Before you drive down
FAQ
These answers are the race notes. The question box at the bottom of the page uses the same notes.
When is the race?
Thursday, November 26, 2026, Thanksgiving Day. We start at 9:00 AM. This is our 11th year.
Where do we start and finish?
We start and finish at 12th & Moro in Aggieville, Manhattan, KS 66502. Race Roster lists the event at Kite’s Bar & Grill, 615 N. 12th Street, which is also race-day packet pickup. The course map labels the start and finish as 12th & Moro.
Where does the course go?
It’s a 5K out-and-back through City Park and downtown. We take you around City Park and down Poyntz Avenue. The 2026 map marks mile markers and a water station, plus Triangle Park and Manhattan Town Center. The map is drawn from OpenStreetMap and is not to scale for navigation. Download it on the course page.
Where is packet pickup?
Tuesday, November 24, 10:00 AM–7:00 PM, and Wednesday, November 25, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, both at Manhattan Running Company, 1129 Garden Way. On race morning, Thursday, November 26, pickup is 7:30 AM–8:45 AM at Kite’s, 615 N. 12th Street. Race-day packet pickup ends at 8:45 AM. We start at 9:00 AM.
What does it cost?
Adult entry for the 5K and the Virtual 5K is $30 through Sunday, November 8, 2026, then $35 from November 9 through race day. Online prices are before taxes and processing fees. On October 29, 2026, Race Roster showed $33.71 and $39.08 with those fees included. The $30 window on Race Roster runs from December 9 through November 8. Register by Sunday, November 8, to keep the lower price. The price goes up November 9.
Is there a kids’ price?
Yes. Children 12 and under get $10 off at checkout. We list that as $20 through November 8 and $25 after, for pre-registered runners.
Can I register on race day?
Yes. We accept race-day registration Thanksgiving morning. Register online at Race Roster, or ask us at packet pickup. Race-day packet pickup still ends at 8:45 AM.
Can I mail an entry?
Yes. Download the brochure, complete the form, and mail it with a check payable to Manhattan Running Company, 1129 Garden Way, Manhattan, KS 66502. The form asks for name, address, city, state, ZIP, gender, age, email, phone, shirt size, and 5K or Virtual 5K. A parent or guardian signs if the runner is under 18.
Is there a virtual option?
Can't make it to MHK on race day but want the shirt and medal? Go trot on your own! Register like everyone else and we'll mail you everything the week after the race.
Where do I park?
Use the Beach Museum of Art lots (K-State lots A1 and A2) or the Aggieville Parking Garage at Laramie Street and North Manhattan Avenue. There is no street parking on Moro. The parking map is on the parking page.
What do finishers get?
A plaque for the overall male and the overall female, and a finisher medal for everyone who finishes. Shirts are while supplies last.
Who puts this race on?
Manhattan Running Company and Red Dirt Race Management put on the race. Central National Bank is the title sponsor, and the Flint Hills Breadbasket is the beneficiary. Red Dirt Race Management is at reddirtrunning.com.
Where are the results?
2026 results are on ChronoTrack for November 26, 2026. 2016 through 2025 are on ChronoTrack too, and each year is listed on the results page. In 2025, ChronoTrack listed 1,548 finishers, and Noah Morenz won the 5K in 16:08.
What’s the course record?
Joe Moore’s 14:16 from 2016 is the course record we print in the brochure. We bill this as the fastest 5K in Kansas.
Can I bring a dog or a stroller?
Yes. Dogs and strollers are welcome. The dog has to be kind and on a leash. Stay aware of the people around you.
Can I get a refund or transfer my entry?
We don’t publish a refund, transfer, or deferral policy. Email Ben and we’ll tell you where things stand.
Is there a shirt, and what sizes?
Shirts while supplies last. The mail-in form asks for a shirt size. We don’t publish the size run.
Are costumes welcome?
Yes. Costumes are always welcome. Dress up and trot with us.
How many people run?
We say upwards of 1,500 friends on the race site and in the brochure. The registration page says you and 1,700 of your best friends. In 2025, ChronoTrack listed 1,548 finishers.