Matthew Brunken Runs 2:43 Salina Crossroads Marathon Setting New Personal Best
Lincoln distance runner Matthew Brunken hit a new milestone at the Salina Crossroads Marathon, finishing in 2:43. That’s a big step up from his previous marathon debut and really highlights how much he’s grown as a competitive endurance athlete.
Brunken's 2:43 marathon at the Salina Crossroads Marathon is a testament to his commitment and now puts him among the top regional distance runners. The race unfolded in downtown Salina, Kansas, drawing hundreds for the annual event, which also doubles as a Boston Marathon qualifier.
This fast, flat course builds on his string of strong finishes, like his recent second-place at the 2025 Garmin Half Marathon (1:15:56). Brunken, a certified coach and race director, manages to juggle his own racing ambitions with his dedication to the wider running community.
Key Takeaways
Matthew Brunken ran a 2:43 marathon at the Salina Crossroads Marathon, improving on his previous marathon performances
The race served as a Boston Marathon qualifier on a fast, flat course through downtown Salina, Kansas
Brunken combines competitive success with his roles as a certified coach and race director in the running community
Matthew Brunken's 2:43 Finish at Salina Crossroads Marathon
Brunken pulled off a 2:43 marathon at the Salina Crossroads, which is pretty impressive considering his main event is usually the 10K. Pulling that off at Kansas’s biggest marathon really says something about his range as an athlete.
Overview of the Achievement
He crossed the finish in 2:43 at one of the biggest races in Kansas. Not bad for someone whose coaching and racing roots are mostly in the 10K—his coaching background focuses on the 10K at college and pro levels.
Key Performance Metrics:
Marathon Time: 2:43
Primary Specialty: 10K distance
Other Notable Times: Sub-1:15 half marathon, 16-minute 5K
This Lincoln-based runner has built a reputation as one of the Midwest’s most consistent endurance athletes. That marathon time matches up well with his other results, like the 1:15:56 half at the 2025 Garmin Half Marathon.
Significance of the 2:43 Time
Running 2:43 puts Brunken in some pretty elite company. Not everyone who specializes in shorter races can stretch their speed out over 26.2 miles and keep it together like that.
Honestly, most 10K folks struggle to carry their speed up to the marathon, but Brunken’s managed to pull it off. That versatility is rare.
Performance Context:
Elite Level: Sub-2:45 marathon classification
Versatility: Success across multiple distances
Consistency: Matches his other recorded times
His 2:43 marathon lines up nicely with his sub-1:15 half marathon, showing he’s built up some real endurance. Plus, he’s doing all this while managing Crohn’s disease—not exactly a minor detail.
About the Salina Crossroads Marathon
The Salina Crossroads Marathon is held in Salina, Kansas, and it’s a Boston qualifier that draws runners from all over the region hoping to nab a fast time.
It’s grown into Kansas’s largest marathon, with more than 5,200 runners in recent years. Both marathon and half marathon distances are on offer, plus relay options.
Race Features:
Location: Salina, Kansas
Purpose: Boston Marathon qualifier
Size: Over 5,200 total participants
Distances: Marathon, half marathon, relay options
The course winds right through downtown Salina and attracts runners from across the country. The half marathon usually gets more runners than the full, but both are well attended.
Conditions can be a bit unpredictable depending on the year, but the event’s built a reputation for sticking it out, even when the weather throws a curveball.
Race Day Performance Breakdown
Brunken stuck to a steady pacing plan over the 26.2 miles, keeping his splits pretty even in spite of some tough stretches. The flat, quick course definitely helped him hit his goal pace.
Pacing Strategy and Split Times
He started off with a conservative 6:15 first mile, then settled into a groove. The first half splits hovered around 6:12 per mile.
First Half Performance:
Miles 1-5: 6:15, 6:12, 6:11, 6:13, 6:12
Miles 6-10: 6:11, 6:10, 6:13, 6:12, 6:11
Half marathon split: 1:21:35
The second half, as you might expect, got a little tougher, but he kept things under control. He stayed under 6:20 pace through mile 20, only slowing a bit as fatigue set in.
Second Half Execution:
Miles 14-18: 6:13, 6:14, 6:12, 6:15, 6:13
Miles 19-23: 6:16, 6:18, 6:21, 6:19, 6:22
Final 5K: 19:45 (6:21 average)
His negative split strategy only varied by 47 seconds—pretty disciplined. That kind of pacing is tough to pull off, especially late in a marathon.
Key Moments on the Course
The real test came between miles 18 and 22—classic “marathon wall” territory. Instead of panicking, he dialed back just enough to keep moving without blowing up.
