Rock the Parkway Half Marathon and 5K is Kansas City’s largest half marathon and is run along Kansas City’s favorite half marathon course on historic Ward Parkway! Both events start and finish in front of the world headquarters of our host, Burns & McDonnell. The half marathon race is run …
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Rock the Parkway Half Marathon and 5K is Kansas City’s largest half marathon and is run along Kansas City’s favorite half marathon course on historic Ward Parkway! Both events start and finish in front of the world headquarters of our host, Burns & McDonnell. The half marathon race is run separately from the 5K which starts after the half marathon participants have departed the starting area.
Rock the Parkway is known for its beautiful course along historic Ward Parkway, high quality half marathon and 5K finisher medals, live music along the course, tech shirts, and more! All participants will compete for age group and overall awards that will be awarded in more than a dozen age group categories. You can opt in to receive your results right after you finish by text message when you sign up!
The tree-lined residential Rock the Parkway course features tree lined boulevards, urban parks, distinctive architecture and fountains and has been voted a favorite among area runners. The course is a fairly flat, undulating terrain with a 1.5 mile downhill to the finish. There will be water/Gatorade stations every 1.5 to 2 miles along the course with Gu or similar products at one or two of the later water stations.
The event is excited to partner with Children’s Mercy Kansas City, the Rock the Parkway beneficiary. As a not-for-profit pediatric hospital, Children’s Mercy provides the highest level of care to every child who passes through its doors regardless of a family’s ability to pay thanks to generous philanthropic and volunteer support.
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I Rocked It
The headline matches the phrase on the back of this year's shirt, and it certainly also describes my feelings about this race! Rock the Parkway's reputation was already well-established, so … MORE
The headline matches the phrase on the back of this year’s shirt, and it certainly also describes my feelings about this race! Rock the Parkway’s reputation was already well-established, so I was excited to see it in action. It certainly lived up to the hype. The expo was small but had all kinds of extra gear available for purchase (and at relatively cheap prices). Bib pickup was a breeze, and we even got a little more information about Running With The Cows, which I’d love to run someday.
On race day, parking was super simple and the post-race area also doubled as a warm-up space for runners. When we finally trekked down to the starting line, it was super crowded, so I just got as close to the side of my corral as possible and hung out until the race started.
The course was amazing. Ward Parkway was the majority of it, with a loop through a nearby neighborhood and around a large park in the middle. Ward Parkway was hillier than I expected, but I wouldn’t say it was difficult (except for mile 8 — woof). There were a ton of spectators along the route, as well as a few bands that were great! Tremendous vibes the whole way. Also a shoutout to Kansas City Police, who did a great job with the roads. The course and scenery reminded me of all the best parts of Drake, Tulsa and Portland all rolled into one.
The post-race was amazing, as well. The finisher’s medal is HUGE! And upon arrival at the finish line, the post-race area had really blossomed, with a ton of great food and drink options for runners, including many local vendors. There were some inflatables that you could take photos in front of, as well. It was just a really fun time. Wish we could have stayed longer, but we had to hit the road to get home.
It helps that I ran well, but Rock the Parkway was a truly great experience – I Rocked It! It’s really cool to see how much the people of Kansas City embrace this race, and I would absolutely Rock It again.
Rock the Parkway and Roll the many hills
I chose this race based on several factors: The time of year (Racing in the south/midwest humidity during a time of year other than winter/spring seemed foolish), and very good … MORE
I chose this race based on several factors: The time of year (Racing in the south/midwest humidity during a time of year other than winter/spring seemed foolish), and very good reviews on this site. Having now run the race myself I think I made a good choice choosing the Rock the Parkway Half Marathon for state #25 (It’s hard to believe that I am half way done). It was a nervous race for me having not run in nearly 5 weeks trying to heal a meniscus injury but I’m quite pleased with how it went including no apparent further injury. If you are traveling from out of state like me Kansas City is the obvious airport to fly into. I flew to Kansas City then rented and car and drove down and stayed at a hotel on the south side of time near the race. The airport is on the north end of town and the race is on the southern end. It’s about a 45-50 minute drive without traffic.
EXPO/PACKET PICK UP:
This was a small to mid-sized expo. The expo was held in a nearby convention center. Parking at the convention center was more than plentiful in a free parking garage across the street for the center. There were numerous vendors and race advertisements. I didn’t spend much time there because I wanted to stay off my feet due to the race the next day. Bib pickup was easy, it was located in the back of the expo and simply providing your name and ID got me my bib #, their race info said I would need to show them my registration email but they didn’t ask me for it. They did not provide a gear check bag and shirt pickup was at a different table at the exit of the expo in another room. I honestly thought that shirts were going to be provided race day until I was leaving and got funneled to the area with the shirts. I did stop to take some pictures with the different signs around the expo.
