By SALINA POST
The Salina Crossroads Marathon has seen a significant surge in participation this year, with more than 5,200 runners registered for the 2024 race set for Nov. 2.
Co-Race Director Daniel Craig said this year’s impressive number of runners dwarfs the 817 participants the race saw in 2022. The growth of the event is largely attributed to the dedication of more than 25 committee members, the hospitality of Salina residents, and the race layout.
Craig noted that many participants return to the race for the challenge of the hill on the marathon course. Some runners switch from the half marathon to the full marathon to tackle the hill twice. The course’s mix of flatness and beautiful scenery has turned the Salina Crossroads Marathon into a key attraction for runners from across the region. The marathon also serves as a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon.
"We have seen an increase from 3,400 registered runners last year at this time to over 5,015 as of today. Most if not all of that success can be credited to Salina's Locally Famous Hill which is runner's favorite part of the race and a key reason that runners state they are returning,” Craig said. “It is a nice change of pace from what is otherwise a very flat course and runners really enjoy the crowds at the top of the hill cheering them on. When we were looking at making changes to the course (reducing the number of turns and making it 100% paved) we knew that we had to keep Salina's Locally Famous Hill or returning runners would be very disappointed.”
This year the Salina Crossroads Marathon will need more than 300 volunteers. Volunteers can sign up for the Salina Crossroads Marathon at https://salinacrossroadsmarathon.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=81121. Volunteer needs include course monitors, finish line and festival, and packet pickup.
Course Monitors will ensure safety along the run course by assisting traffic across intersections, providing pedestrians/runners with course direction, and encouraging participants along the course.
Festival volunteers will be placed in various areas around the finish line area and assist with the removal of timing chips, handing out participant finisher medals, distributing participant food/beverage items, and cleaning & maintaining a green event.
There are shifts on Friday (Nov 1) from 10:00a.m.-8:00p.m. and Saturday morning (Nov 2) starting at 6:00 a.m. for packet pickup that includes assigning runners their bib number and getting them their race shirt.
"Volunteers are what separate the very best marathons from other races. We were blown away by both the number of individuals who volunteered for last year's race as well as their passion and commitment to ensuring that every runner had an amazing experience. We often highlight the number of participants and the economic impact that races have, but the volunteerism aspect is equally important to local communities like Salina," Craig said.
The marathon weekend kicks off on Friday, November 1, 2024, with packet pickup at the Homewood Suites by Hilton from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. On Saturday, November 2, late registration and packet pickup will continue from 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. at the Salina Fieldhouse followed by the National Anthem and announcements at 7:50 a.m.
The marathon, half-marathon, full relay, and half relay races will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m., with the 5K Fun Run/Walk starting shortly after at 8:10 a.m. Awards ceremonies will take place throughout the day, beginning with the 5K awards at 9:00 a.m. at the City Lights Stage.
The half-marathon and half relay awards will be presented at 10:45 a.m., and the Kid’s Half-Mile Race will begin at 11:15 a.m. The marathon and full relay awards ceremony will conclude the day at 12:15 p.m., with the race course officially closing at 2:00 p.m.
Timing and results for all races will be available on the marathon’s official website at www.runsalinacrossroads.com. While results will not be posted at the finish line, laptops will be available for runners to check their times.
The awards ceremony will take place at the City Lights Stage, where only the overall winners of the full marathon, half marathon, and relay races will be announced. Age group winners and Kid’s race winners can pick up their awards at the Crossroads Tent following their race.
This year, the top three male and female runners in both the marathon and half marathon will receive cash prizes of $250, $150, and $100, respectively.
Additionally, the top three male and female finishers in each age group will be recognized, with categories ranging from 19 and under to 80 and above. Relay teams and 5K participants will also have opportunities to claim top honors in their respective categories. For the Kid’s Half-Mile Race, every year will have its own age category to ensure fair competition.
For spectators, there are several excellent locations along the course. Popular spots include the Homewood Suites at miles 0.5/3.5 and 13.6/16.6, which is within walking distance of the start and finish line. Tony’s Pizza Events Center provides great views of the race at miles 4.5/5.5 and 17.6/18.6, with access via Midway Road. The Indian Rock area, accessible from Iron Avenue via Indiana or Wisconsin Road, offers views at miles 6-7 and 19-20.
Lakewood Park, located at miles 11 and 24, is another prime viewing area with access from Iron Avenue.
Spectators are encouraged to remain inside the course loop and use Iron Avenue and Ohio Street for easy navigation, though crossing the race route before 10 a.m. may result in delays.
For those still interested in participating or volunteering at the event, registration and additional details can be found at www.runsalinacrossroads.com.