Join us for the 7th annual Pony Express Half Marathon & 5K on September 12, 2026 ! It will be held in conjunction with the annual Pony Express 120 Gravel Dash (120 mile bike race) that begins and ends in historic downtown Marysville. This race offers runners an opportunity to run through the paved and brick streets of Marysville as well as portions of the beautiful Blue River Rail Trail. This scenic trail begins in downtown Marysville and is located on a retired railroad bed alongside the Big Blue River. As the trail navigates through varying landscapes, runners will cross multiple bridges and have beautiful views of limestone outcrops, grass-covered bluffs and open farm fields. Periodic water stations and aid stations will be located along the route. This is a great race for those preparing to do a fall marathon! Both races will be timed . The half marathon will begin at 8:00 a.m. at 7th & Broadway in downtown Marysville, followed by the 5K Run at 8:15 a.m. Each runner will receive a race t-shirt and half marathon runners will receive a finisher medal. Top overall winners will receive awards following the races. But the fun won't stop there! Throughout the day there will be various activities in downtown Marysville. Cheer on the bicyclists in the Pony Express 120 Gravel Dash as they depart at 7:30 a.m. and as they make their way back to Marysville throughout the day. And of course, food and drink will be abundant. The deadline to register is September 5th at 11pm. To be guaranteed a shirt, please register before September 5th at 11pm. There will be NO same day registration and NO refunds. Please follow us on Facebook to keep updated on the races and the other events in downtown Marysville that day. If you have questions, please use the questions box below or leave a message on our Facebook Page. The Pony Express Half Marathon & 5K is sponsored by the Marysville Knights of Columbus #1777. All proceeds from this event will benefit St. Gregory the Great Catholic School.
Course & Travel Notes
The Pony Express Half Marathon & 5K begins at 8:00 AM on September 12, 2026, just 55 minutes after sunrise at 7:05 AM, so plan accordingly for early morning lighting. Marysville sits at 1,165 feet elevation with typical September weather featuring highs around 81°F and lows near 54°F, though expect rain on roughly 30% of days during this period. Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK) is located 48.4 miles from the venue and serves as the nearest air travel option.
⛰️ 1,165 ft elevation☀️ Typically 81°F / 54°F · 30% chance of rain✈️ Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK) — 48.4 mi
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for September 12.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Marysville, KS.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Pony Express Half Marathon & 5K 2026 — Marysville, KS?
Pony Express Half Marathon & 5K 2026 — Marysville, KS takes place on September 12, 2026. The race is held in Marysville, Kansas.
Where is Pony Express Half Marathon & 5K 2026 — Marysville, KS held?
Pony Express Half Marathon & 5K 2026 — Marysville, KS is held at 7th & Broadway Streets in Marysville, Kansas.
Where can I find hotels near Pony Express Half Marathon & 5K 2026 — Marysville, KS?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Marysville. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
