6 walking events in Olathe, Kansas

Enjoy a beautiful morning in Kill Creek Park! 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals will be awarded in each of the following age groups for men and women. Age groups: 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, etc.

Packet Pick-Up

Friday, September 24th, 12:00PM - 5:00PM: Mill Creek Activity Center, 6518 Vista Dr., Shawnee, KS 66218

Sunday, September 26th, 6:00AM - 7:30AM: Kill Creek Park 11670 Homestead Lane Olathe, KS 66061

*Photo ID required to pick up packet.

Race Details

• Packets will include participant bib and safety pins. Bibs must be pinned on the front of the shirt or shorts during the race. Participant's bib number must be visible when crossing the finish line.

• Entrants will be placed in the appropriate 10-year age group according to their age as of December 31st of the current year and scored in the following age groups: Under 18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+.

• The distance is equivalent to 3.1 miles and held on the trails inside Kill Creek Park.

• Runners will line-up in waves based on their estimated finish time. Waves will go off approximately every minute until all runners are on the course. Signs will be placed throughout the starting line and announcements will be made concerning how to line-up.

• No outside competitors for “pacing” purposes are allowed on the course. All participants on the course must be wearing the race bib provided at check-in. Participants may walk if necessary. Walkers should start at the back of the “pack”.

• The Race Committee reserves the right to delay the start of a race or change the course if conditions warrant such a change.

• 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals will be awarded in each age group for men and women.

Course map

Join us for our THIRD annual ASL for All 5K!

Help us celebrate and grow Olathe as a Shared Signing Community—a place where Deaf and non-Deaf people connect through sign language. Whether you sign or not, everyone is welcome! Our 3rd annual ASL for ALL 5K fundraiser will take place along the scenic Indian Creek Trail, starting and ending at Frontier Park. Water and light refreshments will be provided to all registered participants.

After the 5K, join us for two exciting Fun Runs:

• Tots-Fun-Run: 50-yard dash for ages 6 and under

• Kids-Fun-Run: 100-yard dash for ages 7–10

Stay afterwards and enjoy our ASL Festival at the park, featuring community booths and live ASL performances following the conclusion of 5K race. It’s a celebration for all—runners, families, signers, and supporters alike!

Race Schedule:

7:30 AM – Registration Opens

8:30 AM – 5K Race Begins

9:30 AM – Tots’ and Kids’ Fun Runs

9:45 AM – Live ASL Performance

Registration Fees:

• $30 per person ($35 after Sept 5th)

• $25 per person for families/ groups of 4 to 10 ($30 after Sept 5th)

• $10 per person Tots’ and Kids’ Fun Run ($15 after Sept 5th)

• 50% off discount for middle-school/ high-school/ college students (contact us for coupon code)

🎽 Packet Pick-Up: Participant packets—including race bibs—will be available on Friday, September 26, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at:

Museum of Deaf History, Arts & Culture, 455 E. Park Street, Olathe, KS

👕 Late Registration Reminder: Participants who register after September 12 are not guaranteed a race t-shirt or their preferred size—register early to claim your shirt!

All proceeds from the ASL for ALL 5K will be shared between the Kansas School for the Deaf Endowment Association (KSDEA) and Museum of Deaf History, Arts & Culture (MDHAC). Together, we’re building a stronger future by fostering shared signing communities where Deaf and non-Deaf people thrive together.

For any questions, please e-mail: [email protected]

See below for information on American Sign Language, Shared Signing Communities and Signed Language Benefits

American Sign Language (ASL):

ASL is a natural language that serves as the most predominant sign language of Deaf communities in the United States of America and most of Anglophone Canada. ASL is NOT signing in or shorthand for English. It is a complete and organized visual language that is expressed by employing both manual and non-manual features. It is a natural language that has the same linguistic properties as spoken language, with its own grammar, syntax and vocabulary.

ASL originated more than 200 years ago from the intermixing of local Native American sign language, French Sign Language, and Martha’s Vineyard Sign language (developed signs from a once-thriving shared signing community on the island of Martha’s Vineyard). While ASL is the most predominant, there is growing recognition of the use of Black American Sign Language, Plains Indian Sign Language, and Mexican Sign Language in the United States.

