Graveyard 5K

The Graveyard 5K returns to Elmwood Cemetery on Saturday, October 24, for its ninth year. It's a Halloween-themed morning race that winds entirely through the grounds of the historic cemetery, and it doubles as a fundraiser for Elmwood's preservation and maintenance. The 5K starts at 9:00 AM sharp, with a one-mile fun run to follow.

Elmwood is the second oldest cemetery in Kansas City and the final resting place of 766 soldiers who fought in the Civil War on both sides. Among them are Americus McKim, owner of the city's first professional baseball team, the Kansas City Unions, and Kirkland Brooks Armour, a founding member of Armour and Company, for whom Armour Boulevard is named. The course is stroller-friendly, so it's a family-friendly morning rather than a serious race.

There's a new one-mile fun run for all ages alongside the 5K, and the day is built for more than just running: a costume contest, a cemetery tour, face painting, a balloon artist, and a vendor fair are all part of the morning. The 5K is the main event, but the fun run makes it easy to bring kids along.

Registration prices climb as the date gets closer. Through August 31, the 5K is $35 and the fun run is $25. From September 1 to September 30 and on October 5, they go up to $40 and $30. From October 1 to October 26, they're $45 and $35. The 5K starts at 9:00 AM on Saturday, October 24, at Elmwood Cemetery.