Come run or walk in the annual Liberty Half Marathon or Jewell 5K presented by Hy-Vee! All Half Marathon and 5K participants will enjoy a scenic race course starting and ending at William Jewell College and going through downtown Liberty. Half marathon participants travel through Jewell’s beautiful campus, historic downtown …
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Come run or walk in the annual Liberty Half Marathon or Jewell 5K presented by Hy-Vee! All Half Marathon and 5K participants will enjoy a scenic race course starting and ending at William Jewell College and going through downtown Liberty. Half marathon participants travel through Jewell’s beautiful campus, historic downtown Liberty, beautiful neighborhoods, parks, and the Liberty Hospital campus.
Plus, load up with the following swag: stunning larger than life finisher medals, personalized bibs, free race photos, very soft uni-sex long sleeve shirt for half marathoners and very soft uni-sex short sleeve shirt for 5K, 3Halves Craft beer, chip timing and discounts/giveaways from our sponsors!
Since 2017, proceeds from the Liberty Half Marathon and Jewell 5K have provided more than $600,000 to assist medically under-insured and under-served patients, support community health education and programs, provide valuable resources to hospital employees and patients and offer pathways to education for future and current nurses in the Northland area.
The Liberty Half Marathon is the first race of the Heartland 39.3 Series! The other races include the Rock the Parkway Half Marathon and the Garmin Olathe Marathon in the Land of Oz in April. Three great races in three distinct environments, all within the Kansas City metropolitan area!
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First Timer
Packet pick up was run smoothly. The team was vey friendly. I highly recommend taking the shuttle to the start. not much of a wait time. the course was great, … MORE
Packet pick up was run smoothly. The team was vey friendly. I highly recommend taking the shuttle to the start. not much of a wait time. the course was great, how ever very hilly. I really don’t remember running on a flat surface much. only real complaint was that our pacer started off super fast. instead of slowing for the hills she ran them pretty quickly. but overall a great race.
Lives up to the hype and then some
I've done the Jewell 5k (the 5k version of this event) and loved the pre-race set-up in the Mabee Center. Great stands and vendors and the coffee the car wash … MORE
I’ve done the Jewell 5k (the 5k version of this event) and loved the pre-race set-up in the Mabee Center. Great stands and vendors and the coffee the car wash brought was actually really good, and much needed on such a cold windy day. More on that wind later.
Check in was smooth the day before. I usually do race day pickup but I wanted to check out the expo. Very glad I did, as I found a couple races I hadn’t heard about before that look promising. For someone who did nearly 70 races last year, that says a lot. The medal is huge, as it is known for, and very stylishly designed. The long sleeve tshirt was very soft and comfortable.
The course is a loop, yet somehow I spent 12 miles going into the wind. Not sure how that happened. Pretty sure 12 miles of it was uphill, too. I may or may not have also been chased by ninjas on dragons, right grandpa? Okay the last part I’m making up but the first two points I mean. It was SUCH a feeling of accomplishment finishing this monster (I mean that lovingly), though thankfully the largest of the hills was at the start so you can get it over with. At one point the course winds through the hospital grounds, where flags adorn the course. It was a very moving experience, especially for someone who’s spent as much time in hospitals as I have. The final stretch of the course after you roll back onto campus is up by frat row, and let me say they do know how to come out and motivate there. Along the way the aid stations were all well-staffed with SUPER motivated volunteers. As a back of the packer with 30lbs on his back, a lot of races are just phoning it in by the time I make it through, but every aid station from the first one with drummer and air guitarist to the last unofficial one from the Greek guys, everybody felt like I was on the final stretch at Boston. Seriously, if you ever need motivation to keep going on a race, this is the one for you. Pretty decent crowd support considering it was cold and windy, and many houses along the way had stereos set up to provide support music. The finish line is on the race track around the field in the college stadium, which you enter and do 3/4ths a lap before coasting to your medal and chocolate milk.
This race is also part of a couple of different series challenges, including the Heartland 39.3 and the Hometown Half challenge (different than the Hometown Half series by Bodies Race Company).
This was my fourth long race of the calendar year and by far the hardest on my body, to include the notoriously rough 10-mile trail race I did almost exactly a month earlier. With that constant headwind it may have actually been the hardest half I’ve done, and I’ve never been so happy to drop my body armor after a race as I was on that one.