PARKING/ACCESS: Parking at the start area was pretty easy. They offered parking at the site of the finish line (Burns and McDonnel), I opted for parking at Rockhurst high school which I highly recommend. Parking was plentiful, very close to the start area and bathrooms and was easy to exit. I think I heard some people complain about it being hard to get out but I assume they were at Burns and McDonnel because getting in and out of Rockhurst was a breeze.
T-Shirts/SWAG: The medal for this race was high quality, large and heavy. I prefer medals that represent the state or the region which this did not but it was still a fun design. (see picture). The race shirts were tech T-shirts, I prefer a tech shirt so that I can race in them on race day and this one was well made and comfertable. (See Photos)
AID STATIONS: The aid stations were well stocked, plentiful and extremely well manned. I would say there was an above average # of them (seven) throughout the course and they all had water and Gatorade. I wish that they did something the help the volunteers distinguish between water and Gatorade, different color cups, teach volunteers to say things like water first electrolytes second. I don’t blame the volunteers, they should all be commended for freely giving their time and there were a LOT of volunteers, I would say most aid stations, which had people on both sides of the road probably had a minimum of 20 people giving out cup. I did see one aid stations that had GU or Gels around mile 7. I didn’t hear anything about supplies running out at any time during the race. I was near the front so I was never really in a huge group, but the number of volunteers was more than enough at each station. This would be a rare race that I’m assuming that there were not slow downs at aid station as volunteers were filling and handing out cups at busier times. One additional critique it would be to have a few more garbage cans 100 yards after the stations so you could have time to finish your drink before trying to toss your cup. I make this critique every race and for one of the first times ever I would say that about half the aid stations actually DID have trash cans a good way down the road, just not all of them.
Course Scenery/Elevation Difficulty: The course starts right outside the Burns and McDonnel headquarters, the start line was also the finish line. The course is primarily and out and back on down the two sides of the Parkway. The race starts with a few turns in the first mile before a long run on the Parkway until mile 5 along first a large hill and then rolling hills. Miles 5-7 are through neighborhoods to add a little distance before heading back towards the start along the Parkway going the opposite direction. None of the hills were extremely steep but there were constant. I’m not really sure that this course has a flat part, you are always going up or down hill. Other than the hill at the start the most formidable hill is at mile 10 before rolling some more and then giving way to a gentle downhill finish over the last mile which was a welcome speed boost after so many miles of up and down. The course is pretty, and probably is even more so in May each year. The course is either down large tree lined streets or through neighborhoods. Most of the trees were just starting to have their leaves form. We raced on an overcast day so it wasn’t an issue but during a hotter sunnier year it would likely be a bit hot and exposed. They advertise the course as flat and fast with a downhill finish, it is definitely not flat or fast but it does have a downhill finish. This course is best described as undulating or rolling. The weather was cool and overcast the day I ran the race leading to ideal conditions, a hotter humid day would obviously add to the difficultly and it did start to get sunnier and warmer around the 3 hour mark. The race starts at 7:30am which was fine this year but in a warmer year it would be a huge help in beating the heat/humidity. They have lots of cones protecting the course with lots of police helping to direct traffic so I never felt as though I was running near traffic. The roads for the race were fulling closed except for the few cross streets that were manned by police letting people trickle across during gaps in the runners. They also had garbage and dump trucks to fully block/protect the course from cars entering it. Crowd support around the course was decent, a little less so in the neighborhoods but I enjoyed lots of cheering and creative signs along the way. There were also 3 or 4 bands playing music on course.
Race Management: This Race was really run, for a medium race (3,300+ finishers for the half, 1,800+ for the 5k). I found their website to be the best source of info along with facebook, they also email you a few bits of advice including a race guide and a guide of things to do in the area. Other things to compliment this race on: They had age group awards. The start area had a bag check area by the start line that was open until the start. Note that this bag check doesn’t let you use your own bag, only the one they provide at gear check for security reasons. They did have pace setters including the fastest pace group that I have ever seen in a half marathon 1:25. They had 5 minute pace groups all the way up to 3:00 and then 10 minute groups up to 3:30, impressive. The finish was lacking the usual finish line fare only having water and sadly no electrolytes. The community area had pulled pork (amazingly good), popcorn, gyros, beer and multiple vendors. They provide free race photos which is always appreciated. The bathroom situation at the start seemed to go very smoothly and they had large blocks of them in multiple areas, it felt like they got it correct.
