Articles

Yippee-Ki-Yay 50K, Half Marathon and 10K

Date: October 25, 2025
Time: 6:00 am - 8:00 pm
Location: Iowa West Foundation Trail Head Park
Running

Come join us for exciting year 6 of the Yippee-Ki-Yay 50K, Half Marathon and now 10K races on Saturday, October 25, 2025, starting at 8am in Council Bluffs, IA. All races will take place on the gorgeous Wabash Trace Nature Trail starting and finishing at the Iowa West Foundation Trail Head Park. You will have your choice of running a 10K, Half Marathon or 50K Ultra Marathon. Unique to the area this Rails to Trail Course will be a great choice for those hoping to add an Ultra Marathon to their race resume or try to run a personal best time one of the fastest avg. finisher 50K course in Midwest Region. With the countryside views of the Heartland our Half Marathon event has become a quick favorite to many that come each year from across the country! After you’ve crossed the finish line wrap up your race day with some great eats and back by popular demand our Country Chicken Noodle Soup! Reserve your spot today because the field will be limited to just 250 runners and this event will be one that you will absolutely not want to miss!

The Wichita Mile

Date: October 26, 2025
Time: 7:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Wichita, KS
Running

Wichita's Premier Road USATF certified 1 mile race.

The time has finally come to figure out how fast you can actually run a mile. Test your top mile speed once each season, collect milestones, and receive awards for Age Graded PRs.

We break this race up into waves based upon runners estimated pace so runners can be pushed towards their PRs without worrying about fighting through crowds while being pulled along by athletes of a similar caliber.

When

This year is the OG event and will take place October 26th, 2025 starting at 8 am for the first wave and no later than 11:45am for the last wave. Following years the race will occur once each season. The Spring and Fall will take place two weeks after Prairie Fire so runners can test their top mile time while they are in peak fitness and hopefully while fully recovered from Prairie Fire. The Winter and Summer will take place a couple weeks before Track/XC start so the student athletes can participate and get a good preseason time trial in.

Where

This years event will be taking place at Sim's Park. Primary parking is the large lot between the river and Botanica on Sim Park Drive right next to Cowtown. (pending Botanica's green light). This will also be the finish line. Start line will be closer to the golf course parking lot. There will be a marked shortcut between the two locations. 

Opal Wapoo Gravel Experience

Date: October 11, 2025
All-day event
Cycling

Situated 30 minutes northeast of Kansas City, Missouri, the roads of Excelsior Springs give quick access to a huge network of gravel roads winding through the hilly countryside. The views give way to towering hills, tree lined roads, streams and farmland. Word is traveling fast about our little gravelhood chalked full of endless punchy climbs and white knuckle descents where roads are rarely straight. Situated in the bluffs surrounding the Missouri River valley, you will find one of the most challenging routes you will ever ride.  Experience it for yourself and enjoy the welcoming, small town charm of Excelsior Springs.

Be prepared to be challenged – Our gravelhood is should not be taken lightly!  Opal Wapoo packs in more repetitive climbing per mile than just about any other race.  Bring your climbing legs and be prepared to experience some of the most unique gravel roads in the country.

Topeka Turkey Trot

Date: November 27, 2025
Time: 8:00 am
Location: 3025 SE Croco Rd Topeka, KS US 66605
Running

Say Grace 5K

Date: November 27, 2025
Time: 9:30 am
Location: GraceMed Health Clinic 1122 N. Topeka St. Wichita, KS US 67214
Running

The Say Grace Race is GraceMed’s signature fundraising event and is also Wichita’s largest local 5K race. The annual family-friendly event has become a Thanksgiving tradition for many in our community. We invite you to come out with family and friends to run, walk, or stroll through Midtown, one of Wichita’s most historic neighborhoods. Then enjoy all your holiday indulgences GUILT FREE! Participant perks include: CHIP timing, race t-shirt, finisher medal, unique awards for overall and age-group winners, team awards, fruit and water.

