TopCity Half Marathon
Topeka, KS
- Half Marathon, 5K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
The Top City Half Marathon & 5K aims to be a premiere event that enhances the health, wellness and culture of Topeka. The route takes you on the popular Shunga running trail, while also showcasing the neighborhoods of Kansas’ TopCity. Start at the majestic Kansas State Capital. Race into the … MORE
Local Historical Weather (May 02):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 65 | 66 | 72 | 69 | 61 |
| L (°F) | 36 | 50 | 58 | 40 | 50 |
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Lackluster Race
The only saving grace to this race is the fact that it offered a double state race paired with Lincoln Marathon. So there was a nice medal for completed both … MORE
The only saving grace to this race is the fact that it offered a double state race paired with Lincoln Marathon. So there was a nice medal for completed both races over the weekend.
A simple loop race which features some streets but mostly ran against a small bike/walk trail. What knocks this race down considerably is there were NO mile markers at all. Also race support is limited as there were many spots where one could get lost. there were small arrows painted on the ground for general directions, but that’s not enough as you should have someone directed at each turn. Mile markers should be required for any race.
Great little Half with big support
This course is essentially a lollipop out and back with a detour in the middle for one section. It's primarily in neighborhoods and park trails (concrete) and has a nice … MORE
This course is essentially a lollipop out and back with a detour in the middle for one section. It’s primarily in neighborhoods and park trails (concrete) and has a nice mix of both. You start out downtown however and the first mile and a half or so includes a run around the Capitol grounds and under one of the wings. It’s a really nice touch.
The aid station volunteers were super friendly and kept the energy flowing. Save some in the tank for the end though, because the last stretch is a push uphill to the finish line. The shirt was a nice cotton T and the medal is a hefty slider medal this year. Both are well designed.
BBQ sandwiches are ready at the end for those who would partake and this race is very back of the pack friendly. Parking is amazing. I was parked maybe 100 feet from the finish line and it is abundant (and free) downtown.
Another big plus, TopCity is now part of a Flyover Challenge with Lincoln, NE, so here’s an opportunity to ear an extra medal in the same weekend.
Nice Small Race in Topeka
The TopCity Half is a pleasant little race in a friendly town. It is well organized and staffed by friendly volunteers. The course is mostly flat with a few small … MORE
The TopCity Half is a pleasant little race in a friendly town. It is well organized and staffed by friendly volunteers. The course is mostly flat with a few small ups and downs as you run under several streets along the bikepath. The end of the race is the hardest part… the course makes runners run uphill (about 1/3 of a mile) to the finish line. (It’s not a huge hill, but the fact that it comes after almost 13 miles of running makes it more challenging!) In my opinion, there were two things that could improve this race: 1) visible mile markers at every mile, and 2) Organizers should open the gates around the Capitol Building so that runners do not have to funnel through the tiny gap in the gate.
A fun race with a small town feel!
Gentle course, most of it through a park on paved bike paths, no traffic, well marked, plenty of course marshalls, h20, gatorade and fuel on the course. Well organized, very … MORE
Gentle course, most of it through a park on paved bike paths, no traffic, well marked, plenty of course marshalls, h20, gatorade and fuel on the course. Well organized, very nice people, small race with a “big feel.” Uphill finish. Course was exactly as described. Great post race support, medals, awards and Top City beer glassses for top in age groups. Would highly recommend if you need or want a half in Kansas or are running the 50 states.
Great "small town" race.
I've raced in far smaller places than Topeka but this is part of the Hometown Half series of smaller town races. It punches well above its weight class. I am … MORE
I’ve raced in far smaller places than Topeka but this is part of the Hometown Half series of smaller town races. It punches well above its weight class. I am still recovering from an injury so my performance was garbage, but I look forward to going back to what I think could be a PR course.
Parking is abundant and surrounds the start/finish line with a few vendors out there with beer and BBQ pork sandwiches, neither of which I partake in, but the brickyard location was nice. The course was primarily secondary roads through neighborhoods and a little bit of paved trail thrown in. Running by/under the capitol in the last mile or so was a really nice touch, and you see many of the small-town shopping areas with mom and pop stores that I wish I’d had time to explore.
The medal was amazing, a nice heavy square with the capitol building and race name on it, and a map of the course (and out-and-back lollipop) highlighted on the medal. I actually think that’s a great idea that I wish more medals had. The tshirt was heavy cotton and nicely designed. I got to sit in my car 20 feet from the finish line and wait for my friends to finish, which cannot be overstated what a great experience that is.
I hated that I wasn’t at 100% but I will 100% be back next year to give this race another shot.
Easy Pace, Nice Scenery
If you’re looking for a first time Half Marathon, this would be a good fit. Course is relatively flat with a few minor hills tossed in for good measure. The … MORE
If you’re looking for a first time Half Marathon, this would be a good fit. Course is relatively flat with a few minor hills tossed in for good measure. The biggest hill was up to the finish line. Scenery was wonderful through downtown Topeka and several beautiful residential. This half marathon could easily provide you with your personal best. The start & finish line was at Evergy Plaza which provided plenty, plenty of space to gather with friends, stretch , and cool down after the run.
We'll orchestrated, well supported.
Super friendly, gracious and helpful support. Nice location for start and finish. Great support. Easy course, through parks. Small race. But they did a great job maling everyone feel like … MORE
Super friendly, gracious and helpful support. Nice location for start and finish. Great support. Easy course, through parks. Small race. But they did a great job maling everyone feel like a hero. A good pick for Kansas.