Road racing is popular for athletes of all skill levels in Wichita, Kansas. Throughout the year, numerous 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon events are held around the city and surrounding areas. Anyone interested in lacing up their running shoes and tackling a new distance must check the race rosters and plan.
Upcoming Spring Races
The spring season brings warmer weather and melting snow, making it an ideal time for longer training runs and goal races. Here are a few noteworthy upcoming races in the Wichita area with their race rosters:
Rose Hill 5K/10K – March 15th
This annual race takes place on trails winding through scenic Rose Hill Park. The course features rolling hills and woodland scenery, perfect for the start of the running season. The 10K race cap at 300 participants, while the 5K has an unlimited roster size. Registration is open through March 10th, and the roster already shows strong interest from the local running community.
Wichita Riverfest Half Marathon – May 17th
One of Kansas’s premier half marathon events, the Riverfest race follows a fast and relatively flat course along the Arkansas River. The race roster caps at 5000 participants, and registration spots fill up quickly each year. At the time of writing, places are still available in all age divisions for the 2020 edition. This is a good goal race for those ramping up spring half marathon training.
Wichita Marathon – May 31st
For those wanting to take on the full 26.2-mile distance, the Wichita Marathon in late May offers a well-organized and low-key first marathon experience. The race roster allows a maximum of 2500 participants, and additional entries are accepted based on anticipated no-shows. Several age group awards are up for grabs to incentivize goal-setting and competition. Check the roster soon if you are interested in guaranteeing a bib for this year’s race.
Summer Races
The hot summer months provide fewer opportunities for large-scale organized races in Wichita. However, some quality, low-key options remain to maintain training momentum.
Cheney Lake Triathlon – July 18th
For multisport athletes, this triathlon, held at scenic Cheney Lake State Park, offers a sprint distance of 0.5K swim, 15K bike, and 5K run. The event caps around 200 participants, split between individuals and relay teams. As a more minor, low-key event, spots tend to fill within 2-3 months of registration opening in April. Check the current roster if you are interested in competing this July.
Maize Half Marathon & 5K – August 15th
Held in the rural outskirts of Maize, Kansas, this late summer half marathon and 5K offers a scenic point-to-point course through farmland and rolling countryside. With a small roster cap of 300 participants, it appeals to low-key runners looking to avoid July’s extreme heat. Spots will likely sell out within a month, so sign up early if the relaxed rural vibe appeals.
Fall Racing Options
The milder temperatures of fall make it an ideal season for marathons and more extended-distance training. Here are a few top fall races in the area to consider:
Air Capital Marathon & Half – October 4th
One of the largest marathons in Kansas, the Air Capital event attracts around 5,000 participants annually across the full and half marathon distances. As a Boston Marathon qualifier, it attracts severe runners across the region. The 2020 rosters remain open, but registration will cap around mid-September.
Oaktoberfest 5K – October 10th
A family-friendly and low-key 5K held annually in Newton, Kansas, the Oaktoberfest 5K draws around 300 participants annually. Proceeds support local charities, and the brisk fall scenery throughout the town provides an enjoyable toe-dipping distance for those taking a break after marathon training. Spots remain open as registration is still in the early stages.
Kansas Marathon – November 1st
The Kansas Marathon in Lawrence, with 1500 participants across the full and half marathon distances, is a great goal race for late fall marathoners. Featuring a fast and relatively flat course, it also serves as a Boston Marathon qualifying event. Rosters typically reach capacity by mid-September, so check soon if you’re interested in locking in a fall marathon.
Conclusion
As demonstrated above, the Wichita running community enjoys various racing opportunities year-round. Checking race rosters early allows runners to secure preferred distances and avoid missing registration deadlines as spots fill up. With proper training, any of these local races provide achievable goals for runners of all abilities to test their progress.
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