Packet Pick-Up
GraceMed Administration Building, 1150 N. Broadway

Monday, November 24 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday, November 25 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday, November 26 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

You may also pick-up your packet on the morning of the race on the east side of the 1122 N. Topeka St. building.
Packets will be available for pick-up from 8:00 am to 9:15 am

Online registration will close on 11/26. Same day registration will be available on-site the morning of the race until 9:15am. (Payment by card preferred)

Lexi’s 5K

Date: October 26, 2025
Time: 1:30 pm
Location: Sedgwick County Park (Sunflower Building South Entrance) 6501 W 21st St N Wichita, KS US 67205
Running

Lexi’s 5K 2025

Sunday, October 26, 2025
1:30 PM: 1 Mile Untimed Run/Walk
2:00 PM: 5K Run/Walk 
3:15 PM: Awards Ceremony & After Party Cookout (free for participants; $5 each for others)                                                                                                       

TRICK OR TREATING after the Awards Ceremony! Costumes encouraged!                                       

12th Annual 5K Run/Walk fundraiser will benefit Lexi’s LAMB Foundation

Registration

Registrations must be received by October 1st to be guaranteed a t-shirt on race day. T-shirts for registrations received after October 1st will be subject to availability. 

Early Bird Registration (Ends August 1st). Free gift at packet pickup if registered by August 1st.
· Adults $25
· Children under 12 $20

5K Registration August 2nd - October 22nd.
· Adults $30
· Children under 12 $25
Online Registration ends October 22nd.

5K Late Registration (October 25th-26th)
· Only available at packet pickup locations (see details below)
· Adults $35
· Children under 12 $30

1 Mile Walk/Run (non-timed event) 
· Adults $25
· Children under 12 $20

Virtual Runner (non-participant) $25 – shirts for virtual runners will be mailed the week following the race.

Packet Pickup (subject to change)

·         Friday October 24th from 3PM to 7PM Location: TBD

·         Saturday October 25th from 10AM to 2PM Location: TBD

·         Sunday October 26th beginning at 12:30PM at Sedgwick County Park.

Lexi’s LAMB Foundation
Lexi's LAMB Foundation was formed in memory of Alexis Sparks to help children in local hospitals. Lexi's brief time on earth touched the lives of so many and her courage to keep fighting no matter what inspired so many more. Each year the foundation touches the lives of thousands of local children and their families. Whether it is something small like a sippy cup to something larger like a video game system to help distract the child during their hospital stay, our goal is bring comfort to the children while they are sick. Please join Lexi's family and friends on October 26, 2025 as we celebrate her life and raise money for children in local hospitals. For more information on Lexi's LAMB Foundation, please like us on Facebook or visit our website at www.lexislamb.org.

Sponsorships are always welcome and extremely important. Contact Kathy at 316-518-0204 or lexislambfoundation@gmail.com for information on how you can become a sponsor.

Vendors are welcome! Please contact Crystal Zimmerman and Lillian Turner at lexislambfoundation@gmail.com for more information.

WSU Pumpkin Run 5K

Date: October 18, 2025
Time: 9:00 am
Location: Heskett Center, Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount St, Wichita, KS 67260
Running

WSU Pumpkin Run 5K Website

Additional WSU Pumpkin Run 5K information can be found at http://www.wichita.edu/pumpkinrun.

Description

Put some sneakers on and join us for the annual Pumpkin Run 5k on the beautiful Wichita State campus! 

Pumpkin Run participants will receive an event T-SHIRT and a FINISHER MEDALAWARDS will be given to the top age group finishers and overall winners.

Can’t make it in person this year? Race with us virtually. Get this year's shirt and medal, but run on your timeline.

Plan to run with friends? Invite friends to run with you using your personalized link/code. When 5 or more friends have registered with your code, you will get $15 off your registration with our REFERRAL PROGRAM.

Have a little that would like to run but isn’t ready for a 5k? Sign them up for the Little Pumpkin Run 1k fun run. This race is for children up to 10 years of age. 1k runners will get a run t-shirt and a finisher medal. 

