Kansas is often called the “heart of America” because it is located in the geographical center of the continental United States, bordered by Oklahoma to the south, Nebraska to the north, Missouri to the east, and Colorado to the west.
Kansas running races are an excellent option to explore the state. The entire state has a flat relief because Kansas is almost entirely located on the territory of the Great Plains. Only the eastern part of Kansas is hilly and, in some places, covered with forests. The largest rivers are the Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas (which gave the state its name).
Kansas 5K
1. CASA Superhero Run
Aug 27, 2022 – Saturday
10K, 5K run | kids run
Virtual Option
Leavenworth, KS
The CASA Superhero Run will be held on August 27, 2022. The course runs through scenic and historic Leavenworth, KS, followed by a children’s superhero race (100 yards).
All proceeds will benefit the CASA. The CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is based on a belief that every child has the right to have a safe home. CASA volunteers talk with the child, parents, family members, neighbors, school officials, doctors, and others.
2. Glow Run
Aug 27, 2022 – Saturday
5K run
Ozawkie, KS
The Glow Run will be held on August 17, 2022, in the town of Ozawkie. It is a dog-friendly event. Here you can find multiple Blacklight stations for you to Glow and Take photos.
After the race, there will be music, tasty food, and refreshments at the City Park. Founders encourage everybody to come dressed in glow and neon as awards will be given to Best Dressed.
There will be awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in the 5k.
3. Leawood Rotary Labor Day 5K
Sep 5, 2022 – Monday
5K run
Virtual Option
Leawood, KS
The Leawood Rotary Labor Day 5K will be held on September 5, 2022. It is a traditional Labor Day race.
The run starts and finishes at the American Academy of Family Physicians, 11400 Tomahawk Creek, Leawood, KS 66211. The course is flat and fast along Tomahawk Creek Parkway.
Runners in the 5K will get a great race t-shirt, finishers medal, post-race snacks and refreshments, and more!
Kansas 10K
4. Mullet Run
Aug 27, 2022 – Saturday
10K, 5K, 1M run | kids run
Winfield, KS
The Mullet Run will be held on August 27, 2022. It is a fun run for you and your friends, so wear your neon to this 80s-inspired race!
10K is the “party in the back.” It is challenging but also one of the most fun running races in Kansas.
All proceeds will benefit the Winfield Community Food Pantry!
The 10K, 5K, and 1M runs are chip-timed. All runners will get an 80’s themed goodie bag.
5. Louisburg Cider Run
Oct 1, 2022 – Saturday
10K, 5K run | kids run
Louisburg, KS
The Louisburg Cider Run will be held on October 1, 2022. It will be a fun event on a challenging course with hills, straightaways, and lots of interesting sites along the way that has been voted a runner favorite.
The Louisburg Cider 5K and 10K runs in Louisburg, Kansas take place at dusk. All finishers will get medals and race T-shirts.
6. Run for the Rescue
Nov 5, 2022 – Saturday
10K, 5K, 0.7M trail run
Virtual Option
Junction City, KS
The Run for the Rescue will be held on November 5, 2022. There will be a 5K/10K/20K cross-country walk/run held on a 160-acre ranch in the Flint Hills of Kansas. The start time for all races is 10 a.m.
The event benefits Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue and Retirement, Inc., located near Junction City, Kansas.
Half Marathons in Kansas
7. Pony Express Half Marathon & 5K
Sep 10, 2022 – Saturday
13.1M, 5K run
Marysville, KS
The 4th annual Pony Express Half Marathon & 5K will be held on September 10, 2022. You will run through the paved and brick streets of Marysville along the scenic Blue River Rail Trail.
The course starts in downtown Marysville and is located on a retired railroad bed along the Big Blue River. You will cross multiple bridges and see picturesque views of limestone outcrops, bluffs, and open farm fields.
Along the route will be several aid stations. All runners will get a race T-shirt, and half marathoners will get a finisher medal.
8. De Soto Half Marathon & 5K
Oct 2, 2022 – Sunday
13.1M, 5K run
De Soto, KS
The De Soto Half Marathon & 5K will be held on October 2, 2022. It is a charity event with a challenging course. The race offers a picturesque view of De Soto as you run through the streets.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Kansas City chapter of pancan.org. The organization provides support, research, and finding a cure for pancreatic cancer.
9. Gobbler Grind Marathon
Nov 20, 2022 – Sunday
26.2M, 13.1M, 10K, 5K run | 26.2M relay
Overland Park, KS
The Gobbler Grind will be held on November 20, 2022, and is a great fall race featuring 4 great distances! 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and a Boston Qualifier.
It is an easy, semi-flat course through the woods on paved trails.
Marathons in Kansas City
10. Prairie Fire Marathon
Oct 9, 2022 – Sunday
26.2M, 13.1M, 5K run
Wichita, KS
The Prairie Fire Marathon will be held on October 9, 2022, at 7:30 am. and is a Boston Qualifier. It is an excellent fall marathon.
The Prairie Fire Fall Marathon starts and finishes at 650 E. 2nd St, Wichita, KS 67202. The races are electronically bib and chip-timed by MyLaps for both the start and finish.
The entry fee includes a tri-blend event shirt, medal, drinks, food, and all race amenities.
11. Little Apple Marathon
Nov 12, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M, 5K run | 26.2M relay
Manhattan, KS
The 5th Annual Little Apple Marathon will be held on November 12, 2022, in Manhattan, KS, and is a Boston Qualifier. The race will be located in the Tuttle Creek State Park area.
The marathon will be 4 loops around the parking area. You can also join the Half Marathon, 5K, and Marathon relay options.
12. Lagerhead Marathon and Half
Nov 19, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M run
Ottawa, KS
The 3rd annual Lagerhead Marathon and Half features a flat, out and back course along the Prairie Spirit Trail that starts and finishes in Ottawa, Kansas. The race is certified.
The top 3 male and female finishers in each race will get awards. All runners will get a custom finishers medal. All runners 21 and over will also get a craft beer.
