Hospital Hill Run
Kansas City, MO
- Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
The Grandfather of all Kansas City Road Races is thrilled to invite you to join for their featured Half Marathon, 10K or 5K – the oldest road race in Kansas City and one of the oldest half marathons in the country.Join the thousands of runners from across the country and … MORE
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One of my favorite races
the weather was so nice this year! I ran 6 minutes faster than last year. There was plenty of shade but the hills are still there. I always look forward … MORE
the weather was so nice this year! I ran 6 minutes faster than last year. There was plenty of shade but the hills are still there. I always look forward to this race, hope to be back next year too.
Great Pacer
This was the first time in 34 half marathons that I stuck with my pacer from start to finish. he did a great job of coaching us through the hills … MORE
This was the first time in 34 half marathons that I stuck with my pacer from start to finish. he did a great job of coaching us through the hills and keeping us on an exact pace. he even did a 15 second count down at each water stop to keep us going. at the end i was able to pull away and beat my goal by 2 minutes.
How to handle the Hill...
...is do it a cool year. While it may not have been "cool," per se, it was 11 degrees cooler than last year, and I was thankful for that when … MORE
…is do it a cool year. While it may not have been “cool,” per se, it was 11 degrees cooler than last year, and I was thankful for that when tackling this notoriously hilly course. If you want a PR course, this isn’t it. If you want to be a part of a 51-year-old race that shares some key routes with a partially abridged KC Marathon route, here’s a great preview.
While there seemed a much smaller turnout than last year, that was the 50th running, so it is to be expected. The energy was up, before and during the race, and the post-race party area has a great band and plenty of seating. Massage tables AND IV were present. Usually, it’s one or the other if any, so having both there was wonderful. And the brisket burritoes had far more brisket in them this year if you got to partake. I had an ice cream sandwich (4g sat.fat) so that was my fat for the morning, because I love when my cardiologists are happy with me. I heard some complains about the shirt, a light cotton long sleeve pullover hoodie. I actually liked it. Not too heavy, lighter than the one I usually use in the winter. I can see it getting some use on those days when you don’t really know how the temperature is going to FEEL until you get to the site. The medal was a cut out medal with the skyline and a nice ribbon. There were complaints that last year was better. Well last year had the big 50 on there, of course it was better. I thought it was a nice medal.
I was half-marathoned out and had some medical issues crop up, so I did the 10k, but I will be happily doing the half marathon for the 52nd running in 2025. I heard the course extension has a lot of shade at least.
Bottom line, until we get the KC marathon in October this is the most iconic race in KC and possibly the area. Do not miss this one.
Great energy at the after party
This review is going to be somewhat tainted by the fact that I was actually IN the hospital until late the night before (Rockey Mountain Spotted Fever sucks!) and had … MORE
This review is going to be somewhat tainted by the fact that I was actually IN the hospital until late the night before (Rockey Mountain Spotted Fever sucks!) and had begged so much to get out and do the race that I’m sure they were happy to discharge me. It was my worst pace all year and the heat felt 10 degrees higher than it was….and I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. I obviously have no idea what the expo was like, but the parking was very close if you get there early enough, the prerace energy was popping and you could tell that everybody had been looking forward to what was the 50th running of this iconic race.
Going through multiple neighborhoods with their own individual character always provided something to look at, and for the most part there was never more than 200m between groups of people out there to cheer everyone on. The chute was lined with spectators, even for the back-of-the-packers like me. I do wish that company that gives IVs was out there, because I couldn’t drink fast enough to get rehydrated, but that may have at least in part have been due to my illness. I had debated between doing the 10k again or the half, and while I cannot wait to do the half and see how that extra section of course goes, I decided to redo the 10k this year to see what my real performance on the 10k is. 2025 I’ll be out there on the half for sure. I’m the guy wearing body armor. Feel free to say hi as you pass me.
Hot and humid and hilly
Per usual in KC this was a humid June run. We had to walk a few times. the post-race fuel kind of made up for it. we were sweaty and … MORE
Per usual in KC this was a humid June run. We had to walk a few times. the post-race fuel kind of made up for it. we were sweaty and miserable afterward. 3 days later i signed up for 2024.