CHARITY INFORMATION 
$1 from each registration will go towards the 2024 Charity Partner: Suspenders4Hope™

Packet Pick Up

  • Friday, October 18

    • 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
    • Heskett Center

  • Saturday October 19

    • 7:30-10:30 a.m.
    • Shocker Hall

Prairie Fire Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K

Date: October 12, 2025
Time: 7:10 am
Location: Starting Line is at the Equity Bank Park, 275 S McLean, Wichita, KS 67213 Finish Line is inside the stadium - FAN ENTER IN Delano Entrance (Northwest Corner of Stadium)
Running

We're looking forward to another exciting year on the Fast, Flat, and Fun Prairie Fire Marathon course! All races are presented by Davis-Moore Auto Group.

The Prairie Fire Marathon events are electronically bib timed. We will be using the MyLaps chip timing system for both the start and finish of the race. Your race number is also your "chip" for timing.
Start Time: 7:10 am
Prices include race fees, tri blend event shirt, medal, drinks, food and all race amenities. Additionally, all runners will receive their online race photos FREE (Spring & Fall Races). This is an amenity for all runners in the Prairie Fire Race Series.

Race Website

Additional race information can be found at https://wichitasports.com/prairie-fire-marathon/.

Welcome to the Prairie Fire Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K and Mayor's Friendly 5K

Image

The Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission, a 501(c)3 non-profit, has operated the annual marathon since 2010 when it was rebranded from the Wichita Marathon to the Prairie Fire Marathon which is held on the second Sunday of October. The Prairie Fire Spring Half Marathon was added in 2013 and is held on the first Sunday of May.

The Prairie Fire Marathon is a USATF Certified Race (KS19019TJD) and a Boston Marathon Qualifier with a fast course design taking runners through the heart of Wichita. Runners begin at Equity Bank Park, run into downtown, then the Old Town district, run along the Douglas Design District, and pass through the lively College Hill area. The course continues through the Crown Heights neighborhood and into the very unique City of Eastborough. All races will turn and pass through a similar route back through downtown as the Half Marathon will make a turn for home. 

The Marathon will continue along the Arkansas River and near Riverside. Runners will tour the quaint Indian Hills neighborhood before turning back towards home along the Arkansas River once more. 

ALL RACES WILL FINISH INSIDE EQUITY BANK PARK. Runners will finish on the field at second base. Spectators and fans can cheer on their favorite runner from the stands and watch them cross the finish line on the big screen. Sure to be a fun and memorable finish line memory. 

Udall Fall Festival 5K

Date: October 5, 2025
Time: 9:00 am
Location: 210 W Lewis St Udall, KS 67146 US
Running

Udall Fall Festival is excited to introduce our first annual Fall Festival 5K.  Our town might be small, but we have Big FUN.  This will be a run/walk 5K, so go at your own pace, because this race can be as BIG or small as you make it.  Additionally, this is a certified timed event by TimerGuys, for those runners who are looking to snag that 5K PR.  The course will be a looped, flat course that will take you thru the streets of Udall.

Registration before July 31st at midnight will include a shirt. There will be cash prizes for overall male and female finishers.

No need to worry about missing church with this Sunday morning event, we have you covered. There will be church service at the Udall Park following the race.  

This is an event open to everyone with a BIG heart that wants to support a small town. 

Parade of Stars Buddy Walk 5K

Date: October 4, 2025
Time: 9:00 am
Location: Riverside Park - 720 N. Nims, Wichita, KS
Running

Celebrate 22 Years of Advocacy, Awareness & Community!
Join us for the 22nd Annual Parade of Stars: Down Syndrome Awareness Day of Giving

We’re thrilled to continue a beloved tradition! For 22 years, the Parade of Stars has united our community in celebration, awareness, and support of individuals with Down syndrome. This year’s event is bigger and better than ever—starting with a morning 5K, followed by our signature 1-mile Walk of Fame Parade. From live performances and an entertainment hour (10am–11am) to carnival games and special appearances from service men and women, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Why It Matters:
Thanks to your generosity over the years, the Down Syndrome Society of Wichita has made incredible strides. Your support has helped us launch impactful programs such as:

Job Skills Development Program
Continued Learning Series for Parents and Caregivers
Initial Renovations of Our New Program Center
Your continued involvement allows us to grow these offerings—and so much more.

