory Hut just outside of the downtown area was pretty amazing! We stayed at a local Airbnb which was about 10 minutes outside of Salina and it had a nice quiet secluded countryside feel.
Overall, this is a nice race for those that want to run a race in Kansas. Race day logistics are easy, parking is plentiful and close to the start/finish. The only “issue” I saw was that there were a shortage of porta-potty’s at the start line. If you want other race swag, pre-order it. There is none for sale at the expo.
IT WAS GREAT!
SMALL RACE, BUT LOTS OF SUPPORT... AND FUN! I WAS VERY IMPRESSED!! I DIDN'T THINK IT WOULD BE AS AWESOME AS IT WAS!! I WILL DEFINITELY BE BACK! GREAT JOB!! MORE
SMALL RACE, BUT LOTS OF SUPPORT… AND FUN! I WAS VERY IMPRESSED!! I DIDN’T THINK IT WOULD BE AS AWESOME AS IT WAS!! I WILL DEFINITELY BE BACK! GREAT JOB!!
Great local race gone big!
I really enjoyed this race. Overall it couldn't have been better. I was one of the many who got the $5 registration. For $5 this race was bang for it's … MORE
I really enjoyed this race. Overall it couldn’t have been better. I was one of the many who got the $5 registration. For $5 this race was bang for it’s buck! The swag was good considering we got a shirt AND a medal. Way more than I was expecting. The aid stations were super well placed and well supplied. I usually go through a lot of water, carrying my own, and I still had some left at the end, a first for me! Overall I would 100% run this race again. Maybe next time I’ll attempt the full!
Nice race with great people
I was impressed with how well organized the race was and the support from the community. The finish line area was very well set up. This is definitely a possible … MORE
I was impressed with how well organized the race was and the support from the community. The finish line area was very well set up. This is definitely a possible one to do again.
Fun, friendly, well-run
This race was all-around a lot of fun! The race route was pretty easy and meandered through some scenic parks and green spaces with a finish down the historic main … MORE
This race was all-around a lot of fun! The race route was pretty easy and meandered through some scenic parks and green spaces with a finish down the historic main drag. The race organization was top-notch and there were volunteers all over the place. Don’t think I’ve ever felt so welcomed at a race before. Definitely looking forward to next year!
Fantastic Race
Overall, the race director and staff were great! The communication to all of the athletes was incredible. The race was well organized. The course was great even with the little … MORE
Overall, the race director and staff were great! The communication to all of the athletes was incredible. The race was well organized. The course was great even with the little bump in the course. Volunteers were out of this world and encouraging. I never once got lost or questioned if I was going to correct way. I will definitely be back to race next year!
Biggest in Kansas? Who knew?
This is a fun race, very very flat (I only climbed 10 flights worth of stairs over the entire thing), with a little bit of trail to mix things up. … MORE
This is a fun race, very very flat (I only climbed 10 flights worth of stairs over the entire thing), with a little bit of trail to mix things up. Well designed loop course (marathoners do 2). Pickup of my bib on the day of was easy peasy, parking was readily available, plenty of portas (and a flush or 2!). Lots of half bananas available at the plentiful aid stations. Not a ton of snack foods at the end, but the cider and beer were worth the $$. I just wish I could have hung around more, but like several other people chasing the 50 states, I booked out of there to do the Good Life Halfsy the next day in Nebraska.
Pretty town, great spectators and race
Course was nice with a couple of hills thrown in for fun. Run was through a pretty little town and parks. A lot of spectators and music, which I had … MORE
Course was nice with a couple of hills thrown in for fun. Run was through a pretty little town and parks. A lot of spectators and music, which I had not expected. Great aid stations. Course was well marked with plenty of volunteers. Plenty of parking. After I crossed the finish line, I was handed the best post race treat! It was a slice of chocolate cream pie. Omg! It was so good. The town is great, plenty of good restaurants. We stayed at a KOA campground only 9 minutes away to keep expenses down. We drove in from southern Colorado. I would definitely run this race again and next time probably run the marathon.
Well Organized race
Great organization. This race was well organized and well run. They were very informative throughout the entire time leading up to race day. Excellent crowd support throughout. Plenty of water … MORE
Great organization. This race was well organized and well run. They were very informative throughout the entire time leading up to race day. Excellent crowd support throughout. Plenty of water stops.
Most excellent Half Marathon
It was perfect day mid 40's with light breeze, very flat and fast course with outstanding support! I totally enjoyed this race for everything was excellent. MORE
It was perfect day mid 40’s with light breeze, very flat and fast course with outstanding support! I totally enjoyed this race for everything was excellent.
Great Race
The whole race was well organized from start to finish. The aid stations has more options than other races I’ve been to. Communication leading up to the race was great. … MORE
The whole race was well organized from start to finish. The aid stations has more options than other races I’ve been to. Communication leading up to the race was great.
The course is 99% flat but there is one decent hill to mix it up. I absolutely loved the kids run. My daughter loved it. I’d love to see this spread out over 2 days to have the option to also compete in a 5k.
LOVED this race!
This race was very well organized!! Loved all of the aid stations and options available! I enjoyed in having different terrains to run on too! I will definitely be back … MORE
This race was very well organized!! Loved all of the aid stations and options available! I enjoyed in having different terrains to run on too! I will definitely be back next year if not for the 1/2 again, for the FULL!!
I loved it and look forward to 2024!
This was my first race in many years and I enjoyed it. Everything was well planned, route was pretty, and morale was awesome! The location is just perfect for a … MORE
This was my first race in many years and I enjoyed it. Everything was well planned, route was pretty, and morale was awesome! The location is just perfect for a race. I loved that everyone got a medal, especially for the cost of the race. I think I paid $8 for my registration which the shirt alone is worth that. I appreciate all the staff/support and everyone who volunteered to make it happen.
Fun race!
I liked having half bananas available. It was easy to eat on the go. I liked cups of water and gatorade not filled too full. I'm sure I could have … MORE
I liked having half bananas available. It was easy to eat on the go. I liked cups of water and gatorade not filled too full. I’m sure I could have taken 2 if I needed the extra, but I don’t like to waste gatorade and it was too cool to pour water on myself. There were plenty of water stations and portapotties. Lots of fun signs and people cheering us on. After the race, I enjoyed a hot dog from Freddy’s (even though I’m not much of a hot dog fan), plenty of small bottles of water, chocolate milk, and PIE. Course was well marked and had people standing where we weren’t supposed to go. I was disappointed with my 3rd place “tie tack?”. How do I display it? I doubt I will wear it. Not a big deal, but I’ve had “medals” that I enjoy more. Small trophies, key chain, trivet. I enjoyed the music during and after the race. Massage looked very inviting, but I didn’t take time for it. It was a very fun race! Planning to return next year!