CCVI Trolley Run
Kansas City, MO
- 4 Miler, Kids Run
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
The CCVI Trolley Run is the largest annual fundraiser for the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired. It is one of Kansas City’s oldest and largest road race, and is a USATF-certified 4-mile race. The fast and flat to downhill course is a quintessential Kansas City experience and a beloved … MORE
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Downhill but not too downhill
This race has a small uphill stretch at the beginning but is almost entirely downhill after that. We did have lousy weather this year so there was less crowd participation. … MORE
This race has a small uphill stretch at the beginning but is almost entirely downhill after that. We did have lousy weather this year so there was less crowd participation. This race historically has always had tons of people out there with tables set up for bacon, fireball, jalapeño poppers I saw once, high proof cinnamon something. Not the official race tables, which are at a couple locations, just random people along the route. I often joke that it’s the only race I’ve ever done where I gained weight on the race. That was scaled back significantly this year (but I love you bacon family!), but hopefully that was because of the long stretch of harsh weather we were dealing with.
The course takes you to a couple significant locations in KC as a point to point race and the morning shuttle from the Plaza to Waldo is efficient and well equipped by the organizers. Honestly this race hits well above it’s weight class as well, and production wise it beats a lot of the 10ks I’ve done. It’s a fast course without being so steeply downhill that your knees hurt, and both sides of the road are closed off so after the wave start there’s very little crowd and no exhaust to worry about, save a few stoplights where the KCPD has great control of the space.
I was injured and felt like crap but I still went out there to get some kind of performance because it’s such a fun race and the finish line at the Plaza rewards you with a number of tasty goodies and coffee.
The medal was heavy and nicely designed, and felt easily at home with my 10k medals. For an inexpensive race with a great cause attached they knock it out of the park every year. Absolutely will be lining up again next year.
It's mostly downhill.
Since it's mostly down hill, I run from the finish line up to the start line then run the race. if you don't want to run 8 miles, just park … MORE
Since it’s mostly down hill, I run from the finish line up to the start line then run the race. if you don’t want to run 8 miles, just park at the plaza and take their shuttle to the start. I’ve done that too and it’s easy to get on a bus and get dropped off in plenty of time.
And so it begins...
If you race Kansas City you are familiar with the Trolley Run. For newcomers to the scene and our visiting friends, this is a race that for many people marks … MORE
If you race Kansas City you are familiar with the Trolley Run. For newcomers to the scene and our visiting friends, this is a race that for many people marks the beginning of the season. In fact, even for those of us who may already have a dozen plus races under our belt by this time in the year, it’s still the start of something special. This was the second of the no-longer-around Sweet 16 series. Four legacy 4-mile races starting with a St. Pat’s run, going here and going on to 4 on the Fourth (Ward Parkway) and the KC Zoo Run. I do wish they’d bring that series back, but that’s another post. With a lot of St. P’s races going on, some people would rotate or just not go (it’s cold sometimes) so Trolley Run was the “real start” after the soft opening of the first race. For those just coming out of hibernation, this overwhelmingly downhill course offered a super motivating first run of the season. In fact, this year I beat my 5k average time by a few seconds and this is a 4M race. The crowd support along the way is constant, with no fewer than 5 houses I passed passing out goodies on the sidelines from PB&J triangles to bacon strips to pickle juice, gummy bears and M&Ms. Keep in mind this is only a 5k, so you may actually gain weight on the race. It’s great though, because nobody cares you’re only there for 5k they’re going to yell and scream like you just conquered heartbreak hill in Boston and are now pulling away from the pack. Did I mention I’m a back-of-the-packer? Yeah. Yeah I can only imagine what the fast people experience on this race. Fireworks and a drone flyover maybe? Mermaids singing? Just kidding. Well, mainly. The official support station is more than enough at just shy of 2 miles, but remember you’re about to be all downhill from here (just before) here. I was saving my bacon and M&Ms in my hand for a while later though because I wish I had something to chase it down, but that’s a me thing. The swag is premium and befitting of this legacy race. Do this race. It’ll help you wake up, thaw out and start your season or provide a guaranteed morale boost if you’ve already been in your season for a while, and I won’t miss this race at all.
Always a great race
I love this race, they do a great job of organizing it (even during a pandemic). mostly a downhill course, so it's easier for most runners. i can't think of … MORE
I love this race, they do a great job of organizing it (even during a pandemic). mostly a downhill course, so it’s easier for most runners. i can’t think of any glaring negatives.
Fast, Flat, and Fun
Amazingly well organized for such a large race. I love this area of Kansas City, and I love that this race raises money for the Children's Center for the Visually … MORE
Amazingly well organized for such a large race. I love this area of Kansas City, and I love that this race raises money for the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired. It was a lot of fun running a 4-miler instead of a 5 or 10K. The post-race party was huge, with so many free goodies! Next year I will definitely take advantage of the shuttles that run from the parking areas at the finish to the starting area prior to the race. Don’t glaze over the fact that this course is not a loop or you will be walking/jogging another 4 miles back to your car if you parked near the starting line like I did. 🤦♀️
Love it
Easy down hill run with thousands of runners for a good cause. I've run this race many times, the weather is never the same. this is great for walkers and … MORE
Easy down hill run with thousands of runners for a good cause. I’ve run this race many times, the weather is never the same. this is great for walkers and runners