TopCity Half Marathon
The Lowdown
The TopCity Half Marathon is Topeka, Kansas's showcase half marathon and 5K, run each spring through the city's historic neighborhoods. The course starts at the Kansas State Capitol, heads into the Westboro, Collins, and Potwin neighborhoods, follows a stretch of the Shunga Trail along Shunganunga Creek, passes through the NOTO Arts District, and finishes downtown at Evergy Plaza. Because the half marathon route uses temporary street closures under a city permit, participants must hold a pace of 16 minutes per mile or faster. The race was cancelled in December 2025 after organizers struggled to secure consistent annual support, but a wave of community response brought it back for 2026, with Fleet Feet Topeka stepping in as presenting sponsor. Finishers receive a race T-shirt and a finisher medal, and the post-race area offers beverages from local vendors Chaos Coffee and Iron Rail Brewing. A companion 5K shares much of the route and the downtown finish festivities.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Kansas State Capitol
Shunga Trail
NOTO Arts District
Evergy Plaza
Westboro, Collins, and Potwin neighborhoods
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Topeka, KS, United States
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Half marathon participants must maintain a 16-minute-per-mile pace or faster to comply with the city's street-closure permit
Required Documents
- Photo ID for in-person packet pickup
Entry Methods
- Online registration via RunSignUp
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Entries are generally non-refundable and non-transferable per standard community race policy; confirm current terms on RunSignUp before registering
The race was cancelled in December 2025, then restarted for 2026 with Fleet Feet Topeka as presenting sponsor after a wave of community support
Four aid stations are positioned along the course
Post-race, 21-and-over beverages are provided by local vendors Chaos Coffee and Iron Rail Brewing
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.

