By SALINA POST
In less than three days, more than 5,200 runners will participate in the largest marathon event in Kansas. RaceRaves, one of the nation's leading online race review communities, lists the Salina Crossroads Marathon as one of the nation's "Top Rated" races. This distinction is only given to 3% of race events.
Runners from all 50 states and countries, including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Mexico, Japan, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, will line up on November 2 to take on the 26.2-mile course.
Nearly 200 members of Team Take Down, an African American running club with members worldwide, will participate in the marathon in Salina.
The marathon will affect travel in the area, so plan your route with this map for November 2. Last year’s race generated $1,020,000 in economic impact and raised $35,700 for local organizations, including the Salina Burn Track and Field Club, Salina Family YMCA, Kansas Youth Sports, Salina Area Youth Sportsmanship Initiative, and the School Marathon Foundation. Thanks to over 50 sponsors and supporters, the marathon directs 100% of race entry fees to local nonprofits.
For those planning to participate or spectate, the 2024 Salina Crossroads Marathon Runner Guide provides important details on race day schedules, parking, and recommended spectator spots.
A special thank you goes out to the City of Salina, the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, Salina Downtown Inc., our sponsors, and the 250+ volunteers who have helped make this marathon the largest in Kansas in just three years. We’re excited for the economic boost that visitors will bring and the opportunity to showcase the beauty of Salina. As a "Gold Standard" race, we are again proud to direct all race entry fees to five local youth sports organizations.
Check-in & Packet Pickup
Athlete check-in and packet pickup will be at Homewood Suites (115 E. Mulberry) on Friday, Nov 3, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Race-day packets may also be picked up from 6 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. at the Salina Fieldhouse (140 N. 5th St.), close to the start/finish line.
The start/finish line and post-race festival will take place at City Light Stage (199 N. Santa Fe), located at the corner of Ash Street and Santa Fe Avenue.
Race Day Schedule
6:00 a.m.–7:30 a.m. Late registration/packet pickup at the Salina Fieldhouse
7:50 a.m. National Anthem & Announcements
8:00 a.m. Marathon, Half-Marathon, Full Relay & Half Relay races begin
8:10 a.m. 5k Fun Run/Walk begins
9:30 a.m. 5k Awards Ceremony (City Lights Stage)
10:45 a.m. Half Marathon & Half Relay Awards Ceremony (City Lights Stage)
12:15 p.m. Kid’s Half-Mile race begins (Changed From 11 a.m.)
12:00 p.m. Marathon & Full Relay Awards Ceremony (City Lights Stage)
2:00 p.m. Race Course Closure
Lead Car
The lead car for the 2024 Salina Crossroads Marathon is a 1974 DeTomaso Pantera, an Italian-designed supercar powered by a 351 CID V8. Special thanks to The Garage for providing this year’s lead car.
Race Fun Facts
Over 5,200 registered runners from all 50 states and international locations.
Three events have over 1,000 runners each: the half marathon (2,656), marathon (1,123), and 5K (1,059).
The 2023 marathon held the highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in Kansas.
About the Salina Crossroads Marathon
The Salina Crossroads Marathon began as a vision by local runners Chris Lehecka and Daniel Craig to bring a high-quality marathon to Salina. With a course designed by the City of Salina to minimize traffic disruptions, the marathon has grown quickly with support from community members in both nonprofit and private sectors. The marathon’s goal is to host a top-tier event that draws runners from across the country, while donating all race entry fees to local organizations and creating family-friendly events that the entire community can enjoy as part of a USATF Certified and Boston Qualifying weekend.
For more information about the Salina Crossroads Marathon, visit runsalinacrossroads.com or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1469896640070189.