The Definitive 2024 Kansas Half Marathon Review: The 5 Must-Run Races And What Made Them Iconic

Jan 10, 2026 • minute read

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The 2024 Kansas half marathon season was an undeniable success, solidifying the Sunflower State's reputation as a premier destination for Midwest distance runners. From the bustling metropolitan courses of Kansas City to the scenic, certified routes in Lawrence and Salina, thousands of runners tackled 13.1 miles across a diverse landscape.

As of December 20, 2025, we look back at the key events of 2024, providing a comprehensive review of the most popular races, their unique features, and the essential details runners need to know for planning their 2025 calendar and beyond. The following list breaks down the top five must-run events, complete with course specifics and topical authority entities to guide your training.

The 5 Iconic Kansas Half Marathons of 2024

The 2024 running calendar in Kansas was packed with USATF-certified courses and community-focused events. These five half marathons stood out for their size, course quality, and runner experience.

Garmin Kansas City Half Marathon: October 19, 2024
Kansas Half Marathon (Lawrence): November 3, 2024
Salina Crossroads Half Marathon: November 2, 2024
Kansas City Corporate Challenge Half Marathon: April 27, 2024
Gobbler Grind Half Marathon (Overland Park): November 24, 2024 (Approximate Date)

1. Garmin Kansas City Half Marathon: The Major Metro Experience

The Garmin Kansas City Half Marathon, held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, remains the state’s flagship 13.1-mile event. Starting at 7 a.m., this race is known for its high-energy atmosphere and a course that tours some of the most famous landmarks in the city.

Course and Elevation Profile: The course offers a vibrant tour of the city, but runners should be prepared for a "Moderate" elevation profile, as classified by running guides. The initial miles often feature the first big hill, with an elevation gain of over 100 feet in the first 1.5 miles. This makes it a challenging yet rewarding course that requires strategic pacing, especially for runners aiming for a new Personal Record (PR).

Topical Entities: The event is a massive draw for regional running clubs like the Roadrunners of Kansas City (RRKC) and the Kansas City Running Club (KCR), making it a prime spot for group training and competition. The race is part of the larger Kansas City Marathon weekend, providing a festival-like feel for all participants.

2. Kansas Half Marathon (Lawrence): The Certified, Scenic Route

Held on Sunday, November 3, 2024, the Kansas Half Marathon is a beloved Lawrence tradition. The race benefits the Heartland Community Health Center, tying the event directly to community wellness and making your miles count for a good cause.

Course and Elevation Profile: This course is celebrated for being USATF certified, which appeals to serious runners looking for an official time. Starting at South Park, the route takes participants through downtown Lawrence, along the river, and into the unique environment of the Baker Wetlands. Organizers proudly advertise that the course features "as few of Lawrence's iconic hills as possible," with approximately 500 ft of total elevation gain, making it a relatively fast course compared to other hilly Kansas events. Seven well-stocked aid stations ensure runners are supported with water and sports drinks.

Topical Entities: Lawrence is a hub for running culture, and this race is a perfect example of a smaller, high-quality event. It’s a great choice for runners from groups like the Olathe Running Club looking for a destination race outside of the immediate KC metro area.

3. Salina Crossroads Half Marathon: The Central Kansas Gem

The Salina Crossroads Half Marathon took place on Saturday, November 2, 2024, offering a fantastic opportunity for runners in Central Kansas. The race is known for its small-town charm with big-race organization, starting and stopping right in Downtown Salina.

Course and Community Focus: The event offers a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K, making it a true running festival for all distances. The half marathon course provides a tour of Salina, showcasing the city's commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Its position in early November makes it a perfect fall race, often benefiting from cool, crisp running weather. The Salina Crossroads Marathon is a great example of how running is thriving outside the major metropolitan areas of Kansas.

Topical Entities: This race is often mentioned alongside the Bill Snyder Highway Half in Manhattan as a top-tier regional event, offering a different flavor than the Kansas City races.

4. Kansas City Corporate Challenge Half Marathon: The Spring Race

For runners who prefer a spring challenge, the 2024 Kansas City Corporate Challenge Half Marathon & 10K on Saturday, April 27, was the ideal event. Hosted in Overland Park, this race is primarily focused on promoting wellness and team-building among Kansas City-area businesses, though it includes an "Open Division" for individual runners.

Course and Trail Running: The course is a favorite because it follows the scenic Indian Creek Trail, offering a break from typical road running. This paved trail is known for its beauty and relatively flat sections, making it a fast and enjoyable course for those looking for a spring PR. The focus on corporate wellness makes this race a unique entity in the Kansas running scene, drawing participants from groups like KC SMART Runners and KC Express.

5. Gobbler Grind Half Marathon: The Thanksgiving Tradition

The Gobbler Grind Half Marathon, typically held on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, was a major late-fall race in 2024, likely taking place on November 24, 2024. This Overland Park event serves as a final big race of the season before the holiday rush.

Course and LSI: Like the Corporate Challenge, the Gobbler Grind course utilizes the paved surfaces of the Indian Creek Trail, offering a familiar and well-supported route. Its name and timing make it a classic "turkey trot" style event, perfect for burning off calories in preparation for the holiday feasts. The race attracts a loyal following of runners from all corners of the KC metro, including the 816 Run Club and the Percheron Run Club.

Training and Topical Authority for Kansas Courses

Successfully completing a Kansas half marathon requires specific training to handle the Midwest’s distinct course characteristics and weather. The state’s courses are rarely flat, often featuring rolling hills and moderate elevation gains.

Mastering the Elevation: Hills in the Heartland

The key to running well in Kansas is hill training. The Garmin KC Half Marathon, for instance, is classified as having a "Moderate" elevation profile, meaning runners must incorporate hill repeats into their training regimen. Even the relatively flatter Kansas Half Marathon in Lawrence still features around 500 ft of elevation, which can be a challenge in the later miles.

LSI Training Entity: Runners often use local routes like the Tomahawk Creek Trail for long runs and hill training, as its 17-mile length provides the necessary mileage and varied terrain to prepare for the half marathon distance. Joining a local group, such as the KC Dirt Community, can provide invaluable support and local course knowledge.

Planning Your 2025 Kansas Half Marathon Calendar

With the 2024 season successfully concluded, runners are already looking ahead. Many of the major races have already announced their 2025 dates, including the Kansas Half Marathon (November 2, 2025) and the Gobbler Grind (November 23, 2025).

If you missed the 2024 season, look into other popular Kansas events like the Rock The Parkway Half Marathon, often cited as Kansas City's largest half marathon, and the Time Travel Half-Marathon in Wichita for a diverse running calendar. The variety of events—from the corporate challenge to the scenic Lawrence route—ensures that there is a perfect 13.1-mile race for every runner in Kansas.

The Definitive 2024 Kansas Half Marathon Review: The 5 Must-Run Races and What Made Them Iconic

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