Currently, other than English, ASL is the third-most taught language at high schools, colleges, and universities after Spanish and French. For more information about where you can take ASL classes, please check with your local high school, Johnson County Community College (JCCC), and the University of Kansas (KU)- Edwards Campus.

Shared Signing Communities:

Imagine living in a place where everyone—Deaf and non-Deaf alike—uses sign language as a natural part of daily life. That’s what defines a shared signing community: a space where communication flows freely through sign language at home, in schools, at work, and during community gatherings. Deaf people are not on the margins—they’re central, included, and valued.

This is a powerful contrast to most mainstream environments, where Deaf individuals are often surrounded by non-signers. Shared signing communities have existed around the world for thousands of years, creating inclusive environments that celebrate language and connection. One of the most well-known examples in the United States is Martha’s Vineyard, where from the early 1700s through the 1950s, both Deaf and hearing residents commonly used sign language. It became known as a place where “everyone spoke sign.”

Today, Olathe is reawakening this tradition. With the presence of the Museum of Deaf History, Arts & Culture and the Kansas School for the Deaf, Olathe is growing into a vibrant shared signing community—one that embraces visual language, cultural exchange, and mutual respect. Through public events, education, and outreach, we’re helping foster a city where sign language is not just welcomed—it’s shared.

To explore the roots of shared signing communities, start by watching this brief film about 👉 Martha’s Vineyard and Sign Language

How Signed Language Benefits Everyone:

Signed language is a powerful tool that opens up communication for all—without barriers, without frustration. Whether you're Deaf or hearing, signing makes conversations more fluid, expressive, and inclusive. You can dive deeper into what you really want to say—no need to leave anything out.

It’s also a brain booster! Signing sharpens memory, improves focus, enhances spatial awareness, and strengthens mental flexibility. It even helps you respond more quickly to visual cues, making you more tuned in to the world around you.

But perhaps the most beautiful benefit? Signing brings people closer. It deepens emotional connections and builds stronger bonds, helping you read and respond to others with empathy and clarity.

And it starts early—babies as young as six months, Deaf or not, can begin signing. This early exposure builds a solid foundation for language, learning, and connection that lasts a lifetime.

5K | 1 Mile Walk | 1 Mile Run | After Bash

Join us for our 4th annual JOYRUN supporting JoyKC! JoyKC is a nonprofit that provides free, faith-based programming for teens (ages 15+) and adults with disabilities in the Kansas City area. Click HERE to learn more about JoyKC. Thank you for supporting our mission!

Race Information

When: Saturday, September 26

Where: Heritage Park (Shelter 1) | 16050 Pflumm Road Olathe, KS 66062

Race Start Time: 9:00 a.m.

Packet Pick Up

PRE-RACE PICK-UP (strongly encouraged!)

• When: Thursday, September 24

• Time: 4:30-6:30pm

• Where: Community Covenant Church | 15700 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66219

RACE DAY PICK-UP

• When: Saturday, September 26

• Time: 8:00-8:45am

• Where: Heritage Park, Shelter 1 | 16050 Pflumm Road Olathe, KS 66062

5K

• $30 until March 31, $40 until September 1, $45 until Race Day!

1 Mile Walk + 1 Mile Run

• $25 till March 31, $35 till September 1, $40 until Race Day!

Kids 1 Mile Run or Walk (12 years old & under)

• $12 till March 31, $15 till September 1, $20 until Race Day!

• Kids under the age of 5 can participate at no cost.

IMPORTANT: Registration includes a t-shirt! Guaranteed t-shirts available to participants through September 1!

Individual and Team Fundraising

Join us in fundraising to support JoyKC's programing by becoming an individual fundraiser or setting up a team fundraiser. During race registration, you will have the opportunity to create a fundraising page, collect donations, and set personal or team Fundraiser goals!

After-Bash

All participants are invited to joyRUN's After Bash Celebration immediately upon concluding race.

Raffle

More info coming soon!

Additional Race Day Information

• Dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed.

Interested in Becoming a Race Sponsor?

Please contact JoyKC Race Organizer for more information.