Special to the Leader & Times
The slate of racers for the 2026 International Pancake Day Race has been announced.
Alondra Brito
Alondra is a 25-year-old mother to 6-month-old Emiliano and a student in the Respiratory Therapy program at Seward County Community College. This is her second time competing in the International Pancake Race. In 2023, she placed 3rd overall. Heading into this year’s race, she’s hoping for the best and has been preparing with walks and runs. Her advice for first-time runners: “Just have fun, it’s a great experience.”
Mikayla Knudsen
Mikayla is a 36-year-old seasoned International Pancake Race veteran. She’s run it too many times to count! Her friends and family weren’t surprised when she announced she’d be racing again. Mikayla works as the Children’s Librarian at the Liberal Memorial Library and as a barista at the Cozy Corner. She also has several nieces and nephews competing in this year’s Youth Races. Her advice: “drink plenty of fluids, relax, and enjoy yourself.”
Sofia Martinez
Sofia is 23 years old and making her first appearance in the International Pancake Race. She works as a Staff Accountant at Hays Rice & Associates. After deciding in advance to participate, Sofia has spent the last 10 months training at the gym 5–6 days a week. Her family has been excited and supportive as she prepares for race day.
Hannah McCarter
Hannah is a 19-year-old lifelong Liberal resident and is competing in her first International Pancake Race. She attends Washburn University and has participated in many Youth Pancake Races over the years. Now, she’s excited to take on the international challenge. Her father, Troy McCarter, will be running in the Men’s Pacer Race and Hannah plans to beat his time.
Cindy Medrano
Cindy is making her second appearance in the International Pancake Race. She competed in 2023 and placed 2nd overall. She is a 30-year-old receptionist at Lewis Chevrolet and a mother of two. Cindy is giving the race another go this year with plenty of excitement from her kids. Her preparation has focused on staying calm and managing nerves. Her advice to first-time runners: “Let the adrenaline help you.”
Jennifer Orona Mosso
Jennifer is 25 years old and currently attending nursing school at Seward County Community College. A mother of two, this will be her second attempt at the International Pancake Race. After competing last year, she had so much fun that she hopes to make it a yearly tradition. Her family and friends are proud of her for stepping outside her comfort zone. She’s been preparing by increasing her cardio at the gym and encourages first-time runners to: “simply have fun.”
Anakeren Perez
Anakeren is a 31-year-old mother of two, who has lived in Liberal for the past six months. She decided to join the race to challenge herself, be part of a positive community event, and set a strong example for her daughters. Her family and friends were shocked, but supportive when they learned she was racing. She’s been preparing by going on walks with her daughters and maintaining a positive mindset.
Mays Ramirez
Mays is a 33-year-old paramedic with Seward County EMS and has lived in Liberal for six years. This will be her first time competing in the International Pancake Race. She decided to participate because she loves running and regularly completes in 5Ks. To prepare, Mays enjoys workout classes including Zumba, spin, and dance. Her friends, family, and workout buddies are all excited to cheer her on.
Arlene Ruiz
Arlene is a 27-year-old PE teacher at Eisenhower Middle School and a lifelong Liberal resident. This will be her second time competing in the race. She placed 3rd in the 2025 International Pancake Race and decided to return after having so much fun last year. Arlene has been preparing by running and using her previous experience to mentally push through the toughest parts. Her advice: “enjoy the moments leading up to the race.”
Noeli Saenz
Noeli is 26 years old and works as an ESL paraprofessional. She is a mother of one and decided to compete after encouragement from her sister-in-law. Her family’s reaction has been a mix of support and laughter. To prepare, Noeli works out regularly and mentally approaches the race as just another great workout.
Darlene Toney
Darlene is a 32-year-old PE teacher at Seymour Rogers Middle School. This will be her first time competing in the International Pancake Race. She believes that if she encourages her two children and students to run, she should do the same. A self-described distance runner, Darlene is ready to take on the sprint challenge. She’s completed multiple half marathons, 10Ks, and 5Ks. She has not told many people that she is running, so she can’t wait to see how her friends and family react to the surprise.
Juliauna VanWyhe
Juliauna is 19 years old and competing in her first International Pancake Race. She grew up participating in the Youth Pancake Races and is excited to now race at the international level. Her family and friends were shocked when she announced she was registering. She’s been preparing by running and stretching and is approaching race day with a positive mindset.
Madison Winters
Madison is a 30-year-old manager and barista at the Cozy Corner and is competing in her third International Pancake Race. She previously raced in 2024 and 2025. Her training includes daily walks and runs with her dogs and caring for animals on her ranch. This year, she’s hoping for better weather and a finish higher than ninth for the third year in a row! Her advice for new racers: “relax and have fun.”
Kristen Woods
Kristen is an ultrasound technologist who has lived in Liberal for the past five months. She’s excited to be part of the local tradition of the International Pancake Race. Having never attended Pancake Day before, Kristen was encouraged by friends and coworkers to participate since she enjoys running. She maintains a regular running routine, but admits she’ll need to practice flipping a pancake because it’ll be her first time!