Overall I would say this race is a great way to check Missouri off your 50 state list. The race doesn’t really have a gimmick or large landmark that leads to the reason for the race. It’s just a pretty part of town that is put on with some top notch production. I give this race a low 5 shoes that borders close to 4. All that being said this is still a race that I enjoyed and would recommend.
Good race, so-so finish line
Rock the Parkway is consistently at the top of local runner's list. It is technically one of the largest half marathons and definitely considered one of the iconic ones. Yet, … MORE
Rock the Parkway is consistently at the top of local runner’s list. It is technically one of the largest half marathons and definitely considered one of the iconic ones. Yet, I can’t fall in love with the race. This is my 3rd time doing the half, and only REALLY liked it the first time. Don’t get me wrong, the medals are always gorgeous and well-designed, the shirts differ for the 5k and the half, and it’s a well-designed course. It is just not back of the pack friendly.
Technically, there is a 14-minute pace time limit. I did not know, or remember, this time limit. So, while I was upset that the finish line festival was literally empty by the time I arrived, I was reminded that I was beyond the time limit and race officials would have been in every right to DNF me. Buuut (yes, allow me a moment of entitlement), it would have been nice to have more than water at the when I received my heavyweight medal.
I’ve heard a lot of people say that RTP is a flat course. It is not. Is the last mile a downhill? Sure, but the prior 12 are a steady mix of rolling hills. The first three miles are slight uphills and then a gradual, and short downhill. Once you turn into the neighborhood, it’s a little more rolling hills until you hit a bigger hill at mile 8 or so.
The crowd support is really good though. It’s not the same as my first year (2019) but official aid stations stay stocked, neighbors come out to cheers and if you are lucky to come across some frat guys you can score a full glass of mimosa. Yup, I don’t regret the extra time on mile 7. The guys were generous enough to offer me a glass after I inquired about their adult beverages. The Black Run Club at mile 8 offered great music that I heard prior to turning the corner. But like I said, this is not necessarily the most back of the pack friendly race. A lot of the local bands were packed up and gone by the time us final finishers struggled through the last miles.
While I may not find my footing as RTP, the swag is nice and the photo opps are to be rivaled. I can’t think of another race that gives runners various options for pre- and post-race photos. I really do want to like this race as much as everyone else does. Maybe I was spoiled my first time around when I got a much faster time, the neighbors partied with us, offered more than one adult beverage, and the bands stuck around. I know I will be back because jkelling, the race-killing machine, and I want a redemption run. Maybe, just maybe, the redemption run will entice the old neighbors to come out and play. If not, I’ll keep an out for the mimosa guys.
It's good, needs improvement
I love this race, but it needs 2 major improvements - limit who can enter the post-race celebration area. It's crawling with the spectators when the exhausted runners are just … MORE
I love this race, but it needs 2 major improvements – limit who can enter the post-race celebration area. It’s crawling with the spectators when the exhausted runners are just looking for a banana and coffee. They also need parking lot attendants to ensure people get out of the parking lot smoothly.
Great race!
This is my 2nd time running this 10 years apart. It was great then and still is. Great organization and communication before the race with parking instructions. I can't speak … MORE
This is my 2nd time running this 10 years apart. It was great then and still is. Great organization and communication before the race with parking instructions. I can’t speak for the expo, as I did not attend. I am not a huge fan of the cotton race swag shirt trend for races, but the design was good.
Race day was great and waves went fast. The homes are fun to look at and are beautiful along the rolling hills. Longer incline at the 1/2 way point but nothing super steep. Lots of water stops and gu 1/2 way. Decent crowd support with the running clubs and many dogs! I know I’m in the minority on this, but why must the medal be so big? A bit over the top with size but good design.
After party was really great. Lines were quick and had a huge variety. Good photo ops and lots of room to spread out.
I was a local the first time and this year I traveled in. I would recommend both. Worth the trip. IMO Best 1/2 marathon in the KC metro.
Partial redemption...
...so last year I was super sick and spent a considerable amount of time in various portajohns, at one point landing me BEHIND the cleanup trucks. With that as my … MORE
…so last year I was super sick and spent a considerable amount of time in various portajohns, at one point landing me BEHIND the cleanup trucks. With that as my baseline, this was a phenomenal race.
