On the Run
by Margaret Cashill
Running events occur on the muggiest days of August and the iciest days of January, but these road races thrive in the temperate weeks of late spring and early summer.
A Kansas City runner or jogger can choose from nearly a dozen different 5K (3.1 mile), 8K (4.97 mile) or 10K (6.2 mile) runs, and possibly a half-marathon or marathon on just about any weekend in the metro area. Most of these events support charities, hospitals, schools, and religious organizations. In addition to enjoying improved cardiovascular health, weight loss and stress alleviation, the runners can pride themselves on being good citizens.
The Hospital Hill Run, among the oldest
half-marathon events in the country and Kansas
City’s oldest run, has earned the nickname
“the grandfather of all road races.”
In its 35th year, the Hospital Hill Run has
partnered with 15 different local and national
charities. Athletes planning to participate in
the June 7 event can register with a charity
of their choosing. “No matter your interest
or cause, there is something you can believe
in,” says Beth Salinger, race director for the
Hospital Hill Run.
The prospective participant should be
aware that most running events these days
are not limited to modern-day Steve Prefontaines. Event
planners not only allow but encourage athletes of all
ages and levels of fitness, just as long as their participation
is safe. “We take steps so that if somebody is
brand new and they just want to walk, all three of our
events are walker friendly,” explains Salinger. Hospital
Hill expects 5,000 people to participate in its 5K, 10K
and half marathon events. Increasingly, more races, including
Hospital Hill, feature a wheelchair event.
The Hospital Hill Run, which starts off in front of Crown
Center, begins with an unforgiving climb up Pershing
Road and Gillham Road or “Hospital Hill.” Even the event
winners describe this leg of the race as challenging.
However, the hardest part is over soon enough. The rest
of the course includes a tour of the new Downtown,
with the half-marathon course extending as far south as
Meyer Boulevard. After crossing the finish line, participants
enjoy an elaborate post-race celebration. “We have
changed Hospital Hill so it is a big party,” says Salinger.
“We want everyone to feel welcome.”
For the runner trying to cross the finish line first, or
for the runner whose goal is to simply cross the finish
line period, Kansas City has many opportunities. Most
importantly, the majority of these races welcome new
participants. “You watch some of these people who have
never done this before,” says Salinger. “Their faces change
as soon as they cross the finish line. They think ‘I can
do this.’ They are so excited.” 
The 35th Annual Hospital Hill Run
June 7, 2008
Half Marathon and 10K begin at 7:00 a.m.
5K begins at 7:15 a.m.
All events start on Grand Avenue north of Pershing
www.hospitalhillrun.com
(Entry fees range from $30–$75 depending on event
and method of registration. Check website for details.)
For more information on local and regional running
events around the Kansas City area, visit the Mid-
America
Running Association website: www.mararunning.org