Always a great race, hills and heat too!
Lots of parking, plenty of restrooms too. The jacket was very nice. The course is hilly but lots of water stops although I did not see any with gels only … MORE
Lots of parking, plenty of restrooms too. The jacket was very nice. The course is hilly but lots of water stops although I did not see any with gels only Gatorade. Probably won’t get a PR but plan on having lots of fun!
50th Anniversary was uneventful
This was my third time at this event. 5K, then 10K, and now half marathon. It was advertised this would be a big event... with music spanning the 50 years … MORE
This was my third time at this event. 5K, then 10K, and now half marathon. It was advertised this would be a big event… with music spanning the 50 years since the run started, and lots of crowd and neighborhood support. That DID NOT happen. There was minimal support by anyone outside of the volunteers. Water stations were plentiful, but one of the stations in the middle was already putting their tables away when I came through… and there were still lots of people behind me. The hills, heat, and humidity really got to me this year. The medal and the commemorative jacket were nice, but I was definitely disappointed in the lack of neighborhood support and the snacks post-race. Don’t know that I will do this run anymore.
CRAZY HOT AND HUMID
Course is fairly hilly, nothing that will decimate you, but paired with the heat that was in 2023, made the course very difficult for me. Last year i managed a … MORE
Course is fairly hilly, nothing that will decimate you, but paired with the heat that was in 2023, made the course very difficult for me. Last year i managed a 2:07, this year post-achilles tear surgery i was lucky to get a 3:25 (earlier this year i have been back to 2:45ish times). Not enough crowd support along route, and just too hot.
Quiet Race
As one of the music capitals, I expected more on the course. With it being the 50th Anniversary, I expected more of a production. The crowd support was boring and … MORE
As one of the music capitals, I expected more on the course. With it being the 50th Anniversary, I expected more of a production. The crowd support was boring and it rarely music or photographers on the course.
a runner from Allen community college
That I’m very competitive and I don’t give that easy. I have only been running for 2 years but that doesn’t mean anything because I have worked hard. MORE
That I’m very competitive and I don’t give that easy. I have only been running for 2 years but that doesn’t mean anything because I have worked hard.
Very nice time, will repeat
I don't think the hills were all that hard. It was hot and a little humid. Good water support on course and a very nice route. Much prefer running along … MORE
I don’t think the hills were all that hard. It was hot and a little humid. Good water support on course and a very nice route. Much prefer running along the waterfront.
Love the new course
I have not run HH for a few years, so glad I came back. the new course is still very hilly but I love the change of scenery. Great run … MORE
I have not run HH for a few years, so glad I came back. the new course is still very hilly but I love the change of scenery. Great run from packet pick up to the finish line.
Hospital Hill
Hospital Hill gets a bad rap… just do it! The production is great, the swag is really nice, the course goes through several iconic area of Kansas City, and the … MORE
Hospital Hill gets a bad rap… just do it! The production is great, the swag is really nice, the course goes through several iconic area of Kansas City, and the race support was amazing.
That being said there are a couple of big hills and it got hot towards the end with not much shade. So pace yourself and conserve your energy for it.
I was nervous about this race based on what I’d heard, but I’m glad I did it.
Return to live racing was hot and humid
This was the 1st live race in KC since Covid and the organizers did a nice job running the race. Packet pickup was outside and was as fast and as … MORE
This was the 1st live race in KC since Covid and the organizers did a nice job running the race. Packet pickup was outside and was as fast and as easy as any I have done anywhere else. I wish the race started earlier in the morning because June in KC is typically hot and humid-and this was no exception. The water/Gatorade stations were handled well. I thought they had 1 Gu station in past years; but there was nothing this year. They changed to course to eliminate the last nasty hill right before the finish, and I’m not sure if that improved the race. There was a very long uphill run for about 1 1/2 miles right near the end that was less than pleasant. Overall, they did a nice job and it’s a good half marathon if you’re looking for hills and heat.
