Join us on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Coopers Landing in Columbia, MO, for the Do Hard Things 5k Run/Walk & 9.11 Mile Run or Ruck challenge! Are you ready to push your limits and achieve your fitness goals while showing support for our first responders and Veterans?
Experience the true spirit of determination and resilience with Do Hard Things Nation. Participants can choose between a 5k run/walk or a 9.11 Mile Run or Ruck challenge. In the Ruck challenge, marchers carry 10 lbs (lightweight) or 35 lbs (heavyweight) on their backs (provided by participant), adding an extra layer of intensity.
We invite you to be a part of this extraordinary event, where we come together to express our unwavering love and support for police, fire, EMS, active duty military, Veterans, and those who have served our nation. By participating, you will also contribute to a greater cause. A portion of the event proceeds will benefit the Veterans Community Project. VCP is dedicated to serving every man and woman who took the oath for our country, regardless of discharge status or type of service. Their solution to forever end homelessness is simple: provide Veterans a home with dignity and wrap-around support services that not only get them back on their feet, and ensure they continue standing.
Get ready to embrace the challenge and make a meaningful impact on the lives of our heroes. Sign up now and let's honor and support those who have dedicated themselves to protecting and serving our communities.
7:30 AM Start for 9.11-Mile Run or Ruck
9:11 AM Start for 5K Run/Walk
The 25th annual Run for Freedom 5K and 10K, sponsored by the West Central Missouri Veterans Assistance League (VAL), will be at 8 a.m. Sept. 19 at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg. Runners from all over West Central Missouri and Eastern Kansas participate in this event to help enhance the lives of the veterans who live at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg.
This event offers a 5K and 10K run that is USATF certified and uses a professional timing company to document running times. Participants are allowed to walk the race as well and is family-friendly.
Medals are presented to the top three finishers in each age category for the run by the veterans who live at the home. They love being able to give back to those who are instrumental in making the final chapters of their lives better.
Proceeds from this event go towards programs that improve the quality of life for our veterans. This includes everything from receiving prize money at every bingo game held, enjoying an ice cold beer or glass of wine at our weekly happy hour, listening to the sound of live music, tasting amazing food like steak, shrimp and lobster and going on outings all over Missouri.
This is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those who have done so much for our freedom and for our country. Come Run for Freedom!
Please register by September 9th to secure your free race t-shirt!
Join Us, the Conservation Federation of Missouri, for the first ever Miles for Missouri Outdoors 5K, bringing together affiliate partners, outdoor advocates, and community members to celebrate Missouri’s outdoor legacy and active lifestyles.
Medals will be given to all finishers.
Age group awards will be given.
The race begins at Heritage Park and heads to the dam then returns back to Heritage Park. This is a great course for beginners or those that would like to walk as well. We will have bubble stations along the race to cheer you on and celebrate your cross across the finish line.
This is a pet and stroller friendly race.
All participants will get a finisher medal and pancake breakfast with registration.
All participants registered by 8/17/26 will receive a race t-shirt.
All funds raised stay here in Smithville to help decrease youth substance use, improve mental health and wellness and build resiliency.
Thank you for joining us for the 23rd Anniversary of the Kansas City Zoo Run, "Run for the Hornbills!"
The Kansas City Zoo Run is a local favorite, featuring a different species of animal each year.
All participants receive uniquely branded swag associated with the year's featured animal species. In addition to the swag, a portion of each participant's entry fee supports the Friends of the Zoo. The uniquely branded swag that each participant will receive in 2026 includes the following:
Custom designed featured species GO-EX Hornbills t-shirt
Custom Hornbills finisher's medal
Free one-time entry into the Kansas City Zoo that is valid on race day or any day through the end of 2026
If you want to start fundraising after completing your registration, you will need to log into your RunSignUp account and edit your registration. From there, you will be able to choose "Become A Fundraiser" and join in the fun while supporting the Hornbills!
Please follow us on Facebook (@KansasCityZooRun) and Instagram (@kczoorun) for opportunities to win prizes from our sponsors, as well as to keep yourself updated on all of the latest information regarding registration, packet pickup, event highlights and more!!
Please note as a reminder, our event has a NO REFUND policy.
Thank YOU for joining us for our 9th Annual Lizzy’s Walk of Faith 5K Walk/Run! You are our honored guest and we promise you that you will not leave the same way you came! Get ready to be encouraged, inspired and greatly touched in a powerful way!