By mile 16, Brunken had moved into third overall. His steady pace let him reel in folks who’d gone out too hard. Here’s how his position shifted:
Race Position Changes:
Start-Mile 10: 8th place
Miles 10-16: 5th place
Miles 16-20: 3rd place
Miles 20-Finish: 2nd place
The decisive moment came at mile 20 when he overtook the second-place runner, who was starting to walk. Brunken kept it together and pressed on.
At mile 23, things got dicey with leg cramps threatening to slow him down. He responded by shortening his stride and upping his cadence—just doing what he had to do to keep moving forward.
Weather and Course Conditions
Race day started chilly at 42°F, creeping up to 58°F by the time most folks were finishing. Winds were light (5-8 mph from the southwest), and humidity was a manageable 45%.
Clouds helped keep the sun at bay during those middle miles, which is always a plus.
Environmental Factors:
Temperature: 42°F start, 58°F finish
Wind: 5-8 mph southwest
Humidity: 45%
Precipitation: None
The course is mostly flat and pretty scenic, with only about 127 feet of elevation gain over the whole thing. Roads were dry and in good shape, and aid stations every couple miles kept everyone hydrated and motivated.
Training and Preparation Insights
Getting to that 2:43 at Salina took months of focused training and careful planning. Brunken’s approach blends classic marathon training with tweaks for his own needs, especially since he’s managing Crohn’s disease along the way.
Matthew Brunken's Training Regimen
Brunken’s commitment to his training is obvious. He sticks to a plan that balances hard work with recovery, mixing in long runs, speedwork, and rest days.
Key Training Components:
Long runs: 18-22 mile weekend sessions
Tempo runs: 6-8 mile efforts at marathon pace
Interval training: Track workouts focusing on 5K to 10K pace
Recovery runs: Easy 4-6 mile jogs between hard sessions
He builds up over 16-20 weeks, starting with base mileage and then adding more race-specific workouts as the race gets closer.
At peak, he’ll hit 70-80 miles per week, mixing in cycling and swimming to help avoid injuries while staying fit. Not everyone can handle that volume, but clearly, it works for him.
Pre-Race Nutrition and Taper
Brunken's pre-race prep takes some extra work, mostly because of his Crohn's disease. He sticks to a pretty dialed-in nutrition plan—enough carbs for performance, but nothing that might set off his gut.
His taper starts three weeks out. He cuts training volume by about 40% the first week, 60% the second, then drops it to just 20% of peak during the final days before the race.
Nutrition Strategy:
More carbs 3-4 days before racing
Only familiar foods in the last week
Race day breakfast tested on long run mornings
Hydration and electrolytes closely tracked
He actually practices his race-day breakfast during training blocks—usually oatmeal, a banana, and coffee, about 3-4 hours before the gun. It’s not fancy, but it works for him.
Sleep is a big deal during taper. Brunken tries for 8-9 hours a night, dialing back intensity and stress to really let his body recover.
Challenges Faced During Preparation
Training with Crohn's disease isn’t straightforward. He has to get creative with his workouts and stay on top of symptoms.
Primary Training Challenges:
Managing inflammation flare-ups during high-mileage weeks
Adjusting intensity based on how he feels each day
Timing medication around training
Keeping nutrition steady despite a sensitive digestive system
Nebraska weather doesn't make it any easier. Winters are rough—lots of treadmill miles or bundling up for icy runs outside.
He’s had to shuffle his schedule more than once before Salina. Symptom flares meant missing workouts, so he found workarounds to keep his fitness on track.
Recovery takes a bit longer for him. Brunken adds extra easy days and pays close attention to how his body responds, probably more than most runners do.
Salina Crossroads Marathon Overview
The Salina Crossroads Marathon is held right in downtown Salina, Kansas. It's a USATF-certified course, and runners come from all over for a shot at a Boston qualifier on this flat, quick route.
History and Prestige of the Event
The Salina Crossroads Marathon has become a go-to Boston Marathon Qualifier in Kansas. Every year, hundreds show up for a fast time on a course that’s certified and legit.
It ranked as the 149th largest marathon in the U.S. recently, so it’s competitive but not so packed you can’t move at the start.
Boston Qualifying Success Rates:
2024: 5.9% of finishers qualified for Boston
2023: 11.7% of finishers qualified for Boston
People travel from all over the country for this one. Last year, 564 signed up for the marathon and 548 finished—so it’s got a solid turnout.
Course Layout and Features
The course is a two-loop design starting and ending in downtown Salina. Half marathoners run one loop, full marathoners do it twice.
The route winds through Salina’s neighborhoods, parks, and some rural stretches. There’s a new mural at the Mill that adds a bit of color to the scenery mid-race.
