Running with the Cows consists of an annual 5K and Half Marathon. These races are normally held on the second Saturday in May. Running with the Cows attracts runners from all over Kansas & around the country! An event for the whole family! Rural, rolling hills, serene asphalt course, fresh …
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Running with the Cows consists of an annual 5K and Half Marathon. These races are normally held on the second Saturday in May. Running with the Cows attracts runners from all over Kansas & around the country! An event for the whole family! Rural, rolling hills, serene asphalt course, fresh air, and a ridiculously awesome post-race buffet for EVERYONE to enjoy! Voted Top Race in Kansas!
Half marathon participants will receive: chip timing, USATF certified course, technical running shirt, finishers medal, overall and age group awards, Runners Edge pace group leaders, seven aid stations, large mile markers, post race festivities and ALL THE FOOD YOU CAN EAT!
5K participants will receive: chip timing, cotton t-shirt, finishers medal, a cowbell, overall and age group awards, one aid station, large mile markers, post race festivities and FOOD, FOOD, FOOD!
Other things to know about the race:
– Relatively smooth asphalt course with rolling hills, where many have set their personal best records.
– Pacers available.
– Amazing volunteers along the course.
– A convenient, monitored bag drop inside the school.
– Chip timing.
– Mylar blankets.
– The race is a GO in the rain, cold or snow! Come on Spring! However, if it is unsafe to run/walk, the race director reserves the right to cancel the event.
– If you register to run/walk/grit, but are unable to do so, you can still pick up your t-shirt at packet pick-up.
– Strollers welcome at the back of the runners.
– CustoMOOOzed Bibs! Register by NOON on April 19th to get your bib PERSONALIZED!
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15th Anniversary for a great race
Course was a series of out and backs, relatively flat, but very hot this year. They had plenty of food after the race even for the last finishers. Water and … MORE
Course was a series of out and backs, relatively flat, but very hot this year. They had plenty of food after the race even for the last finishers. Water and hydration available on course, but could have used more as it was very hot, would definitely run again.
Great race, just hot!!
This was the 15th anniversary, and they really went all out with the birthday decorations... the medal had a cake on it! Even with being crazy slow due to the … MORE
This was the 15th anniversary, and they really went all out with the birthday decorations… the medal had a cake on it! Even with being crazy slow due to the heat and being sick the previous week, there was SO much food left even when I got there. It was completely paved country roads, and nearby farms brought their cows out near the race course. Would be interested in doing this one again!
There is a reason it's said this race...
is the best in Kansas. It's well organized, small, yet the whole town comes out to support it. I paced this race & nailed my time. Probably one of the … MORE
is the best in Kansas. It’s well organized, small, yet the whole town comes out to support it. I paced this race & nailed my time. Probably one of the better races I’ve run. Despite sunny course, great support throughout. The after party has all types of food. Worth repeating.
Walking with the Cows
Kansas is kind of a far place for me to go just for a weekend but I love cows so this race has been on my bucket list. I am … MORE
Kansas is kind of a far place for me to go just for a weekend but I love cows so this race has been on my bucket list. I am also attempting to get to sun level in half fanatics and have a pretty insane half marathon schedule this spring and found 2 back to back half marathons in Kansas with no time limit so it was perfect for a “break” weekend to go and walk these races with no stress about finishing. There was good pre race communication and a simple athlete guide with all the information. For the race you can do early packet pick-up but it is also available race day. I flew into Kansas City Friday evening so got it race day. I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Overland Park, KS. It is about 40 minutes from the Kansas City airport and 15 minutes from the race. My flight got delayed so I didn’t get to my hotel room until around 2am so it was a short sleep before the race. The race was easy to get to and parking was easy on a field. Packet pick-up was smooth and there is a nice short sleeved tech shirt. It was the 15th anniversary of the race so the swag and decorations were extra special. There is just a shirt and medal for swag but there is so much food at the end I rounded the swag up to 5 sneakers. There is a bunch of cow decorations and a big cow to take pictures with making it a very fun pre and post race environment. This raises money for a local Catholic school which is where the race starts and finishes. The race has about 400 participants in the half so it is on the smaller side but not super small. For a small, more local, charity type race production and everything was excellent. The race is chip timed and has the same start and finish. There are no waves but there are pacers to help line up. I stayed near the back knowing I would be mostly walking the race as it was my “weekend off.” The course is pretty nice but a bit boring. It is through farmlands and is what you picture when you think of Kansas. The scenery is nice but it gets a bit repetitive as there are some out and back sections. There were some farm animals though I was hoping for a little more. I did love the spectators who brought cows