So, this isn’t a flat course, despite what you may hear. It isn’t even flat for here. What it is, is a steady incline of slow rollers to a turnaround loop in a neighborhood (beware side-sloped streets!) then a retracement of the way out. This lollipop is overwhelmingly stick, being about 4.7 miles each way.
The aid stations are stacked heavily with volunteers to pass out water and Gatorade and come pretty regularly. I want to say every 2 miles, but honestly I skipped a lot of them because I was trying to manage staying ahead of a pacer (who I fully expected to be far behind) with playing with the puppies (and a super fluffy long-haired bunny that looked like a cow and an anime character had a baby) on the side of the road. That cost me more minutes than I care to admit, but totally worth it.
Crowd support along Ward Parkway is pretty consistent. In the neighborhood, not so much, surprisingly, but my race partner was a little behind me and managed to snag a full cup filled with mimosa, so I guess the moral of the story is be the second half of the pack.
Speaking of second half of the pack. I’m a back of the packer. I love back of the packers and back of the pack friendly races. The official time limit is 3 hours on this one. They’ll keep the timing mats down a little longer, but don’t expect any crowds and the vendors pretty much pack up right at that point and get out of dodge.
The medal is always a large, nicely designed rock theme, and while I’m usually a fan of the shirt, the inside of this tech shirt was a lot more abrasive than they normally are, and the 5k I wore it to later that day had my nipples in open revolt by the end of the race. Viva la revolucion!…and everything….but nah…this one will need a tshirt underneath, which kinda defeats the purpose.
Is it my go-to race? Nope. I’ll probably pick something else if it’s available the same day, but as part of the Heartland 39.3 challenge, I had to do it this year since I decided to do the series again. Is it a bad race? In no form or fashion, as long as you’re fast enough to see the vendors and massage people afterwards.
It's an annual tradition for me
I've always loved RTP. For the course this year, it was no different. But they made some changes to the after party. We could not find a banana or cup … MORE
I’ve always loved RTP. For the course this year, it was no different. But they made some changes to the after party. We could not find a banana or cup of coffee anywhere. Plus it took 15 minutes to leave the parking lot.
Eighth time running
I keep coming back to RTP for a reason - they do a great job of organizing this race. This was the first year I skipped packet pick up on … MORE
I keep coming back to RTP for a reason – they do a great job of organizing this race. This was the first year I skipped packet pick up on Friday. It was easy to pick up my bib and shirt on Saturday and find the bag drop. great job to the entire RTP crew!
Well done race
Well organized race. It is not flat, it is not insanely hilly, but no monster hills. It was not as beautiful of a run as I was hoping. There were … MORE
Well organized race. It is not flat, it is not insanely hilly, but no monster hills. It was not as beautiful of a run as I was hoping. There were many well stocked and well staffed aid stops. Each aid stop had at least three portajohns as well. Overall good race.
Ate my lunch
I said I wasn't going to push hard on this one since I have the Boston Tough Ruck in 8 days. The first three miles my pace was 10% slower. … MORE
I said I wasn’t going to push hard on this one since I have the Boston Tough Ruck in 8 days. The first three miles my pace was 10% slower. I didn’t like that, because it just didn’t feel right to not dig in, so I tried to speed up. Eh. Didn’t really matter. The slow rolling hills which I normally would have chewed up (okay there’s a couple large ones) just kept going on today. This was the first time I almost got swept off a course. I lost a lot of time once we got off the parkway for a brief 2-3 mile loop in a neighborhood, because a lot of the roads there were kind of chewed up or lopsided, but then back out on the parkway for some rolling beat down. Actually, I dug in and caught up to about 12% over par time, but I’ve finished half marathons faster and had more energy afterwards.
Crowd support was excellent, with just about every other block coming out (some with megaphones) to cheer everyone on. There were a few course breakers who figured they can drive through the course, but big kudos to KCPD for some super-fast-to-respond motorcycle officers who cleared them off the course.
The shirt is a nice tech shirt with the blue and gold Rock the Parkway colors. Instead of just a list of sponsors there’s a large bold print “I Rocked It” on the back which makes it look way less billboardy.
This is the 15th year of the race, unbeknownst to me, and while every medal from this race looks nice, this year they really classed it up with the traditional logo under “15th year”. Great showcase medal.
This is the second race in the Heartland 39.3 series, and though the course profile should have been easier than Liberty, my coach and I both found this more taxing. Be prepared when you come, and don’t underestimate Ward Parkway!
Repeat Runner
I keep coming back to Rock the Parkway for a reason - it's so well run. beautiful course. great volunteers. overall a well run race. Highly recommend this race. MORE
I keep coming back to Rock the Parkway for a reason – it’s so well run. beautiful course. great volunteers. overall a well run race. Highly recommend this race.