On Saturday, September 26th, 2026, at Bethel Park, we will come together to honor our daughter, Lizzy, and other families that have courageously battled childhood cancer. This lively and fun event will have entertainers such as fire jugglers, superhero and fairytale princesses, face painters and balloon twisters. The Mizzou Golden Girls, Mizzou Cheer Team, Rock Bridge Bruin Girls, KC Wolf, Truman the Tiger, super cool Lizzy photo booth, gourmet popcorn, Kona Ice, The Grind Coffee Truck and other food vendors and entertainment as well. Plus, Kendra Scott will have a pop-up tent and RP Exotics will bring their super cool (and fast!) exotic cars. You will leave encouraged and inspired to make an impact and follow Lizzy's legacy of compassion, generosity and faith.
This year, we will be raising money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, The Osteosarcoma Institute, Mizzou Children's Hospital, Children's Mercy, and Lizzy’s Walk of Faith Foundation. Lizzy’s Walk of Faith Foundation not only supports these wonderful organizations but many local families that have been affected by pediatric cancer. Lizzy’s Walk of Faith Foundation is classified as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
At the tender young age of 10, Lizzy's last wish before she passed from bone cancer was to donate her tumors for research. With tears in her eyes, looking up at her mother, Lizzy said, "I don't want any other child to go through what I went through and for parent's to hear, "There is nothing more I can do for your child." Today, Lizzy's tumor is all over the world being researched in the hopes of finding a cure for pediatric cancer. Pediatric cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children. 1 in 5 children in the U.S. will not survive.
This is why we run/walk to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Lizzy's Walk of Faith Foundation. This is why you and I will walk with faith to finally put an end to pediatric cancer. You will cross the finish line for my Lizzy who never got to finish her race herself. And for all the other children fighting pediatric cancer.
Much love and thanks from John and Jen and we can't wait to see you!!
🌳 13th Annual Get Outdoors 6.6k 🌲
Saturday, September 26th | Watkins Mill State Park
Join us at Watkins Mill State Park for a race that’s as welcoming as beautiful. Our certified trail loops around the 100-acre Williams Creek Lake, weaving through forested paths dressed in fall colors. It’s an ideal course for all paces; whether you’re aiming for a personal record, walking with friends, or taking breaks to enjoy the lake and the vibrant fall setting.
🏁 The fun doesn’t stop at the finish line! Stick around for music, delicious bites from local food trucks, family-friendly activities, and exciting prizes.
📅 Race Day Details:
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Check-In: Opens at 7:00 AM
🎽 What’s Included:
Each race package comes with:
6.6k Event T-shirt
Race Bib
Finisher’s Medal
Two Guided Tour Passes to experience the Watkins Woolen Mill & Home
💲 Registration Options:
$35 — Early Bird Special (through Sept. 16, includes shirt)
$40 — After Sept. 16 (no shirt included)
$45 — Race Day (no shirt included)
$30 — Kids 5–12 (full package before Sept. 16)
FREE — Kids under 5 (no package)
(Spots fill fast! Secure your shirt before Sept. 16!)
📦 Packet Pick-Up Options:
1️⃣ Friday, September 25 | 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 Woodneath Library Center | 8900 NE Flintlock Rd, Kansas City, MO 64157
2️⃣ Saturday, September 26 | 7:00 AM
📍 Watkins Mill State Park | 26600 Park Road North, Lawson, MO 64062
⚠️ Course Note:
Due to a bridge closure, the course will again be 6.6 kilometers instead of 6 kilometers this year.
🌟 Why It Matters
All proceeds benefit Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and Historic Site! The Watkins Mill Association is proud to support the preservation, education, and celebration of the Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark that tells the story of Missouri’s past. Your participation directly funds these efforts.
You can learn more at WatkinsMill.org.
✨ Lace up, bring the family, and join us at the starting line! 🏁
Online Registration Only. Pre-Registration closes Friday September 25th at 5pm. You can still register after that and up to 7:45am the morning of the race, but the day-of registration rate increases to $30. Join us for this fun race the morning of our 77th Annual Pancake Day celebration. The course begins on the North side of the Centerville square and passes by several town landmarks. The course comes full circle and ends on the North side of the square. You will find yourself just a few steps away from free pancakes and activities for all ages!
1st Place Runner (overall) in the 10k for both men & women will receive $150 in Chamber Bucks and the 1st Place Runner (overall) in the 5k for both men & women will receive $75 in Chamber Bucks.
This 12-hour spin event will have teams competing for top honors and prizes while at the same time raising funds for Veteran Community Project. Please help us reach our $150,000 goal by making a donation. In addition, for every donation made CPKC will match your contribution (up to $75,000).
Thank you to everyone for helping us support this great cause. An official tax receipt will be emailed to you.
Veterans Community Project is dedicated to serving every man and woman who took the oath for our country, regardless of discharge status or type of service. Our solution to forever end homelessness is simple: provide Veterans a home with dignity and wrap-around support services that not only get them back on their feet, but ensure they continue standing.