Kansas City's oldest road race, a USATF-certified event offering 5K, 10K and half marathon distances with a finisher festival.
The Hospital Hill Run returns to Crown Center on Saturday, May 22, 2027, with a 7 AM race start. It's Kansas City's oldest road race, run annually since 1974, and it's earned the nickname "the Grandfather of all Kansas City Road Races" over the decades. The course is USATF-certified across three distances—a half marathon with a four-hour time limit, a 10K, and a 5K—so you can pick the one that fits your pace.
The route takes you past some of the city's most recognizable landmarks. You'll pass the T-Mobile Center and the World War I Memorial, then head by the Nelson-Atkins Lawn and Sculpture Park with its Shuttlecocks. From there, the course winds through Gillham Park and Kauffman Gardens, crosses 63rd Street in Brookside, and follows Rockhill Road past the UMKC campus. It's a good way to see a fair slice of the city on foot, from the downtown core out through Brookside and back.
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There's a charitable side to it, too: runners can choose to fundraise for Children's Mercy Hospital. Once you cross the finish line, you'll get an official branded apparel item, a medal, and free downloadable race photos. The celebration continues at the Finish Line Festival at Crown Center Square, where there's free food and beer waiting. The race starts at 7 AM on Saturday, May 22, 2027, at Crown Center.