About DSSW:
The Down Syndrome Society of Wichita (DSSW) is a nonprofit dedicated to serving individuals with Down syndrome and their families, educators, medical providers, and allies. While we’re based in Wichita, our reach spans across the lower third of Kansas—including Hutchinson, Garden City, Dodge City, and Liberal.

Our mission is lived out through programs like:

Summer of Discovery Learning & Exploration
Explore ICT: Adult Life Skills Training
Artist Workshops & Creative Outlets
New Parent Outreach & Resources
Lazos de Amor: Spanish-speaking Family Group
Connection Groups & Learning Series
Your Role is Vital:
The Parade of Stars isn’t just a celebration—it’s our largest awareness and advocacy fundraiser. Your support helps keep our programs strong and expanding. It ensures:

Parents and caregivers have access to trusted educational resources
Adults with Down syndrome find purpose through creative and social programming
New families are welcomed with open arms and the tools they need
Siblings can learn and grow through inclusive summer experiences
Services expand into underserved areas of Kansas
Together, we can continue building a community that values every individual, uplifts every voice, and ensures access to life-changing support.

💛 All funds stay local and directly support DSSW’s mission.
🎟 All sales are final. No refunds.

Dates for packet pick up are:

September 25, 2025 - 10am-6pm
September 26, 2025 - 12pm-6pm
September 27, 2025 - 10am-2pm

First Responders 5K

Date: October 4, 2025
Time: 8:00 am
Location: 801 E Madison Ave Derby, KS US 67037
Running

The First Responders 5K Run & Walk Foundation is a locally created and registered non-profit organization operated by a Board of Directors comprised of First Responders and community members.

The Foundations mission and goals are to organize and host an Annual First Responders 5k Run/Walk and Community Day, along with other various community-oriented fund-raising endeavors.

The annual event's intent is to raise financial support and to partner with local First Responder agencies & Non-Profits to support their mission. These goals are accomplished by providing donations received during the fund-raising events to help support other non-profit organizations to minimize financial burdens, critical to the operation of those organizations.

This Year our Beneficiaries are The Derby Police Department and The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit.

Leave a Legacy 5K

Date: October 4, 2025
Time: 8:30 am
Location: 401 E. Spruce Garden City, KS US 67846
Running

The Spirit 5K road race is back for 2025!   Make plans to join in person in Garden City, Kansas on October 4, 2025.

The Spirit 5K is certified by the USA Track & Field Organization.  This race allows individuals and teams the opportunity to win cash and prizes while honoring their loved ones throughout their epic journey to the finish line. Proceeds from the race fund the Leave a Legacy Foundation’s mission to improve cancer care resources in southwest Kansas. 100% of proceeds remain in this region. Join us in our efforts to "Leave A Legacy" by making an impact in our community.

USA Track & Field Certification
Spirit 5K: KS22030TJD.

**No Dogs allowed**

Oktoberfest 5K and 1 Mile

Date: October 4, 2025
Time: 9:30 am
Location: Douglas Ave & Circle Drive Wichita, KS US 67208
Running

Church of the Blessed Sacrament's Oktoberfest Run for the Poor 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run
 
Saturday, October 4th, 2025
 LOCATION: Wichita, KS US 67208
TYPE: Run or Run/Walk
Warm up: 9:15 AM 
5K: 9:30 AM
1 Mile: 10:30
Awards: 11 AM
 
Packet pickup will be from 12 PM to 6PM on Friday October 4th at Blessed Sacrament School commons off of Roosevelt Street north of the Church. There is a parking lot and street parking available.

You can also pick up packets on race day beginning at 8 AM at Blessed Sacrament School commons. 
See you soon!!

