Salina Crossroads Marathon grows to largest in Kansas in its second year
In just its second year of existence, the Salina Crossroads Marathon has grown to become the largest marathon event in Kansas.
The marathon event, certified by USA Track and Field and a Boston Marathon Qualifier, begins at 8 a.m. Nov. 4 and already has 3,280 total runners registered for seven different races, including the full marathon, half marathon, 5K run, 5K walk, half marathon relay, marathon relay and a new half-mile kids run.
According to event organizers, there are 2,865 runners from outside Salina, including more than 1,400 from outside the state of Kansas.
Runners have registered from all 50 states and from around the world, including the countries of Botswana, Canada, Mexico and Columbia.
With registration open up to and including the morning of the race, more runners are expected to sign up as the event get closer.
Co-race director and a runner this year himself, Daniel Craig said one of the goals of the marathon is to create a "high-quality event with fun race options for the entire family."
“We hope that the 5K run, 5K walk, team relays, new half-mile kids run, and opportunities to volunteer and cheer on the runners will enable the entire community to come out and be a part of an amazing marathon weekend," Craig said.
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Success of Salina Crossroads Marathon comes from community support
According to Craig, how successful the event is will be largely determined by how the community as a whole supports it. Some of that support has already happened with Craig acknowledging the help of City of Salina officials.
"We appreciate the support from the City of Salina in helping us create a flat, fast, and scenic course and want to say a special thank you to (Street Superintendent) Brent Buchwald and (Salina Police) Sgt. Chad McCary for their support," Craig said.
Volunteers are still needed, including the biggest need of course monitors, with sign-up available at salinacrossroadsmarathon.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=76198. Optional volunteer training will take place at 6 p.m. Nov. 1 at The Alley, 115 E. Ash St.
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Watch runners on the Salina Crossroads Marathon course
For those who can't volunteer but want to support the event throughout the day, they can do so by cheering on runners throughout the marathon course.
A map of the race route can be found at www.runsalinacrossroads.com/race-route. In addition to the start/finish line located at the City Lights Stage at the intersection of Santa Fe Avenue and Ash Street, event organizers have three recommended spots for spectators to watch:
Lakewood Park. Miles 2-4 and 15-17. Park on the east side of Lakewood Middle School. Access to Lakewood Middle School is on East Lakewood Circle off Ohio Street near Bomgaars (formerly known as Orscheln).
Indian Rock. Miles 8-9 and 21-22. Access to Indian Rock is off Stack Avenue off of Ohio Street, one block north of Greeley Avenue (stop light). Runners will run on Indiana Avenue three times: Once before Indian Rock near Gypsum Street, once after Indian Rock near Greeley Avenue and again exiting the Indian Rock area after the loop around Bill Burke Park. (There will be no access to Bill Burke Park off Crawford Street.)
Kenwood Cove. Miles 10-11 and 23-24. Access to the Kenwood Cove is on Westchester Drive off of Ohio Street. Use the Salina YMCA’s two parking lots and walk to Kenwood Park Drive.
For more information about the Salina Crossroads Marathon, including registering as a runner or volunteer, visit www.runsalinacrossroads.com.
This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Salina Crossroads Marathon becomes largest in Kansas in second year
