Twenty-eight 5K races were held in 2022, up from 20 the previous year, including 14 stand-alone 5Ks that were not held in conjunction with longer events. In comparison, 58 5K races were scheduled for 2020, prior to pandemic restrictions.

A total of 53 races at all other distances were held, compared with 48 last year and the 87 that were initially scheduled for 2020.

After the 5K, the most popular events were the half-marathon with 15 races, the 10K with 12, and the marathon with eight.

In addition, three ultras were held with a total of nine races at distances from 50K to 100 miles.

No races were held at the standard distances of 8K, 12K, 15K, and 25K, and the Wichita Turkey Trot is the only remaining 10-mile race with the apparent discontinuation of the historic Lake Atwood race.

We hope race directors will consider holding a 2-mile or 4-mile race in conjunction with a longer event instead of the usual “just another 5K.”

We also encourage race directors and sponsors to offer prize-money awards for top finishers and record-setters as the Bill Snyder Half-Marathon, the Irish Mile, the Salina Crossroads Marathon, and the RunLawrence Thanksgiving Day 5K have done.

We also encourage runners to give preference to races held on USATF-certified courses. USA Track & Field asks race directors to include the certification number on race information. Certification is usually an indication that the race director is doing more than the bare minimum and can be relied on to serve runners’ interests and safety.

Records Update

For 2023, we plan to make a major revision in 5K standards, particularly in older age groups where the number of qualifiers has increased substantially in recent years. This reflects the large number of 5K races, the relatively soft standards for older age groups, and the improvement in fitness levels among older runners. We hope that runners wishing to qualify for the state honor roll will focus on races at other distances.
We welcome your comments on appropriate standards.

We also plan to revise some ultra standards, again because of the increased participation in these events and relatively soft standards in comparison with the marathon.

These revisions will be published on the Kansas Road Running Records website prior to the 2023 racing season.