Oktoberfest Run for the Poor 2025
Celebrate the annual Oktoberfest held at Blessed Sacrament by running this traditional and festive 5K race. Run through the scenic and historic College Hill neighborhood and finish smack dab in the middle of the Oktoberfest celebration. Featuring live music, kids play area and of course, German Beer and Food. All runners receive choice of brat or hot dog and beer (21 and older). Race swag includes a tech shirt! The race is Chip-Timed by Timer Guys and the winners of each division will receive awards. Overall winners will receive prizes 

Start will be at Roosevelt and Circle Drive and the Finish Line on Quentin and Douglas

5K Run/Walk, Stroller Division
06/01/2025-09/01/2025-$35- tech shirt ,
09/01/2025-10/03/2025-$40,
Race Day** 10/04/2025-$45                                                                                                               

5K Stein Holding Division 5K Division 

06/01/2025- 09/01/2025 Stein Holding $45- tech shirt and mug, 
09/01/2025-10/03/2025-$50,
Race Day*  10/04/2025-$55

*Race day registration for the stein stein holding division is limited to steins available.**

1 Mile Run/Walk 
06/01/2025- 09/01/2025-$25
09/02/2025-10/03/2025-$30
Race Day 10/04/2025-$35**
 

**Race Day registration will be from 8:00-9:00 AM on 10/04/2025. Those wishing to register between 9:00 and the 5K start at 9:30 may be registered if volunteers are available but are not guaranteed a chipped bib. 

Bad Astra Gravel Bike 80 Mile, 40 Mile, and 20 Mile

Date: September 27, 2025
Time: 9:00 am
Location: 125 S Walnut Street Ottawa, KS US 66067
Cycling

If you are familiar with Kansas, you may know the state moto is “Ad Astra Per Aspera.” Depending on how you google it, the Latin means “to the stars through difficulties.” We wanted a race that was awesome and represented Kansas. We felt “The Bad Astra” was a great name for a gravel bike race. “Bad Astra” in Latin means “really cool bike race…” probably.

We will be offering distances of 80 miles (The Bad Astra), 40 miles (The Half Astra), and 20 miles (BA Party Pace).

(All distances are rough estimates. All race distances will be a minimum of the number miles)

Kicks for Kids 5K

Date: September 27, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Genesis Sports Complex 435 Crowne Drive, Goddard KS 67052
Running

Lace up for the Kicks for Kids 5K & Family Fun Night – an unforgettable evening of movement, music, and purpose, all supporting the Genesis Foundation for Fitness & Tennis (GFFT). Whether you're racing in the chip-timed 5K, jogging in the Family Fun Run, or cheering from the sidelines, this event unites the entire community and concludes with a fireworks show to light up the night sky. Burgers, beer, refreshments, music, games, bounce houses, giveaways, and more. This is more than a race. It's a celebration with a purpose.

Your entry makes a direct impact.
Every registration provides a brand-new pair of athletic shoes to a child in need right here in Wichita. GFFT has already provided nearly 7,000 pairs of shoes to local kids, building their confidence and encouraging lifelong healthy habits.

Join us. One night. One run. One pair of shoes. A lifetime of impact.

What’s Included

Every race participant receives a t-shirt, finisher medal, and full access to a night packed with fun, food, and celebration. Here’s what’s waiting for you at the finish line:

• Burgers hot off the grill
• Ice-cold beer and Pepsi products
• Sides, snacks, and sweet treats
• Bounce house and yard games
• Animals from Tanganyika Wildlife Park
• A fireworks show to end the evening with a bang

Other Details
Bring your lawn chairs or picnic blankets and settle in for a whole night of festivities.

Special hotel discounts are available for race participants at the Hampton Inn in Goddard, perfect for out-of-town guests or those who want to make a weekend of it.

Contact DeAnn White at dwhite@genesisfoundationwichita.com by September 2, 2025, to receive the Early Bird discount for the Hampton Inn and Blast Off Bay Waterpark in Goddard, KS.

Event Schedule

5:00 PM – Event Opens & 5K Check-In
Check in, grab your race bib, t-shirt, and swag, and kick off the evening with Family Fun Night activities.

6:00 PM – Official 5K Start
The chip-timed race begins. Your race bib includes your timing chip — results tracked from start to finish.