Hilly race
I enjoyed this race. 2nd mile pretty difficult. But last mile plus all downhill which I loved. I loved having the hot dogs and they were delicious. Definitely low attendance … MORE
I enjoyed this race. 2nd mile pretty difficult. But last mile plus all downhill which I loved. I loved having the hot dogs and they were delicious. Definitely low attendance compared to past years. I did get a 5k course PR.
It's Hills with an S.
It's just not one hill. it's many hills. on a humid day this course will eat you alive. it's a good run overall. there is a lot of great swag … MORE
It’s just not one hill. it’s many hills. on a humid day this course will eat you alive. it’s a good run overall. there is a lot of great swag but you will work for it 🙂
Great challenging course
This was my second time running the Hospital Hill half. The race is iconic in the area and draws quite the crowd, both of runners and supporters. The course is … MORE
This was my second time running the Hospital Hill half. The race is iconic in the area and draws quite the crowd, both of runners and supporters.
The course is TOUGH! There are hills upon hills upon hills – the namesake hill is overall probably the biggest and within the first ~5k; what I feel is the steepest hill is just over 0.5 mi from the finish (after that hill, it’s literally downhill to the end – super fast!). The course is well-supported and well-marked; it’s city streets so the road condition could be better in spots. There are a lot of intersections, and I’ve seen some cars blow past the course marshalls. The scenery (to me) is meh – I’m not a fan of the urban landscape – but it does offer a nice tour of some of KC downtown.
I’m not a fan of hot weather, so a race in the beginning of June means it’s likely to be warm and humid but I haven’t yet been able to heat-train adequately. This was definitely the case in 2017; I overheated and my pace suffered a lot, despite the water stations and carrying my own electrolytes.
2017’s swag was a mixed bag. The PJ pants were a neat idea in that they’re “different,” but getting fuzzy PJ pants in June in Missouri is silly – can’t wear them for another 6 months! I had the same comment about 2016’s half-zip. They also gave out hats at the end, which I did like quite a bit.
A tough Half Marathon
I have heard about this run for years. On my list of must runs Great pre race communication and updates I ran the re-run challenge, the 5k Friday night and … MORE
I have heard about this run for years.
On my list of must runs
Great pre race communication and updates
I ran the re-run challenge, the 5k Friday night and half Saturday morning
The expo was good, not large but seemed to have good vendor support
Expo swag was pj bottoms for all and a beach towel for half runners
No shirt which I would prefer over pj bottoms
Race day. We stayed at a hotel by the event so parking was not an issue for us
We walked to the start.
The course was challenging (at least to me) full of hills. See garmin screen shot
Great on course support with multiple water/Gatorade stations and one energy gel stop. Some spectator on course support
Finish line was great. Lots of post race snacks for runners o lay and also additional snacks outside the chute for anyone.
Finisher medals were large and nice.
Nice post race Festival
A great run, not easy but I like a challenge
5k with a few hills
First time to run Hospital Hill. This was a destination run for me Drove about 10 hours and stayed for both runs. Stayed at the Sheraton which was connected to … MORE
First time to run Hospital Hill.
This was a destination run for me
Drove about 10 hours and stayed for both runs.
Stayed at the Sheraton which was connected to the hall for the expo and also connected via a walkway to the Halmark center where the start/finish/festival were located.
Great run communication. Lots of emails and updates on Facebook
The expo was decent
Packet pickup easy. They gave you pajama pants and no shirt. That is cool but I like the shirts.
Race evening (7:00 pm start) well organized
Start and finish in the same spot.
Course was a bit challenging for us flat landers but I enjoy a challenge not very scenic to me but a good course.
One water stop halfway. Not much local spectator crowd great police support
Post race finisher medals were given. Nice medal. Snacks provided ( ice cream sandwiches, chips, crackers, bananas, water, and magnets) as you left the chute. Beer was also available
Great run, great location, a bit challenging but fun
My first Half
I had done this race before but the 7.7 mile version. So I decided to do something different and I was not prepared! I thought my youth would carry me … MORE
I had done this race before but the 7.7 mile version. So I decided to do something different and I was not prepared! I thought my youth would carry me through and it did but my lack of experience and lack of proper preparation nearly killed me! But I learned. Half #1