Race day for the Wichita Chisholm Trail Marathon is nearing and the inaugural race is expected to bring in hundreds of people to the city.

Nearly a thousand runners will line up at the starting line in Delano on Sunday (Mar. 24).

250 volunteers will help out and nearly 80 Wichita police officers will be there to direct traffic and make sure the runners are safe.

“I’m a 12 time marathon runner,” said Mike Langston, race director. “I designed a course to be my ideal dream course.”

The route for the marathon can be described in just a few words.

“Straight, fast and flat,” said Langston.

Langston and his board have been planning the race for more than 17 months. They wanted to make sure the participants from 37 states and three different countries could see the beauty of Wichita while running.

“Just getting to see all the different parts of Wichita,” said Brian Hargrove, executive director of sports development for Visit Wichita. “Starting in Delano, going out east through Eastborough, past Rock Road and back through the downtown part of the city, they do really get to see what Wichita is all about.”

Runners will take on the 26.2 miles, some hoping to qualify for the Boston Marathon and even the Olympics.

Those at Visit Wichita said the event is gaining a lot of attention, adding to the momentum of the downtown area.

“The vibrance that it’s bringing to the city not only for out of town guests, but the locals, they’re seeing it,” said Hargrove. “Everbody wants to be a part of it.”

Organizers said they will pay close attention to the weather ahead of the marathon.

City officials will make the final call if weather threatens the safety of the athletes.

KSN is a proud sponsor of the Wichita Chisholm Trail Marathon will be hosting a live show starting at 7 a.m. on Sunday.

KSN’s Carly Willis will be running in the marathon. To see how she has been preparing, click here.

The race begins at 7:30 a.m.

For more information about the marathon, click here.