Cliff Hanger Run 2026

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.