It’s pretty amazing when community members work together. It’s even better when multiple communities join efforts. Neighboring cities Chanute, Humboldt and Iola are doing just that for the second annual Portland Alley Marathon.
The marathon “celebrates southeast Kansas culture” by having the runners run past Portland cement plants in the area.
This year the race will begin in Iola on the courthouse square at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 16. Runners will head from the square and race down the Prairie Spirit and Southwind Rail Trails to Humboldt’s square. Those running a half marathon can end there. Full marathoners will continue on to Katy Park in Chanute.
There is a group of people behind the scenes that organize the cross county event. Thrive Allen County and Chanute Regional Development Authority were happy with the success of last year’s marathon turnout and began planning this year’s early.
“Having the experience under your belt helps,” Murray McGee, CRDA director said Thursday afternoon.
Damaris Kunkler, Thrive program director, said they started planning in May but might change that for the next event.
“We might start even earlier next year,” Kunkler said. “Recruitment is very important. We’re learning a lot of people in the area can do 5Ks.”
5K’s are very popular in the Southeast Kansas area. Recruiting runners who can run 26.2 miles can be a challenge.
Colt Hedden, a runner from last year’s marathon, will be doing the race again.
“A marathon is a huge mental and physical test, it’s being able to push your body as far as you can and keep going,” he said in an email.
This marathon is unique. Organizers take advantage of the popular 5K. The marathon can be completed individually or a group of runners can create a team. A relay team consists of a minimum of four members and up to eight members.
“Last year there were 14 individual marathoners and 14 teams,” Kunkler said.
Runners on a team can run multiple legs of the race or if they get enough team members they can just run one.
This summer the Southwind Trail was completed, which will come in handy for runners during the marathon.
“It’s going to be beautiful,” Kunkler said about the scenery on the trail. “It will give them a more consistent surface and its safer.”
The point of the route is to make sure the runners run past the multiple cement plants in the area.
Keeping the participants safe is a priority for the organizers. Kunkler said CERT will help block off intersections so runners can make it across safely.
Along the course of the race there will be aide stations. These stations will be 3.26 miles apart. Restrooms will also be available for participants.
Volunteers help make this possible along with the corporate sponsors Ashgrove and Monarch.
Kunkler said there were around 50 to 75 volunteers for the event.
If a community member is not a runner, McGee would still like to see them at the event.
“I think we need to get communities out and involved in it,” McGee said.
McGee said this event has a positive influence on the communities.
“We can set aside some of the rivalries,” he said.
For those interested in running, entry fees can be made through Eventbrite or by check to Thrive Allen county 12 W. Jackson Iola, KS 66749. There are online and paper forms for the race. Runners can register up until the day of the event.
Check in for the race is from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. in Iola. The race for full marathoners will end in Katy Park in Chanute and finisher medals and trophies will be given out to teams and age categories for men and women.
To view the route of the race visit Portland Alley Marathon’s Facebook page.