6:30 PM – Family Fun Run
A relaxed walk/jog route perfect for families, young runners, and those just in it for the fun.

7:00 PM – Awards Ceremony
The top 5K finishers will be recognized at the main stage. Stick around to cheer them on.

Dusk (around 7:45 PM) – Fireworks Show
Cap off the evening with a community fireworks display.

Sky Trail Adventure Challenge

Date: September 13, 2025
Time: 8:00 am
Location: 2131 Osage Hills Park Rd Pawhuska, OK US 74056
Running

Scouts BSA Sky Trail Adventure Challenge Description
Beginning at Osage Hills State Park, run 2.3 miles to Scout Camp McClintock, gear up and ascend the 24-foot climbing tower, zipline across Sand Creek, mostly run (slowing down to cross the suspension bridge!) another 0.5 miles to then kayak (kayaks provided!) 0.75 miles of the creek (out and back), and return on the trail to Osage Hills State Park (2.6-mile run from the creek). **This route is subject to change**
 
Sky Trail
Our name was inspired by, and with help from, the Osage Nation whose history is in this land. A unique portion of this journey takes you above the trees to beautiful views, leading to the selection of the Osage word meaning both sky and upper world.
 
Cherokee Area Council Scouts BSA
For 114 years in Northeast Oklahoma, Scouting has been helping youth build self-confidence and develop academic, ethical, leadership, and citizenship skills that influence their adult lives. Your entrance fees help provide powerful programming throughout six counties in Oklahoma. Visit https://cherokeebsa.org for more information!
 
Additional Information
Safety is always our top priority. Please be patient with our certified volunteers and staff who are ensuring your safety with proper equipment at the climbing tower and kayaks. This race will be for any adult (18 and over). We’re keeping our entry numbers low so everyone can have an enjoyable experience, and we will stagger the start times as we know donning safety equipment takes time. As we have no proper climbing equipment for our furrier friends, dogs will not be allowed to participate in this event.

Packet pickup will begin at 7am on the morning of the event; the first group will start at 8 am. Join a "Social Group" when you sign up to be in the same start time grouping with your running buddies!
As a council, we strive to be as sustainable and friendly to our planet as possible, so your entry includes a native plant grown by our friends at a local nursery! If you'd like, long-sleeved, soft T-shirts are available for purchase. Our finisher “medals” will be brandable, and an adult Scout volunteer will be onsite with our branding irons, so you can choose a Scout-related design to brand! Since this is a small group, we will have commemorative awards for the first place competitor in each gender category.

Course Map:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/afternoon-hike-ccc3667--441?u=i&sh=9yfdkn

Additional donations can be made to:

Scouts BSA Cherokee Area Council

520 S Quapaw, Bartlesville, OK 74003

(T-shirt sizes only guaranteed when signed up before August 25th if you opt to purchase one.)

Road Home 10K, 5K, and 1 Mile

Date: September 13, 2025
Time: 7:30 am
Location: 6501 W 21st St N Sedgwick County Park Wichita, KS US 67212
Running

The Road Home race is a fundraiser for Passageways.  We work with homeless veterans and help them get back on their feet and into a place of their own.  We have hosted a 5K and 1-mile fun run for the last 8 years.  In recent years, we added a 10K, as well.   

All races will start and end at the Plum building inside Sedgwick County Park.  This is a USATF-certified race, and the Timer Guys will do the timing.  The routes will be posted closer to the race, as will the schedule for the day.  

Passageways Road Home is a very patriotic race with flags lining a good portion of the race route.  We also will have a Presentation of Colors and Singing of the National Anthem before the start of the race.  Your race bib will include a name of a fallen military hero, currently serving military member, or a veteran.  During registration, you will be given the option to list a name you would like on your bib.  

Schedule of the DAY:

7AM - Registration

730:   1 Mile Fun Run Starts

7:50: Presentation of Colors and

       Singing of the National Anthem

8:00 am - 5K Starts

8:00 am - 10K Starts

Course Maps:  

Packet Pick up will be held on Friday, September 12 from noon to 6:30 pm at our Outreach Center at 1202 W Douglas.