The organizers are peerless in their communication and interaction, and it is always a joy at other races when I see their tent up so I can drum up some strangers to go sign up for the biggest half in the Northland, and truly one of the best races in the KC area.
The only complaint I have is that I can’t sign up for next year’s race yet.
Hilly but fun
-this is a very hilly course. The flattest part is the 300 meter finish on the track, otherwise you are going up or down a hill. -very well organized -amazing … MORE
-this is a very hilly course. The flattest part is the 300 meter finish on the track, otherwise you are going up or down a hill.
-very well organized
-amazing pacing team
-huge finisher medal
-highly recommend, will most likely run again
Great energy at this one
Notes are missing and memory is gone. To be fair, I'd just gotten out of the hospital just before this one. It was hilly and it was tiring, but it … MORE
Notes are missing and memory is gone. To be fair, I’d just gotten out of the hospital just before this one. It was hilly and it was tiring, but it was amazing, and I knew I had to come back for the half, which I am in 2024.
Why The Hill Not?
I ran this race on March 26, 2022. The beautiful, ENORMOUS medal we received for crossing the finish line made signing up for the Liberty Hospital Half Marathon/Jewell 5K worth … MORE
I ran this race on March 26, 2022. The beautiful, ENORMOUS medal we received for crossing the finish line made signing up for the Liberty Hospital Half Marathon/Jewell 5K worth it! Without a doubt, this was the largest medal I’ve ever gotten from any race, and by far one of the most gorgeous. Also, this race boasted some of the most amazing volunteers — I couldn’t stop laughing at the hilarious signs they made that kept us smiling at every aid station!
Race day started out with an outside temperature of a balmy 32° F, and by the end, it was perfect race weather in the high 40’s. This is pretty typical for Missouri during the spring, and having been living in the Midwest for at least the last 10 years, this wasn’t unexpected for me. If you live in a climate that is typically warmer all year round, consider bringing some layers to the start/finish line that you don’t mind shedding during the race.
In looking at some of the reviews of this race online and on social media, and some of the information on the race website, I went into this knowing this wouldn’t be a PR due to the notorious rolling hills this race is very well known for. It was by far the most challenging course I’ve ever run, which made finishing it all that much more rewarding.
The race starts and finishes near the football field at William Jewell College and takes you down a scenic route through downtown Liberty, and some residential streets. I should have known what was coming when I learned the official race hashtag is #whythehillnot. The entire course was RELENTLESS. HILLS. ALL. THIRTEEN. MILES.
For anyone considering running this race, it was extremely well organized, from packet pick-up at the Expo, to all of the logistics, and the atmosphere was super fun. The entire race was so professionally coordinated, I would have never believed this was only its 5th year. AND DID I MENTION THE MEDALS!? Please run this race if for no other reason than to take home one of the legendary dinner plate-sized medals.
Updated route made it even better !
It was a success! Perfect Weather, hills, scenery changes, entertainment, hills, GREAT friends, and did I mention Hills? This early in the year it's hard to know what kind of … MORE
It was a success!
Perfect Weather, hills, scenery changes, entertainment, hills, GREAT friends, and did I mention Hills?
This early in the year it’s hard to know what kind of weather you will get. I have ran it in shorts and a tank top as well as freezing temps. This year was perfect weather and there were a few age group state records were set!
The route changes moved the majority of the hills to the front half for when us runners have more energy to conquer them and enjoy the rest of the course. Loved the scenery!
From the Historic William Jewell College, Liberty Square, picturesque neighborhoods, around the Liberty hospital grounds and country roads… it was all GREAT!
For entertainment there was a live singing of the National Anthem, the upbeat start/finish line of KC Running Co, Air Guitar (neighborhood competition), Cheerleaders, a nice drum beat, Music (is a few locations), Flash Dash crew, Team RWB crew and Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity out cheering on the runners!