with them. It’s a very rural area so there aren’t a ton of spectators but I appreciate every one out there. It’s kind of a low key, calm race environment. I don’t find races like this very fast but I do find them peaceful and enjoyable. The course has gentle rolling hills. That is actually what it is. It is constant up and downs but they are gentle with no monster hills. The biggest challenge was the heat and it is unshaded. I would say course difficulty is average and a bit above average with the heat but I rounded down to 3 sneakers given there is no time limit. There was excellent aid stations. They were very frequent. There were 6 but 4 you past twice so 10 total so they were almost every mile. All had water and gatorade, many had mini donuts, one had gels and one had fruit snacks. No issues running out of anything at my slow pace. The only production issue I noticed was the mile markers starting with mile 5 were off by 0.1 miles so I thought the course was going to be long but there was only 1 mile between the mile 12 marker and the finish so the course length seemed accurate. I think they may have been placed wrong but at least they were placed so you would end up with a faster finishing time if you relied on the mile markers for pacing. The finish line is nice and they give you water and an excellent cow medal. Definitely a top 10% half marathon medal though I’m not sure it is this nice every year or just because it was an anniversary year. After the finish you go to the cafeteria for a huge buffet with pasta, tacos, pizza, and tons of dessert. There were a lot of vegetarian options. Some options seemed vegan though it wasn’t labeled so I am not 100% sure. There was plenty of food for the later finishers. Overall I thought this was an excellent smaller, charity race with a super fun theme. It also had no time limit which made it stress free and allowed me to just enjoy myself. I have also done Prairie Fire in Kansas (though I did the full not the half). I thought both races were very good. I’d recommend this one if you prefer smaller, rural, low key races and Prairie Fire if you prefer more urban, larger races although you can’t go wrong with either. Kansas is a bit of a trek for a weekend but I’d definitely do this one if I lived closed and I could be convinced to come back and do it again.
Long live the cows!
This race was once on the verge of disappearing, which saddened me to no end. It's always been my favorite 5k so this year I figured I'd try the half. … MORE
This race was once on the verge of disappearing, which saddened me to no end. It’s always been my favorite 5k so this year I figured I’d try the half. Weather is odd this time of year. I’ve been out there on cold runs and out there on hot ones, this unfortunately was the latter, as 99% of this course, there is zero shade available. My shoes, despite having only 100 miles on them were rubbing my ankle raw. Sporting $150 running shoes this time around, I usually do races in combat boots. This is why. By mile 3 I was miserable, so it was going to make for a long race. On the upside, the volunteers were amazing at motivation and water and gatorade felt like it was available every mile. If not it was pretty close, and it was always cold. I appreciated that immensely.
The course is rolling hills, and if you like the country, it really is quite beautiful out there. If you think “big ol’ open field of nothing” then this probably isn’t going to get you psyched up. If nothing else, what should is the gargantuan spread at the end. It seems like everyone in town brings a dish, and I stopped counting at 30 different offerings, plus the standard cookies/oranges/apples/bananas. Some of these folks can really cook, too.
I’m honestly sad it’s over. I’m sad my shoes betrayed me, though I did manage to somehow eek out a not-horrible time, which, between the shoes and a stress fracture that I told my physical therapist I’d go easy on (sorry, Doc), sort of surprised me. I think it would actually be a fast-ish course were it not for the oppressive heat and humidity on what really is the first warm race of the year. Time to get used to that again I suppose.
The medal is always nicely done and features the cartoon cow mascot in tennis shoes in a different scene/pose each year. It’s a colorful cutout medal that still has nice weight to it and the ribbon is beautiful and features the date, length and 15th anniversary. I feel like ribbons are an afterthought too often, but this is truly part of the medal. The 5k shirt is a nice cotton that wears well and the half is a tech T. They also have nice mugs and water bottle available for sale.
This has been a bucket list race for me since my heart attack when they didn’t know if I’d ever do a quarter mile again. While I’m glad to check it off, I’m looking forward to hitting it up next year for a faster time. Hope to see you all there.
Beautiful day in Kansas but hot
This race is put on as fundraiser for school and you saw the parents, kids, police, and local folks come out to support the race. The enthusiasm of these folks … MORE
This race is put on as fundraiser for school and you saw the parents, kids, police, and local folks come out to support the race. The enthusiasm of these folks helped on the rolling hills and a special shut out for all the water stations . I poured water on my shirt at every water station and the shirt was dry by the time I reached the next water station. Special thanks to the folks that dressed as cows or brought their cow to race. Another thanks to the pacers. I started with 2:30 and finished in front of 2;40 but they were all encouraging. The post party food was wonderful and there was plenty to choose from. Thanks to the school for a race well done.
OUTSTANDING RACE!
