Prairie Fire Marathon FAQs

Wichita Sports Commission Weather Contingency Plan

Purpose:
The Wichita Sports Commission (WSC) is committed to ensuring the safety of all participants, spectators, and staff at our events. This Weather Contingency Plan provides guidelines for determining event modifications, delays, rescheduling, or cancellations due to weather conditions.

Weather Emergency Tiers:

Tier 1 – Yellow: Minor Weather Conditions (Rain & Wind)

• Examples: Light rain, steady winds under 25 mph
• Action Plan:
  • Events will continue as scheduled.
  • Participants should prepare with appropriate gear.
  • Monitor forecasts for worsening conditions.

Tier 2 – Orange: Moderate Weather Conditions (Heavy Rain & Thunderstorms)

• Examples: Heavy rainfall, winds exceeding 25 mph, thunderstorms in the vicinity
• Action Plan:
  • Race events may experience delays or modifications to routes.
  • Outdoor corporate challenge events may be postponed or relocated indoors if possible.
  • Banquet and indoor events will proceed as scheduled unless the venue is impacted.
  • Weather updates will be communicated via official event channels.

Tier 3 – Red: Severe Weather Conditions (Severe Thunderstorms, Hail, Tornadoes, Damaging Winds)

• Examples: Lightning within 8 miles, hail, winds over 40 mph, tornado warnings
• Action Plan:
  • Events will be immediately delayed, postponed, or canceled for safety.
  • Participants and attendees will be directed to designated shelter locations.
  • WSC officials will determine rescheduling feasibility and communicate updates promptly.

Event Rescheduling & Cancellation Policy:

The Wichita Sports Commission reserves the right to delay, reschedule, or cancel any event due to weather-related emergencies. Decisions will be based on real-time conditions and recommendations from local meteorological authorities. No refunds will be issued in the event of cancellations due to severe weather.

Communication:

• Updates will be posted via event websites, social media, and direct participant notifications.
• Emergency alerts will be issued on-site via public address systems and event staff.
• If we have to postpone, cancel, or delay, we will communicate 2 hours prior and give updates every 30 minutes to the event’s status.

Safety First: The safety of all participants and attendees is our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in following these guidelines during Wichita Sports Commission events.

For Questions or Emergency Information, Contact:
Wichita Sports Commission | 316-265-6236 or president@wichitasports.com

Website: https://wichitasports.com/

Yes, the Prairie Fire Marathon is a Boston Marathon Qualifier!

• Yes. After the race there is food, water, Gatorade, & alcoholic beverages for runners.
• In order to receive their alcoholic beverages proof of ID is required.

• Please fill out this form below and read over the deferral for more information!
• Pregnancy Deferral PDF

For this information please visit www.parkdowntown.org. You may also view the detailed parking map for Spring or Fall events under Runner Information.

• All participants must register online, or in person at packet pickup only.
• Visit 2025 Prairie Fire Spring Half Marathon & Back-2-Back or 2025 Prairie Fire Fall Marathon to signup for our races.

• Online registration for the Spring Race ends at 11:59 p.m. on May 3rd, 2025. If you don’t register online, you can register for all of our races at packet pickup on May 4th, 2025 at Century II from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Online registration for the Fall Race ends at 11:59 p.m. on October 12th, 2025. If you don’t register online, you can register for all of our races at packet pickup on October 13th, 2025 at Equity Bank Park from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Prairie Fire Spring Expo

• No, All packets must be picked up at the Spring and Fall races respective Packet Pickup days.
• Spring Packet Pickup is at Century II on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. for the Spring Race.
• Fall Packet Pickup is at Equity Bank Park on Saturday, October 11th, 2025 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• No, all packets must be picked up at the Spring and Fall races respective Packet Pickup days.
• Spring Packet Pickup is at Century II on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. for the Spring Race
• Fall Packet Pickup is at Equity Bank Park on Saturday, October 11th, 2025 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. for the Fall Race

• Yes, participants unable to get to packet pickup may have someone else pick up their packet for them.
• Their representative must show a copy of a photo ID and a signed note with confirmation signed by the registrant to pick up the packet and premiums.

• Yes, you can change races within the same race. For example transfer from a Spring 5K to the Spring Half Marathon.
• Changes can be made online via RunSignup, by clicking manage registration in your registration confirmation email.
• Changes may also be made at the expo the day before the race.
• There is a $10 fee for changing races.

• Unfortunately, we are not able to give refunds, deferrals, or transfers. This includes injury, inclement weather, or natural disasters.
• Participants unable to participate may pick up their runner packet and turn in their timing chip.

• Participants must be 12 years of age to run in the Half Marathon.
• They must be 16 years of age to run the Back to Back (B2B) challenge.
• For the Family 5K, any age may participate, but only those registered will receive a shirt/medal.

• We will be using a chip timing system for both the start and finish of the race. Your race number is also your “chip” for timing. Race numbers must be worn on the front of your shirt or shorts for easy viewing. Do not cut or fold your number in any way. Race numbers are non-transferable and may only be worn by the person to whom it was assigned.
• IMPORTANT: Please take the time to write out emergency contact information, medical conditions and any allergies on the back of your race number for medical personnel should you need assistance on the course.

In the event that you forget to bring your number on race day and do not have time before the start of the race to retrieve it, please visit the information tent by the start line and see a race official.

Yes, you will be able to keep your BibTag number after the race.

Yes, strollers are allowed in the races.

For the Spring Race, the course shuts down at 11:30 a.m. If runners choose to continue after 11:30 a.m. they do so at their own risk. After 11:30 a.m. you will be asked to move from the streets to the sidewalks and obey all traffic signals along the course.

Yes, we highly encourage teams to have as much fun as possible and encourage social interaction to show your Prairie Fire spirit!