With the route changes, the few challenging hills, the entertainment, the community and all the friendly runners… it was a perfect run 🙂
Check out my race report link for several pictures
a Midwest must for 13.1 fanatics
a race with tremendous organization, makes everything easy and stress-free for runners. a hilly and challenging course, but a challenge you’ll love (remember as many downhills as uphills ;)) MORE
a race with tremendous organization, makes everything easy and stress-free for runners. a hilly and challenging course, but a challenge you’ll love (remember as many downhills as uphills ;))
GIVE ME LIBERTY or give me death....
give me this race cause it's one of the fastest growing Kansas city races. Give me this race cause the swag that comes with it (gloves, t-shirts, cinch sack, free … MORE
give me this race cause it’s one of the fastest growing Kansas city races. Give me this race cause the swag that comes with it (gloves, t-shirts, cinch sack, free photos). give me this race as a great first challenge to kick of the year, the course isn’t easy but if you have been training you’ll weather the storm. Give me this race cause its clear the race director cares for its participants (bathrooms at each aid station, shuttle buses from parking areas, an indoor area to meet up in before going to the start line, and he has his community on board as they come out to watch)! This race is one of the first highly attended Half Marathons of the year here in Kansas City, it screams springtime racing season is here! Every year it just gets better and better. GIVE ME LIBERTY, #whythehillnot
HILLS!!!!!
Great race but be sure you are ready. Being from Louisiana it is hard to train for hills... although I wasn't expecting this many hills. Packet pickup was a breeze … MORE
Great race but be sure you are ready. Being from Louisiana it is hard to train for hills… although I wasn’t expecting this many hills.
Packet pickup was a breeze and there were a few vendors at the expo. The half marathon runners got a long sleeve shirt and gloves, while 5K received a short sleeve.
There is a strict 3.5 hour time limit so be sure you can finish so you don’t miss out on this HUGE medal… believe me, you will work for it!
Course support was great! Water and sports drink every mile and a few cheerleaders throughout.
The course is a combination of commercial and residential so be prepared to run in the sun (there is also some shade).
Our weather was good; cool and windy.
Be sure you check the parking situation. It rained the week before the race so parking was limited. There was a shuttle service but I waited to long to get in line and was on one of the last buses (totally my fault). The last 2 buses arrived after the starting gun but my time was ok so it allowed me to finish before the cutoff.
If you need this for one of your 50 states or are up for a challenge, this is a good race. I probably would not do it again but only because I had to drive 10 hours Friday, run Saturday, and drive 10 hours Sunday. (poor planning on my part)
Liberty Hospital Half Marathon
I expected this to be kind of a niche run… but that notion was pretty quickly dispelled when we got to the expo. Communication from the race was great and … MORE
I expected this to be kind of a niche run… but that notion was pretty quickly dispelled when we got to the expo. Communication from the race was great and the expo was well run and had decent vendors. There was a huge selection of race merchandise available… which you expect at larger races, but not always from smaller ones.
Race morning was smooth. Parking is very limited at the race start. But there was a shuttle lot arranged and buses were regularly moving. Even still the line got long. You definitely want to arrive early.
Liberty is a nice suburb and the course took you through the heart of the historic section, but portions of it were in industrial areas and on highway access roads. Nothing terrible there… but also not the most scenic. Course support was awesome. There were water stations every mile and plenty of people to cheer you on. Not much food offered on course… so bring something if you need it.
The shirt is a nice long sleeve tee and the medal is huge… maybe almost too big. But it is a beautiful medal and a nice reward for crossing the finish line. Post race there were some good snacks to replenish your energy.
One thing to note… you have to maintain a 16 min per mile pace (3:30 finish) and it is strictly enforced. If this is challenging… this may not be your race. If i were looking for a Missouri run to complete the 50-state challenge, this probably wouldn’t be my first pick… but for someone local or close by this was a well produced and fun event.
One tough half of fun
If you like a challenge, this race is for you. The Pacers are the best and will keep you motivated to keep going. If you can excel at this race, … MORE
If you like a challenge, this race is for you. The Pacers are the best and will keep you motivated to keep going. If you can excel at this race, you can do anything. The course entertainment gets better every year as this race grows. The finisher medals are the largest and heaviest I have ever received from a race. Phenomenal. And the race shirts are always made from the softest materials.
I did what I needed to do.
It was a difficult race due to the hills, but I accomplished the time I needed to in order to go to Pike’s Peak in August. The Pacers, Krystal and … MORE
It was a difficult race due to the hills, but I accomplished the time I needed to in order to go to Pike’s Peak in August. The Pacers, Krystal and Rachel, helped me get there!