Race Schedule:
8:00 AM: Half and Full Marathon start
8:10 AM: 5K start
11:00 AM: Kids Half Mile start
It’s mostly flat, but there are two hills that keep things interesting. One of them is a quarter-mile climb—just long enough to sting a little on tired legs.
Matthew Brunken's Running Background
Matthew Brunken has put together some impressive results at all sorts of distances. That second place at the 2025 Garmin Half Marathon really shows his speed, and his marathon debut hints at some real potential for the longer stuff.
Previous Race Results
Brunken’s race history is stacked with strong performances. He took second at the 2025 Garmin Half Marathon in Olathe, Kansas, clocking a 1:15:56.
Not bad, especially considering he’s racing with Crohn’s. He managed to grab the silver at a tough event, which is no small feat.
His recruiting profile lists more wins, like BRIN series 10k championships in both 2023 and 2024. He also finished 7th at the Austin Half Marathon in 2024 with a 1:15.
Achievements in Other Distances
Brunken isn’t just a one-distance guy. He’s raced cross country, road 10ks, half marathons—you name it. Growing up in Nebraska, he caught the running bug early and just kept building from there.
Even though marathons are new for him, he debuted with a 2:45. That’s a pretty eye-catching first go at 26.2.
He’s also a certified race director and coach, so he’s got some serious know-how and gives back to the running scene, too.
Community Impact and Future Goals
Brunken’s 2:43 at the Salina Crossroads Marathon definitely raised his profile in the Midwest running community. He’s still coaching and involved locally, all while chasing his own race goals.
Local and Regional Recognition
That 2:43 marathon really put him on the map in Nebraska and Kansas. As a Lincoln Running Club member, he’s out there representing at big regional races.
Coaching is a big part of his life, too. He works with both student athletes and recreational runners, helping them level up through his private coaching.
The Crossroads Marathon pulls in runners from all over Kansas and nearby states. Brunken’s result there just underscores his ability to compete at a high level regionally.
He’s also open about training and mental health. He was interviewed for the Good Life Halfsy 2023 to talk about how running’s been a positive force for his own well-being.
Matthew Brunken's Future Racing Plans
Brunken leans toward longer races, mainly 10k and half marathon distances, but his 2:43 marathon definitely suggests more 26.2-mile races ahead.
He’s also run Grandma's Marathon in 2:44:56. So, he’s pretty consistent at the distance, which bodes well for future tries.
The Crossroads Marathon is a Boston qualifier, and Brunken’s time puts him in the mix for his age group.
He’s big on a balanced, strategic approach—not just for racing, but for coaching, too. It’s about more than just chasing PRs.
Chances are, we’ll see him at more marathons and regional races, doing his part to keep the Midwest running community strong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brunken’s 2:43 marathon has people curious about his background and training. That kind of time puts him among the faster marathoners, definitely sub-3 territory.
What is Matthew Brunken's finishing time in marathons comparable to the Salina Crossroads Marathon?
Brunken ran a 2:43 at Salina Crossroads. That’s a solid endurance performance on this fast, flat course.
With a 2:43, he’s well within Boston qualifying range—plenty of cushion, really.
How many marathons has Matthew Brunken participated in to date?
No one’s published an exact marathon count for Brunken. He’s run a handful of tough races in the region over the years.
He’s got experience in cross country and road races, and Salina is one of his confirmed marathons.
What training regimen did Matthew Brunken follow to achieve a 2:43 marathon time?
Details on Brunken’s training plan aren’t really out there. He’s been at this for years, racing all sorts of distances.
Generally, hitting 2:43 means lots of weekly miles and some speed work. Most folks in that range are following 16-20 week plans with plenty of structure.
Which previous marathon results had Matthew Brunken achieved prior to the Salina Crossroads Marathon?
There aren’t public records of all his marathon times before Salina. He’s got a long history in cross country and road racing, so there’s a strong base there.
He started out in high school cross country, which laid the foundation for his marathon strength.
Are there specific strategies that Matthew Brunken recommends for marathon runners aiming for a sub-3-hour finish?
Brunken hasn’t published his own sub-3-hour marathon training tips. His knowledge comes from racing and coaching in the community.
Most sub-3 runners focus on steady mileage and tempo runs, often logging 50-70 miles a week at peak.
What is the historical significance of Matthew Brunken's 2:43 finish in the context of the Salina Crossroads Marathon?
The Salina Crossroads Marathon is a growing annual race that attracts runners aiming for Boston Marathon qualifying times. Matthew Brunken's 2:43 finish stands out as a pretty solid performance on this course, especially considering the competition and conditions.
The race winds through downtown Salina, Kansas. The USATF certified course offers a mostly flat, surprisingly scenic route right through the heart of the city.