5K races near Liberty

Shootout for Soldiers Kansas City is a 12-hour lacrosse event in Kansas City featuring continuous games. Local lacrosse players participate throughout the event to honor and support U.S. veterans. The format involves teams playing games back-to-back for half a day, transforming a local sports gathering into a fundraiser. The Kansas City event aimed to raise $20,000 and surpassed its goal, collecting $34,000 with more expected.

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 Oktoberfest 5K/10K and Kids Run begins at KC Running Company on East 135th Street in historic Martin City, Missouri, within the Kansas City area. This fall race offers 5K and 10K run/walk options, alongside a Kids Fun Run and a virtual participation choice for those desiring the medal without the on-course commitment. The event accommodates various participants: individuals aiming for a fast 10K, walkers completing the 5K, and children in the short fun run can all be part of the same occasion. The course navigates the streets surrounding Martin City, featuring distinct mapped paths for the 5K and 10K. The Oktoberfest theme is integrated into the day's activities, not merely a title. Post-race, participants are welcome to remain for music, food, and drinks. Optional add-ons include an event mug or shirt. All finishers receive a custom medal, while children get a shirt and medal with their registration. Awards are presented to overall winners, masters winners, and the top three male and female finishers in age categories ranging from 10 and under to 80-plus.

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.

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 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.

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.

Spooky Sprint - Kansas City is an annual Halloween-themed run at Longview Community College in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Participants can select a 5K, 10K, or half marathon, accommodating those seeking a brief seasonal run or a longer morning challenge. The event features chip timing with live results, and all finishers receive race swag, including a designer shirt and custom medal. The race is included in the local Bodies Race Series, known for its family-friendly events over a competitive atmosphere. Costumes, casual runners, club runners, and families are all welcome, fitting the Halloween theme. The varied distances allow groups of different abilities to participate in the same event without completing identical course lengths. It is also listed in a Runner Recognition Program as a partner race, offering member discounts.