Rock the Parkway has become the premier half marathon in Kansas City and one of the largest and most popular half marathons in the Midwest! Hosted by Burns & McDonnell since the beginning in 2010, the Rock the Parkway half marathon and 5K offer many features that continue to make …
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Rock the Parkway has become the premier half marathon in Kansas City and one of the largest and most popular half marathons in the Midwest! Hosted by Burns & McDonnell since the beginning in 2010, the Rock the Parkway half marathon and 5K offer many features that continue to make it a fan favorite:
- Amazing route along scenic Ward Parkway that has been voted “Best Race Course in Kansas City”
- One of the largest, coolest half marathon finisher medals you’ll find
- Free searchable and downloadable high-quality photos
- Technical shirts for all participants
- Personalized race bibs
- A convenient bag drop located at the front drive of the Burns & McDonnell World Headquarters
- A wave start for the half marathon
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.
We are excited to once again partner with Children’s Mercy, the region’s top children’s hospital, as our charity partner for the event. 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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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.
It’s a family affair
Several of my family members participated including my mom- it was her first half marathon. Shirt was ok. Medal was beautiful. Course was hard but I was running on a … MORE
Several of my family members participated including my mom- it was her first half marathon. Shirt was ok. Medal was beautiful. Course was hard but I was running on a bum knee. I signed up as part of the Heartland 39.3 series.