5K races near Fort Leavenworth

The Armourdale 5K Run and Walk begins and ends on the Rock Island Bridge, offering participants a city-skyline view above Kansas City. This Saturday-morning 5K is connected to the Armourdale neighborhood, organized by the Armourdale Renewal Association as part of its efforts to support local residents and families. The event accommodates more than just fast runners; walkers, families, local businesses, and neighborhood supporters participate. The race draws attention and support for community work in Armourdale, where the ARA manages youth programs, development projects, and local initiatives. The bridge start and finish distinguish the event, transforming a short community race into a run across one of Kansas City’s distinctive public spaces.

Carey's Denim Dash is an annual 5K run in Overland Park, Kansas, held in honor of Carey Berger. The in-person race is about 3.1 miles, with a virtual run offered for people who want to support the event without being on the local course. The race raises awareness and money for Love Enough 4 U, a Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps teens and young adults pay for drug and alcohol treatment. Proceeds are intended to improve local youths' access to Crossroads, a sobriety treatment center, so the event is tied more to community support and recovery access than to elite racing.

The Graveyard 5k Run & Fun Run is a fall 5K and kids’ fun run held inside Charlotte’s Historic Elmwood Pinewood Cemetery. The main race uses cemetery paths across more than 70 acres, so runners move through one of the city’s historic burial grounds instead of a standard road loop. The event includes a food truck, DJ, and awards ceremony, and a guided tour is offered afterward for those interested in the cemetery’s history. Registration includes an official race shirt, custom bib, and finisher medal. The 1 Mile Kids Fun Run is free with registration and provides kids their own finisher medal.

The Cliff Hanger Run is a fall race in Kansas City’s Historic Northeast, taking place on Cliff Drive near the east entrance by Gladstone Boulevard. It features an 8K, 5K, 1-mile option, and a 200-meter kids’ run for children 12 and under, accommodating runners, walkers, families, and young children. Most races begin in the morning, with the kids’ dash starting first, followed by the longer events. The route follows Cliff Drive, a Missouri state byway lined with fall foliage, providing a distinct local character compared to a typical neighborhood course. Organized by the Kansas City Running Club, the event has a long history, spanning over three decades, with the current Cliffhanger version held annually for many editions. Participants in the race and 1-mile walk receive a race shirt, finisher medal, custom bib, complimentary photos, and post-race refreshments.

Strong Like Lisa-Steps to Cure Sarcoma is a community race in Parkville, Missouri, organized by the Strong Like Lisa Foundation. This annual Race to Cure Sarcoma features a 5K run/walk, a 1-mile kids race, and a separate 1-mile walk, allowing families and non-runners to participate on the same morning. The race day includes awards, music from a DJ, and a pancake breakfast served by Chris Cakes. The event also offers adult and kids beverages, raffles, and a silent auction, all supporting the foundation’s goal of helping cure sarcoma.

The Prairie Moon 5K Pumpkin Fun Run begins and ends at Prairie Moon Waldorf School in Lawrence, Kansas. It features a timed 5K for adults and other runners, alongside a short, untimed obstacle-course run for children. This event serves as a public community fundraiser for the school. Adult 5K registration includes a shirt, and a children’s shirt is available for the fun run. The 5K route departs the school onto gravel roads and trails, incorporating the Mud Creek levee trail, before returning to campus. The course is timed but not certified. Strollers are permitted, but sturdy tires are recommended for the gravel sections. Following the run, the school grounds transform into a fall gathering with activities such as pumpkin painting, chess, tacos, coffee, and baked goods. Prizes from local stores are awarded to top finishers, and a Garmin watch raffle includes all 5K registrants.

The Halloween Trick or Trot Run is a Halloween-themed race morning held at Mill Creek Park in Kansas City, Missouri. Participants can select from a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or Family 1 Mile Fun Run. All distances begin simultaneously in the morning and conclude by late morning. The event is organized as a smaller, private group run, not a large chip-timed competition, with waves that close once full. The course begins and ends in Mill Creek Park. The course map is sent to participants via email rather than being published as a permanent public route. All running paces are accommodated. Children may participate with a guardian. Timing is optional; runners can use an app to track their run and submit results online for listing if desired. The Halloween theme is straightforward: complete your chosen distance, then receive free candy. Shirts and a finisher towel or giveaway are included for standard registrants.