5K races near Lawrence

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 Happy Feet Run/Walk 5K is a fall 5K run and walk held at Heritage Park, Shelter 10, in Olathe, Kansas. It is organized by a local nonprofit foundation, accepting tax-deductible donations, and is designed for both runners and walkers, not exclusively competitive racers. The route is a 5 km park run, allowing participants to run, jog, or walk at their own pace. Families, children, volunteers, local supporters, and regular runners attend. The proceeds benefit children affected by the loss of a parent to suicide, with Variety KC also supporting the event's aim to help kids be active, social, and included.

The Rock Chalk Run begins and ends at the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park, Kansas, offering complimentary parking on campus. Participants can choose from a 10K, a 5K, or a 1K Family Fun Run/Walk, suitable for both dedicated runners and families seeking a brief, relaxed outing. The courses are new this year, and the event benefits KU Edwards College students. Following the races, attendees can enjoy food trucks, a family fun zone, KU bookstore items, and a visit from the Jayhawk mascot. This is the third year for the event, and a donation of $50 or more provides runners with a $10 discount on registration.

The Maple Leaf Run takes place in October, coinciding with the Maple Leaf Festival in Baldwin City, Kansas. Participants gather at the Baldwin City Golf Course on Main Street for an all-grass 5K, followed by a 1-mile children's race. The event begins early, with check-in prior to the 8 a.m. races, contributing to a local festival atmosphere rather than a large road-race production. The 5K route is entirely on grass, not pavement, and has been noted as a course used by the high school cross-country team. This offers the 5K a more distinct cross-country character compared to a standard town run. All finishers are awarded medals, and the top male and female finishers in both races receive plaques. The golf course provides a convenient viewing area for spectators, and the Baker women’s wrestling team assists in hosting the event.

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 Coach Yantis 5K Turkey Trot is a 9 a.m. 5K run and walk at the Cunningham Center at MidAmerica Nazarene University, held on the Saturday morning before Thanksgiving. It is a community race honoring Brad Yantis, with timing chips for participants and a virtual 5K option for those who wish to join from elsewhere. The event is open to runners and walkers, and it also includes a Tot Trot for children ages 1 to 8. Proceeds support Brad Yantis’s MNU endowment scholarship, The American Cancer Society-Hope Lodge KC, and grants for Olathe Public Schools through a local community partner.

The Gobbler Grind is a road race in Johnson County, Kansas, held annually on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Participants can choose from four distances: a marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K. The longer races begin earlier in the morning than the shorter ones. The marathon is one of Kansas' oldest, featured on the local running calendar for nearly 30 years. It is a Boston Qualifier and a 50 State Marathon Club certified race, attracting marathon collectors and local runners from Kansas and Missouri.

The Topeka Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving morning race held in Topeka, Kansas, organized by Fleet Feet. It features a 10K, a 5K, and a Kids Turkey Trot 1K. The longer races begin earlier, with the children’s race scheduled for later in the morning. The designated race location is SE Croco Road, though specific course maps and future site details are still being finalized. This event is in its second year and aims to encourage physical activity before the holiday meal. Participants include runners, walkers, families, experienced racers, first-timers, and children, making it a community gathering rather than solely a competitive event. The race emphasizes gratitude, togetherness, and creating an appetite for post-race pie.

The Lawrence Shamrock Shuffle begins and ends at Johnny's Tavern in Lawrence, Kansas, offering 5K, 10K, Family 5K, and virtual race choices. This event aligns with the Lawrence St. Patrick's Day Parade, taking place annually during the St. Patrick's season. Participants are encouraged to wear green or other Irish-themed attire. The 10K provides a less common distance for local runners, and the shorter races accommodate families and casual participants. The courses follow the river levee, extend into North Lawrence, and traverse the historic North Lawrence and Pinkney neighborhoods. Aid stations are positioned approximately every 1.5 to 2 miles. Awards are presented to overall winners, Masters and Super Masters, and the top three in each age category. Registration covers a race shirt and a participation award. Post-race refreshments feature an Irish breakfast from Johnny's North and the parade committee. Proceeds benefit Douglas County children's charities selected by the Lawrence St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee.