Lunartic 5K
Smithville, MO
- 5K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
The Lunartic (Lunar-tic) 5K run/walk is a nighttime event held on the eve of a full moon (or near full moon) along the beautiful shoreline of the Smithville Lake trails. The name was derived from the craziness of running under a full moon! This is a fun, family-friendly event. It … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Aug 26):
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
| H (°F) | 83 | 91 | 95 | 94 | 76 |
| L (°F) | 72 | 70 | 77 | 70 | 66 |
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Annual fundraiser for the local HS
You know...I like night races. They mix things up. There's not many of them (certainly fewer than there used to be) so I try to grab 'em when I see … MORE
You know…I like night races. They mix things up. There’s not many of them (certainly fewer than there used to be) so I try to grab ’em when I see ’em.
The medal felt a little low-end, especially for something which could brand itself as a major draw for other people looking for night races because of their schedule, but I saw/heard very little about it and just stumbled onto it looking at a calendar of races, so I figured, sure. It was overcast that night so there was only the light you were wearing to light up your way. I suggest bringing a red filter because the clouds of bugs were out in full force that night. I think it could have been a pretty course in the moonlight, but with the red filter on I can’t say I saw much of the scenery out there. The moon/stars in the lake would have been nice.
They also used the timing chips on your shoes that you turn back in. I know those are cheaper to use. I also know that of the 60+ races I have this year they are one of two that still uses them. I’m not sure how much more expensive that would make it, but I can’t imagine it being prohibitively more, and I feel like we’re kind of at that point in the race community here where you’re essentially listening to 8-track if you’re still using those. Couple that with a forgettable medal and the public relations and design teams for this race ought to be held back a year or sent to the principal’s office. If you live around the way then by all means go, the after party had popsicles and a lot of people were essentially tailgating. It’s a 45-minute drive from my house, so I’m not sure if/when I’ll be back, but I wish happy racing, a full moon and fewer bugs to anyone who does.