This is the 2nd year for Kingman Kong and the 2nd year I ran it. I am hooked. It is less than an hour from Wichita and one of the most challenging places to run in Kansas. 2015 only had 128 entrants which I expect the popularity of this race to grow as word gets out since it is such a well run event. Preregistration prices were incredibly affordable and all proceeds were donated to Main Place Youth in Kingman. Early Registration by October 14, 2015 was as follows: 50K $75, 25K $65, 10K $35 and 5K $30.

Registration- Super easy on Ultrasignup. There were also in person options and lots of contests to win discounted entries. It was clear when packet pickup would take place and race day pickup was an option for runners who couldn't get it ahead of time.

Travel- Since Kingman is an hour from Wichita it was practical to drive there race day so I'm not really sure what lodging arrangements were made with local hotels. I love that this race has a start time once it is light out so no need for headlamps and body lights.

Race Day parking- Covenant Assembly of God Church is kind enough to open their doors as race headquarters. Not only did they provide a warm meeting place pre race but hosted a chili feed for the runners after the race. Also they allowed access to their indoor bathrooms. The downside is there is no parking. No parking is allowed in the neighborhoods to keep congestion to a minimum so we were instructed to park 4 blocks away at a middle school. I've run big races where you were lucky to find a spot within 4 blocks of the starting line so this really isn't a big deal.

Start- Race started promptly at 8:30 just as they said it would. The pastor of Covenant Assembly spoke as did the race director and one of the girls from Main Place sang the national anthem and we were off!

Course- The course starts in town and instantly turns into dirt roads. You may be picturing Kansas as a flat, little elevation change state but this is one area that proves that theory wrong. The downfall to this course is a little rain and the roads are a muddy mess. We received a little rainfall the night before just as the weatherman predicted but the roads weren't nearly as bad as I expected. I had sent a pair of shoes in my drop bag at the turnaround point around almost to 8 miles and didn't even end up needing them. The 25K runs out and back and the 50K does the same course twice. Since it is a small race it is nice to have all those miles where you are passing other runners. Every single runner acknowledged each other if it was a nod or verbal encouragement and even some high 5's. That is always touching and gives the race a feeling of community. The 10K and 5K started 1/2 hour later and are out and back courses as well but don't get into the dept of the hills that the longer 2 races get to experience.

Course Support- The course support is phenomenal. Between the start and the turnaround there were 4 aid stations and I believe a port-a-potty at each location. There was plenty of water and Blendrich at each stop as well as an ultra runner smorgasbord. All the volunteers were so helpful and encouraging and I looked forward to all those smiling faces at each stop.

Finish- I swear I could hear the cowbells a mile away and I could at least see the finish for that long. It was nice to be out of the hills for the final 2 miles. The finish line swag consisted of a very nice finishers medal, a bottle of water and a banana.

After party- Back inside the church we were greeted by more volunteers who not only had made chili but were serving us every thing we needed. It was a nice setting to chat with other runners about the race and recover before our trip back to town.

This race has some of the nicest race shirts I have ever gotten at a race and will definitely wear again. They also had a bunch of giveaways like tickets to an upcoming Garth Brooks concert with all proceeds once again benefiting Main Place Youth. If you are looking for a small different race experience then Kingman Kong is a must!