Great Event
This event is so well organized. There was fun swag and a lot of vendors at the Expo. Free photos and massages. The course was hilly and difficult, but there … MORE
This event is so well organized. There was fun swag and a lot of vendors at the Expo. Free photos and massages. The course was hilly and difficult, but there were a lot of spectators cheering us on. I highly recommend this race!
Will be doing this one again for sure!!
AMAZING RACE & the BEST post-race experience I’ve had!! Loved having the football field to socialize/network, relax & recover!!! The expo was great with a variety of vendors!! The 100yd … MORE
AMAZING RACE & the BEST post-race experience I’ve had!! Loved having the football field to socialize/network, relax & recover!!! The expo was great with a variety of vendors!! The 100yd dash for the little was sooooo cute & they got medals too…PERFECT!! The volunteers even stretched the mini runners & were great at keeping their attention!!! Tons of Volunteers and some of the best cheering stations along the route!! ❤️❤️ the drummers & live music❤️❤️
My only suggestion would be to wave start the 5k with more of an interval time of a couple minutes between groups. It was super congested, especially at the beginning. Maybe this would help thin out the field a little.
Will for sure keep this as a must do race next year!!!
Liberty Half Marathon 4 stars.
A have to run this race for those that need a challenge. I am one of those runners that are not interested in personal best times but rather find a … MORE
A have to run this race for those that need a challenge. I am one of those runners that are not interested in personal best times but rather find a difficult and technical course, and I found it in the Liberty Hospital Half Marathon. If you hate hills, I urge you to work on the treadmill and tilt it to a high grade. There are never ending hills that challenge your legs and lungs. The support is spot it, they provide water and gatorade. I like to hear more music along the course. The finisher’s medal is huge and heavy. Finisher shirt is not a wicking material but a good casual shirt. Getting your bib and shirt is a breeze. The expo is medium size but growing mind you the Liberty Half Marathon is in its fourth year, they are young but learning in leaps and bounds. Shouting out to all half fanatics and 50 staters to run in this race. One more thing, the Liberty Hospital Foundation return all the profits in the community, and they are focusing on mental health.
Liberty Hospital Half
This is a great race to start off the Heartland 39.3 series. A tough and challenging course that gets better year after year. This is a don’t miss race for … MORE
This is a great race to start off the Heartland 39.3 series. A tough and challenging course that gets better year after year. This is a don’t miss race for the KC area
Tough course,beautiful city
This is a very hilly course. Don’t expect to set any speed records. This was my first year doing this race,and I knew going in that it was very hilly. … MORE
This is a very hilly course. Don’t expect to set any speed records. This was my first year doing this race,and I knew going in that it was very hilly. Which is why I chose not to do the half. You run by some beautiful houses in downtown Liberty. There are lots of spectators out cheering along the course,which is always appreciated. The expo was nicely done. The shuttle buses were what I was most worried about, and those worked out perfectly. I would definitely do this race again.
Well Organized Event and Great course
Great course and neighborhood support and nice expo with food and beverages and good camaraderie. Course starts on a downhill and then some challenging hills throughout the route. 3.5 hour … MORE
Great course and neighborhood support and nice expo with food and beverages and good camaraderie. Course starts on a downhill and then some challenging hills throughout the route. 3.5 hour cut off but easily accomplished. Mile 10 seems like the longest mile
The course posed a good challenge
This course was a lot of fun. There were hills, but they weren’t overly difficult. They were more of a delightful challenge, especially pushing a double stroller! MORE
This course was a lot of fun. There were hills, but they weren’t overly difficult. They were more of a delightful challenge, especially pushing a double stroller!
Always a fantastic well organized race!
Mega medal. Super convenient parking and shuttle. Expo goes on well after the race, which is great! It's also indoors. Quite hilly course but that is to be expected. Not … MORE
Mega medal. Super convenient parking and shuttle. Expo goes on well after the race, which is great! It’s also indoors. Quite hilly course but that is to be expected. Not much scenery but still a great and well marked course. Awesome volunteers, plenty of water stations, encouragement along the course. Pics and results ready super fast. Could have some options after the race that ARENT carbs and bread…that would be nice but that is rare anyways. Will def do again.