From Salina to Olathe to Wichita to Overland Park to Ottawa, and more.
The landscape of Kansas offers diverse running experiences across the state’s varied terrain. From urban corridors to open prairie expanses, these courses showcase the geographical diversity of the Sunflower State.
The relatively moderate elevation profile, typically ranging between 700 and 1,500 feet above sea level, creates conditions conducive to consistent pace management. Let’s dive into the best marathons in Kansas!
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What are the Best Marathons in Kansas?
Here are the best marathons in Kansas:
Salina Crossroads Marathon
Salina | Nov 2, 2024
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 384 feet (117m)
Participants: 442 Finishers
Price: $5-$10
Central Kansas running events feature prominently in the Salina Crossroads Marathon, which utilizes the region’s grid road system to create a course that intersects urban and rural environments. The moderate elevation profile characteristic of the Smoky Hills region provides runners with consistent terrain through both the historical downtown district and surrounding areas. Spring scheduling leverages optimal temperature ranges, while aid stations positioned at regular intervals support participants throughout this Kansas road race.
Garmin Olathe Marathon in the Land of Oz
Olathe | Apr 26, 2025
Course Type: Rolling Hills
Elevation Gain: 891 feet (271m)
Participants: 488 Finishers
Price: $102.60-$135.00
The Garmin Olathe Marathon traverses Johnson County’s eastern suburban landscape, incorporating segments of the Indian Creek greenway system within its 26.2-mile course. The route presents rolling terrain with elevation changes between 800-1,000 feet, characteristic of eastern Kansas marathons. The spring scheduling typically encounters temperatures between 45-65°F, while the course design integrates passages through Heritage Park and surrounding lake areas. Aid stations positioned every two miles provide comprehensive support for participants navigating this mix of suburban pathways and green corridors.
Prairie Fire Marathon
Wichita | Oct 12, 2025
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 361 feet (110m)
Participants: 322 Finishers
Price: $96.40-$154.70
Wichita’s Prairie Fire Marathon presents a USATF-certified urban course through the city’s central corridors, maintaining a predominantly flat profile with elevation consistently between 1,200-1,300 feet. The October event features optimal fall running conditions while showcasing Wichita running events through the Old Town district and multiple city parks. Notable segments parallel the Arkansas River pathways, providing runners with consistently level terrain characteristic of Kansas urban marathons. The established support infrastructure includes medical stations at strategic points throughout the course.
Gobbler Grind Marathon
Overland Park | Nov 24, 2024
Course Type: Rolling Hills
Elevation Gain: 593 feet (180m)
Participants: 147 Finishers
Positioned within the greater Kansas City area marathons network, the Gobbler Grind Marathon presents a mixed urban and suburban course profile in late autumn. The November scheduling optimizes cool running conditions while incorporating local park systems and greenways. The course design reflects careful consideration of seasonal weather patterns, with multiple water stations and support points established throughout the route, showcasing the infrastructure typical of Kansas race support systems.
Eisenhower Marathon
Abilene | Apr 19, 2025
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Participants: 67 Finishers
Price: $85
The Eisenhower Marathon covers historical routes through Abilene’s residential and rural sectors, presenting gentle rolling terrain typical of central Kansas marathons. This spring event utilizes the established road network while passing the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, offering exposure to open prairie landscapes. The route combines both urban and rural elements, supported by comprehensive pace group systems and regular aid stations, making it a noteworthy addition to the Kansas race calendar.
Lagerhead Marathon
Ottawa | Nov 23, 2024
Course Type: Rolling Hills
Elevation Gain: 316 feet (96m)
Participants: 49 Finishers
Price: $70.20
The Lagerhead Marathon presents a distinctive southeastern Kansas running experience, with a route traversing characteristic rolling prairie landscape. This spring event utilizes the established county road network while passing through agricultural regions, offering participants exposure to the open terrain typical of Prairie state races. The course infrastructure incorporates local community involvement at support stations, providing runners with regular access to aid throughout the event.
Little Apple Marathon
Manhattan | Oct 5, 2024
Course Type: Very Flat
Elevation Gain: 265 feet (80m)
Participants: 65 Finishers
Price: $70-$110
Manhattan’s Little Apple Marathon incorporates the dramatic elevation changes characteristic of Flint Hills marathons. The route combines urban segments through the Kansas State University campus with rural sections exhibiting the region’s distinctive terrain. This spring event leverages moderate temperature patterns while providing runners access to the unique topography of the Flint Hills. Strategic placement of aid and medical support stations ensures comprehensive coverage throughout the course.
Course Selection and Preparation
When evaluating Kansas marathon courses, runners should consider several key factors affecting race day performance. Seasonal timing significantly impacts race conditions, with spring and fall events generally offering optimal temperatures for marathon completion. Course certification status may influence goals related to qualification standards for major events. Additionally, proximity to major population centers affects lodging and transportation logistics, particularly relevant for Kansas marathon tourism.
Preparation for these events should incorporate course-specific training adaptations. The varied terrain across Kansas running routes necessitates targeted training approaches for each event’s unique profile. Local running communities often provide valuable resources for course familiarization and group training opportunities. Advance consideration of event-specific logistics, including transportation and accommodation arrangements, contributes to successful race day experiences.
Conclusion
The spectrum of Kansas marathons presents diverse opportunities across the state’s geographical regions, from urban corridors to open prairie terrain. Each event offers distinct characteristics requiring specific preparation approaches. Runners should evaluate individual course profiles, support infrastructure, and seasonal conditions when selecting their marathon event. These seven courses represent established components of the Midwest marathon calendar, each contributing unique elements to the Kansas running community.
Row Brown is the founder of Refresh Row. He is a keen marathon runner, his favorite being the London Marathon. He’s now set himself the mission of Running the Entire Length of Spain, which is scheduled for late 2024.