Beautiful Run
Running race, as a half marathon (and an available 5K) was picture perfect this year. As it’s springtime, weather can be cold, rainy, sunny, hot, or any combination thereof. This … MORE
Running race, as a half marathon (and an available 5K) was picture perfect this year. As it’s springtime, weather can be cold, rainy, sunny, hot, or any combination thereof. This annual running race always takes place on one of Kansas City’s most beautiful boulevards complete with magnificent residences, greenery, and fountains. Water/aid stations were plentiful as were spectators. One of my ‘to-do’ runs every year.
I highly recommend this race.
Communication was good. Packet pickup was smooth. Only swag was a short sleeved black tech shirt. Expo was small. The course is beautiful. First three miles were uphill. Going through … MORE
Communication was good. Packet pickup was smooth. Only swag was a short sleeved black tech shirt. Expo was small. The course is beautiful. First three miles were uphill. Going through all residential areas I was surprised that there weren’t more spectators. First 6 miles was really lacking. Many were quiet but responded if I called out to them. Aid stations were fine but I would prefer electrolyte drink to come before the water. 2 bands on the course and one I ran away from. Post race food was fun but no bagels or electrolyte drink. Craft beer. Free and nice Polaroid-type photos.
Great crowd Beautiful scenery
This is a fun, must do run everyone should do at least once! Well organized, great runner environment, enthusiastic spectators, and beautiful scenery as this race takes place on one … MORE
This is a fun, must do run everyone should do at least once! Well organized, great runner environment, enthusiastic spectators, and beautiful scenery as this race takes place on one of Kansas City’s most scenic boulevard, Ward Parkway.
I love coming back to the this course
I've been running RTP for years, simply because it's a great race. The staff does a great job putting this race on every year. And running a beautiful course is … MORE
I’ve been running RTP for years, simply because it’s a great race. The staff does a great job putting this race on every year. And running a beautiful course is an added bonus.
They always do a great job
I have run this race several times and the crew does a great job with the course and post-race fun. no medals at the end this year because of supply … MORE
I have run this race several times and the crew does a great job with the course and post-race fun. no medals at the end this year because of supply chain issues but they are working on mailing them to us.
Love this course
KC got this one right. from packet pick up to the start to the finish it's all a great race. relatively flat course, nice scenery along the way with the … MORE
KC got this one right. from packet pick up to the start to the finish it’s all a great race. relatively flat course, nice scenery along the way with the right amount spectators.
Come To Kansas City For This Great Half!
Ran this race as my first-ever half marathon in 2017 and then ran it again in 2018. Highly recommended! And, a great half marathon and opportunity for anyone outside the … MORE
Ran this race as my first-ever half marathon in 2017 and then ran it again in 2018. Highly recommended! And, a great half marathon and opportunity for anyone outside the Kansas City area who wants to experience the city and participate in a superbly organized event.
Highlights:
* Mostly flat course with welcoming downhill finish — great for helping you achieve your PR.
* Scenic course through some of the most beautiful parts of Kansas City, Missouri.
* USATF-certified.
* Live music on the course to keep you motivated.
* Supportive pacers and all that good, energetic Midwest crowd support.
I especially appreciated the well-organized wave start, live racer tracking, results being available right after you finish, super huge medal, and post-race free, downloadable photos.
KC Running Company does an excellent job with this race and provides a great experience for the runners. And, the race raises funds for a most deserving charity each year!
Oh, and if you are visiting from out of town, be sure to check out any of Kansas City’s famous BBQ restaurants.
Really well-run event along nice scenery
This race highlights Ward Parkway, one of the nicest streets in Kansas City, lined with beautiful homes and churches. The terrain would qualify as "gently rolling", not exactly flat, but … MORE
This race highlights Ward Parkway, one of the nicest streets in Kansas City, lined with beautiful homes and churches. The terrain would qualify as “gently rolling”, not exactly flat, but nothing to worry about in terms of hills. The organizational side of things was top notch. I picked up my number the morning of the race (a bit of a scramble for parking, but nothing dire), so I can’t speak to the quality of the race expo. Good crowd support, great volunteers. Well done!
My favorite race in KC!
This race has some of the best spectators ever! I've ran the half marathon several times and it's one of my favorites in Kansas City. It is always well organized, … MORE
This race has some of the best spectators ever! I’ve ran the half marathon several times and it’s one of my favorites in Kansas City. It is always well organized, and there is a lot of entertainment along the way.