10K races near Paola

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 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.

Tour de Trail: Cedar Niles is a 10K trail run at Cedar Niles in Olathe, Kansas, part of a six-race Tour de Trail series across the Kansas City area. The distance is flexible, typically near 10K, with the actual course ranging from 5.5 to 6.5 miles based on the trail system and conditions. Runners and hikers are welcome; all participants have four hours to complete the course. The event uses clock timing, posts results on UltraSignup, and provides minimal aid with water only, requiring entrants to bring their own cup. The series showcases KC-area trail systems, with each stage at a different location. Cedar Niles hosts this particular stop, but rain may necessitate an alternate route using cross country, paved trail, or a combination. A single entry costs $50, with $5 donated to Urban Trail Co. Race-day registration incurs a higher fee, and a discount is available for those registering for all six stages before the deadline. Completing all six races earns a special series finisher award, emphasizing the full challenge over just the bundle registration.

Miola Madness - Fall Edition is a timed running event at Miola Lake in Paola, Kansas, using a roughly 6-mile crushed limestone loop. Runners can select 3, 6, 9, or 12 hours to complete as many loops as possible, or enter the 10K for a fixed-distance option. All races begin and end at the boat ramp trail head, which also functions as the Race Hub. The loop keeps runners near crew support and aid, with one main stocked aid station and a second fluids-only station on the course. The Race Hub offers restrooms, crew access, a nearby dog park, and beach access a short drive away. The 10K is a new distance with inaugural records to be set, and anyone who sets or breaks a record receives a record setter sign. This is the third race in the three-event Miola Madness Series, and it proceeds in any weather.

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.