By OLIVIA BERGMEIER
Salina Post
In its inaugural year, the Crossroads Marathon had less than 1,000 entries, but this year, the event grew to become the largest marathon event in Kansas.
The marathon had a little more than 800 runners last year, and within just one year, it has more than tripled to 3,370 entries for 2023. Co-race director Daniel Craig said this year's race has runners from all 50 states and some from Botswana, Colombia, Canada and Mexico.
The marathon also acts as a Boston Marathon Qualifier, but Craig said there would also be a half marathon, marathon and half marathon relays, a 5K walk, a 5K run and a half-mile fun run for children.
READ MORE: What to know as Salina prepares to hold largest marathon in Kansas
Not only do runners in the marathon benefit from access to a Boston Marathon Qualifier, but Crossroads also gives back to the community with each entry.
"Both last year and this year, we're able to give 100% of the race entry fees to four of our local youth sports organizations," Craig said. "(We donate to) the Salina Family YMCA, Kansas Youth Sports, Salina Area Youth Sportsmanship initiative, and then the USD 305 School Marathon Foundation."
The community will find benefits beyond the entry fees — according to Visit Salina, the race will bring an estimated $1.6 million to businesses in town.
Many marathon runners began gearing up for the race months ago, but Mark Bomberger began preparing as an assistant cross-country coach over the summer.
Bomberger said he ran with his students every day of practice, but he also ran cross-country throughout his education.
"(I want) the bragging rights," Bomberger said. "I have a history in cross-country, and nobody likes the running aspect of it — it's going to be painful, but being able to say that you did it and push through that's a significant thing."
Craig said the marathon has gone smoothly so far thanks to more than 200 volunteers who help with the race — before and on race day.
One volunteer, Mollie Purzell, helped with the race last year and said she enjoyed meeting new people and going through this year's process.
"I like meeting people. You get to meet people from all over because since they've got so many people registered from all over the United States and other countries," Purzell said. "So it's really nice to meet people and welcome them to Salina."