The Midwestern state of Kansas takes it name from the Kansa Native American tribe that once inhabited the area. Kansas gained recognition from historical events like entering the Union as a Free State prior to the Civil War and Bleeding Kansas. A little more recently, Kansas has become famous as the backdrop to The Wizard of Oz.
Free State Trail Marathon – Lawrence
As with all trail marathons, the Free State Trail Half Marathon is a completely different beast than a road race. This trail race is technical and if you are a road racer, do not expect to get a PR on this course. There is a time limit of sixteen hours to complete this course so you should have no problem reaching the finish line in that time frame. Get more information here.
The Course
The Free State Trail Half Marathon takes place on a shortened loop, single-track, rocky trail. The beginning of the course is a cross country trail which will spread the runners out before they hit the single track trails. There is plenty of elevation change throughout the course and it is also extremely technical. Make sure you pay attention to the trail and watch out for rocks, roots, and other tripping hazards.
Credit: MapMyRun
“This race is extremely well-organized and is run in a beautiful location. Be aware that the trail is quite technical, with lots of rocks and roots, so you’ll have to slow down and pay attention to your footing in order to avoid stumbling. There weren’t many spectators (it’s a trail race, after all) but those who were there were enthusiastic. All in all, this race rocked.”-Mr. Sorequads, Marathonguide.com
“In a word, muddy! This was a spectacularly dirty good time! This race was in conjunction with a 40-mile and a 100K, so it had the feel of an ultra race more so than most marathons. The race takes place in a state park near Lawrence, Kansas. I would consider this the wooded, hilly part of Kansas. I’ve run hillier marathons, but this course is not flat, and parts of the course are steep and technical, if only briefly. I ran roughly 20% slower than I would have run a normal city marathon. The course is probably 90% dirt single track trail, with very short sections on access roads and a cross-country-style romp through open fields to start the race (which was really smart, by the way, as it spread out the runners nicely before we got to the real single track). Some of the trail is pretty technical, particularly the bit around mile 10 (I think?) near the shore of the lake, but nothing too outrageous, coming from someone who lives in Colorado and trains on trails quite a bit (so you should probably take that with a grain of salt).”-S.S., Marathonguide.com
Wicked Half Marathon-Wamego
The Wicked Half Marathon is a “Wizard of Oz” themed race that starts and finished at the Oz Museum. Outside of the Museum, the runners are cheered on by members of the Lollipop Guild, flying monkeys, and other characters from the Wizard of Oz. In addition, runners are also encouraged to dress the part and represent their favorite characters during the run. While running, watch out for falling houses! Get registered here.
The Course
There is a six hour cut off for the race it has never been canceled so be prepared for any and every type of weather that Kansas in March may throw at you. The Wicked Half Marathon course takes place on asphalt roads and has rolling hills but is mostly flat. The race is an out-and-back course with a total elevation gain of 239 feet.
Credit: MapMyRun
Reviews
“I have run many half marathons. I can say it was nice to run one that was practically in my back yard. I loved how everyone was cheering everyone on no matter where they were in there race. Loved all the costumes. The race swag was awesome. So happy to see the kids of the local area benefitting from this great race. I loved that there were so many people there even though it was wet and maybe a little cool. I have never placed in my age group with this distance and did so this time. I know this race has been going for 3 years and I hope to see it grow to even greater numbers.”-Melanie Schuck, Facebook.com
“Not ideal weather for a run but it was a fantastic course!! Packet pick up went very smooth! The goodies were awesome too love the headband and tshirt!! The metals were fantastic too. A huge thank you to those working the water stations I sure appreciated it and I know it probably wasn’t too fun standing out in the rain making sure we all stayed hydrated! Also a huge thank you to all the Sheriff department personnel who helped keep us safe! I enjoyed the half marathon thank you everyone.”-Teresa McComb, Facebook.com
Prairie Fire Half Marathon-Wichita
Around 4,000 runners participate in the Prairie Fire Half Marathon with about half of those participating in the half marathon. The half marathon course is USATF certified. This race is held October which can have a wide temperature range between 14 and 97 degrees! So pack a jacket and a tank-top just incase, you never know what the forecast will hold! Learn more here.
The Course
The course takes runners on an out-and-back route that starts and finishes across the river from the Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. The race is generally flat and fast with a few mild hills. The first hill that the runners will face is just after mile marker 3. Runners will venture through the heart of Wichita for the last four miles of the race which are very flat.
Credit: MapMyRun
Reviews
“This was my first half marathon and I enjoyed myself so much, I can’t wait to run again in the fall. The pacer was so pleasant and so supportive, and really, so were the other racers. 5 stars for PFM!”-Amy Steadman, Facebook.com
“I’ve now run a Prairie Fire Half in the fall and the spring. Both races were amazing experiences! So well organized, amazing volunteers who provided wonderful runner support, and the spectators kept me going. Love this race series and am excited to run again in the fall!”-Emily Fast, Facebook.com
Garmin Olathe Half Marathon – Olathe
The Garmin Olathe Half Marathon is USATF certified and welcomes walkers but also imposes a six hour finish time. Part of the proceeds from this race goes towards the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund which benefits local families and children in need. Although this race has a bit of a “Halloween” theme, its work with Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund ensures that children around the area have a happy Christmas. Find out more.
The Course
The Garmin Olathe Half Marathon is commonly described as fast and flat with minimal rolling hills and features an out-and-back course; however, many runners disagreed with this description. The course starts in downtown Olathe and takes place completely on paved courses. This race takes place in mid-April. During this time, the temperature can range anywhere between 45-65 degrees–so be prepared for slightly chilly weather.
Credit: MapMyRun
Reviews
“I enjoyed the course, and I especially enjoyed the out and back portion along the river and train tracks. That portion was asphalt, not concrete, which I had feared before running. The course was hilly, so it definitely won’t be your fastest, but it is enjoyable and the scenery was pretty. The medal is a bit large for my taste, but it’s well made and memorable. I’m a slower runner and the finish line still had food, beer, etc. This was a very enjoyable race and I’m glad I chose it.”-N.S., Marathonguide.com
“My impression is that the previous course was fairly flat and fast, and surprisingly, they still billed this course as mostly flat and fast too. Not the case. It was pretty continuously rolling, with some bigger hills late in the course. I’m not anti-hill, I actually kind of like the variation, but there was very little in the way of flat stretches and when you’re expecting flat, it’s not always a nice surprise. That said, just be prepared!”-Meg S., Bibrave.com