From the Organizer
Run the Runway. See the Air Force Up Close. Join the 2026 Tanker Trot!
Ever wished you could run the Air Force for a day? Now’s your chance.
Sign up for the Tanker Trot 5K and kick off Airshow weekend with a one‑of‑a‑kind race experience right on McConnell Air Force Base.
This event blends community, fitness, and the thrill of military aviation - all before the Thunderbirds take to the sky.
Limited to 500 runners — register now before spots fill!
Please review the information below carefully so you know what to expect on race day
Race Day Highlights
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5K Begins at 9:30AM
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Run on McConnell AFB - a rare opportunity to run on an active military installation
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Exclusive Tanker Trot Long‑Sleeve Shirt
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Finisher Medal for All Participants
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Age‑Group Awards (7 categories, top 3 male & female)
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Overall Awards - Airshow‑branded water bottle for top male & female finishers
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Family‑Friendly Access to the Airshow after the race
Where It All Happens
The Tanker Trot starts and finishes on the Airshow Ramp at McConnell Air Force Base, giving runners an up‑close view of the aircraft and mission that fuel the fight.
Your Registration Includes:
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Race entry
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Long‑sleeve event shirt
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Finisher medal
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Access to the Airshow through an expedited “Tanker Trot” lane until 11:00AM
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A front‑row start to one of the biggest events in Kansas
Spectator Information
Runners may purchase entry for up to two adult (18+) spectators. Spectators must follow the same base access and ID requirements as runners and will receive a spectator sticker in the runner’s packet. Spectators can enjoy designated viewing areas and may enter the Airshow with their runner.
Find Full Race Details
All event information - including parking, base access, permitted items, awards, and race‑day timelines - can be found here: https://refuelmcconnell.com/tanker-trot/
Airshow FAQ's can be found here: https://frontiersinflight.com/faq/
**The Tanker Trot 5K will begin promptly at 9:30am and conclude at 10:30am. Awards will take place at 10:15am. Because this event takes place on an active military installation during Airshow operations, the race must remain on a strict timeline.
Please plan your pace accordingly and ensure you are able to complete the course within the one‑hour window.**
There will be no water stations on the course. This is a safety requirement to prevent Foreign Object Debris (FOD) on the active airfield. Water will be available at the finish line for all runners.
No late or day‑of registration will be accepted due to base access requirements.
Set your pace, bring your energy, and be part of a race experience you can’t get anywhere else.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
67°
Typical Low
43°
Chance of Rain
17%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Wichita Wx, 6 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Wichita, KS
Population
396,488
as of 2023
Elevation
1,303 ft
Nearest Airport
ICT
Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport · 6 mi
Major Hub
TUL
Tulsa International Airport · 131 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A big city race. Expect multiple lodging options and plenty to do the day before.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Tanker Trot, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
More Running races near Wichita, KS
The Sunglasses Run 5K Wichita
5K
Less than a mile away
Heatwave Half Marathon - Wichita
Half Marathon
Less than a mile away
Laps For Love Backyard Ultra
Less than a mile away
10th Annual Road Home Race
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Tanker Trot?
- Tanker Trot is a running race held in Wichita, Kansas on October 24, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Tanker Trot?
- Saturday, October 24, 2026 in Wichita, Kansas at 7751 E Pawnee St, Wichita, KS. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Tanker Trot?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Tanker Trot
Oct 24, 2026