By David Abbott
Third time is supposed to be the charm, but for me and the Moonlight Madness 10K, the second chance will be charming, as Run Wichita has opened up registration for one of its premier events for fans of nighttime running in the heat of a Kansas summer.
The race is scheduled for 9 p.m. July 25 at Exploration Place, located at 300 N. McLean Blvd. in Wichita.
According to Run Wichita Vice President Angela Stateler, the concept for Moonlight Madness has its roots in 2021 after the pandemic shutdown put the kibosh on the Urban ICT Ultra, which became a virtual 25K in its final sprint in 2020.
When Urban ICT did not return, Run Wichita created the Full Moon Fun Run on the Prairie Sunset Trail. The initial run in 2021 included a half marathon and a 10K, but in the second year, organizers ditched the half marathon in order to give runners more time to socialize over food and drink and running.
What is now Moonlight Madness had its first iteration in 2022, when the Run Wichita board was seeking a way to add a night run and 10K to the calendar to augment the Super Bowl Run.
In the ensuing years, organizers expanded the event and moved the course to the paths around the Arkansas River, adding entertainment along the course.
“Running along the river at night creates a fun and exciting event. The course and water-stop volunteers add entertainment. This year we’ve added a race committee so we have some new exciting elements to the run,” Stateler said. “This a great mid-distance run for individuals who are seeking a new distance PR, maintaining or training for an upcoming race. And — providing the weather cooperates — a great view of the moon.”
For me, this year’s Moonlight Madness represents a second opportunity to participate in a race I’d hoped to run in 2025 in the days after my return to Wichita.
My wife and I moved here on July 10 last year, and Moonlight Madness was on July 12. I fully expected Moonlight Madness to be my first organized 10K in Wichita, but I was so exhausted from two major moves in a six-month period I could not drag myself out. I’ll grab an extra nap this year and be there to join all my new running friends under the moonlight, or the clouds, depending on what nature provides.
The Moonlight Madness 10K will take participants through the heart of Wichita, under the glow of the moonlight, and is open to runners of all ages and abilities, from beginners to seasoned old-timers. It is also night running after bedtime with lights, bugs, and humidity, so what’s not to love?
Finishers also will receive a Moonlight Madness 10K medal for their efforts as well. And don’t we all need more race medals?
Registration is $45, but Run Wichita members receive a $5 discount. Additionally, joining Run Wichita supports local events and the local running community.
Packet pick-up for Moonlight Madness will be at Fartleks, located at 535 W. Douglas Ave., on Friday, July 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Online registration ends at 11:59 p.m. Friday, July 23. In-person registration will be at Fartleks during packet pickup. Race-night registration will be available on a limited basis.
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