By: DANIEL CRAIG
Co-Race Director, Salina Crossroads Marathon
In 2025, five Run Salina Series races broke their registration records and the sixth race had its second highest registration total ever.
Highlights included the Salina Crossroads Marathon having a record 5416 registered participants and the Fe for a Cure with 1214. In 2026, the Run Salina Series will be expanding to seven races by adding the Salina Family YMCA Turkey Trot.
Participants can register for the Run Salina Series at https://tinyurl.com/runsalinaseries.
This year everyone will register via a Google Docs form to make it easier to track participants who complete the series. Participants will complete 4 of the 7 Salina races and get a free Run Salina Series finishers item.
Volunteering at a race can count towards one of the four events. (Example: Running/walking in three events and volunteering for one event would count as completing the series.)
In 2025 there were 177 individuals who completed the Run Salina Series (participated in 4 of the 6 races) which included participants as far west as Dodge City and as far east as Kansas City.
“It was incredible to have individuals from the across the state coming to Salina for at least four of the six Run Salina Series races” said Salina Crossroads Marathon Co-Race Director Daniel Craig. “Salina has developed a well-deserved reputation as one of the premier running communities in Kansas. Salina races are well organized, have passionate and dedicated race directors and volunteers, and are very well supported by the community. We are blessed to have city leadership that understands the value that local races bring to a community both in terms of bringing in participants and spectators, creating a sense of community pride, charitable fundraising and awareness, and health and wellness promotion. Regardless of whether you walk or run, volunteer, or cheer the participants on I encourage everyone to come out and support of the amazing organizations putting on these Run Salina Series events.”
First race: Love, Chloe Family Fun Run
The first race in the Run Salina Series is the Love, Chloe Family Fun Run that will be held on Saturday, April 25.
Last year a new record of 745 registered participants was set and this year’s race could be even larger.
There are 1 mile, 5K, and 10K race options.
All funds from registration fees go to help families including: Financial assistance grants, Warrior Wagons, Monkey in My Chair kids, holiday packages, and gas & food expenses.
The Love, Chloe Fun Run honors all the kids we've been so blessed to meet who have been or are in the midst of their childhood cancer journey.
More information on the run can be found at https://lovechloe.org/5k-run and the direct link to register can be found here.
Full List of the 2026 Run Salina Series Races
Love, Chloe Fun Run (April 25, 2026) - https: //lovechloe.org/5k-run
Smoky Hill River Run (June 13, 2026) - https://srhc.com/riverrun/
Run for the Hills (August 8, 2026) - Registration coming soon
Fe for a Cure (September 19, 2026) - feforacure.com
Salina Crossroads Marathon (November 7, 2026) - runsalinacrossroads.com
Frosty Fun Run (November 21, 2026) - Registration not available at the moment.
YMCA Turkey Trot (November 26, 2026) - Registration not available at the moment.
EDITOR'S NOTE: According to Craig, the Frosty Fun Runs, YMCA Turkey Trot, and Run for the Hills is typically open for registration later in the year. If participants sign up for the Run Salina Series, they will receive an email when those races open for registration.
For more information on the Run Salina Series, email Daniel Craig at runsalinacrossroads@gmail.com.