This race was nothing but amazing! It is a low key local race. There is no huge expo or anything like that. However, I wish that the packet pickup was … MORE
This race was nothing but amazing! It is a low key local race. There is no huge expo or anything like that. However, I wish that the packet pickup was a little earlier in the day. It did not start until 4pm, so if you are flying in it’s ok to get a later flight. The communication and logistics of the race was well organized. When they say there is a post race buffet, that is exactly what they mean. You will NOT be disappointed. There was enough food to feed two armies. I am guaranteeing you that you will not leave hungry. More races need to get this lesson. They absolutely came together as a church, school and community.
Support, support and more support!
I've done this race every year except for when I was recovering from a heart attack. It admittedly is not the easiest 5k on a warm muggy day, as shade … MORE
I’ve done this race every year except for when I was recovering from a heart attack. It admittedly is not the easiest 5k on a warm muggy day, as shade is sporadic, but on cool years you can really fly. What’s it going to be this year? Who knows…welcome to the midwest. The hills aren’t obnoxious but do mix it up. Slow and rolling mainly but I don’t think there are any true flat stretches. Of the 60+ races I have under my belt in 2023, this one is the top 5k and within the top 5 of all the races.
The swag is great, the medals are always nicely done and heavy, the tshirts are quality, but what really sets this race apart is the FEAST that occurs afterwards when what I guess is the whole town makes a giant potluck and brings in everything you can imagine. I think I must have tried 2 dozen things, all wonderfully made. There’s ribs on the grill outside and burgers for additional purchase, but really there’s so much food inside I never tried them. They seemed popular though.
What sets this race apart from others (aside from the mammoth spread) is the on-course support. Water stations are plentiful, and when it’s punishingly muggy they’ve been out there in golf carts ferrying water out to individual racers who were between stations and looking like they hated life. The course is a ring with multiple out-and-back fingers on it, so you’ll always have somebody coming at you and cheering you on even when you’re in between stations. The race had a great energy and so many strangers were veering towards the center to pound a fist or slap a high five as we passed each other I couldn’t even feel the 30lbs I was wearing that day. No, I could still very much feel it, but they made it much better.
I’ve done marathon/half marathons (a few in-between lengths), 15k/12k/10k and more 5ks than I can count. If I could only do one race a year it would be this one.
For the first time I’ll be doing the half marathon (no time limit!), and I have little doubt that it won’t be my favorite half as well. A top-notch production every year and truly kudos to the RD and supporting staff.
Run it for the food
This race had very warm weather and very little shade. I took the recommendation of buying a towel for race day because they advertised having ice buckets. I was SO … MORE
This race had very warm weather and very little shade. I took the recommendation of buying a towel for race day because they advertised having ice buckets. I was SO happy I did! Nothing special for scenery on this course. It does have rolling hills but they’re doable. A friendly group of people running the race. The first water stop could not keep up with the runners unfortunately. The food spread after was nice: tons of deserts, walking tacos, hot dogs, fresh cider, etc.
Beautiful scenery & Great Food!
For the 2023 Running With the Cows Half Marathon the course was somewhat reversed and changed. The scenery was all farmland, ranches, and country estates. Weather this particular time was … MORE
For the 2023 Running With the Cows Half Marathon the course was somewhat reversed and changed. The scenery was all farmland, ranches, and country estates. Weather this particular time was more humid & higher temps than usual. But we are in the Midwest springtime, so anything is possible. At the finish line of the 5K & Half Marathoners were treated to mostly homemade buffet type food brought about by the students & congregants of the Catholic School & Church who benefit from this very popular running race. The course is relatively easy with quite a few inclines thrown in. The course was well managed by local law enforcement & volunteers, of which all were very much appreciated.
And Kansas makes 41
Now coming to the end of my 50 state journey, reviews get tougher as there’s so much to compare to! This is a cute race on a beautiful course. This … MORE
Now coming to the end of my 50 state journey, reviews get tougher as there’s so much to compare to!
This is a cute race on a beautiful course. This is not the stereotypical Kansas is flat race. There was rolling hills throughout the race. It was also very warm with minimal shade.
The expo to this is minimal and took quite a while to get my bib and shirt. No other swag offered. They had a few things for sale but not much.
Parking for this race was easy-a field behind the start line. There was not enough port o potties so lines were long.
Not too many spectators on the course but it was nice to be out enjoying the views. As I stated there are rolling hills the entire race even at mile 13. It is not flat.
The finish line is truly where this race shines. The nicest volunteers and they do a buffet prepared by the school parents. All homemade food and treats. Huge selection. Water courses are supported by kids from the school-super cute.
This race goes for a good cause and has a beautiful course. The area is affordable to travel to (stay in Overland Park, fly into Kansas City). I would recommend this to anyone who needs Kansas!
Fun day in Kansas
Great turnout, it seems like the whole town was out volunteering or running. Lots of pacers who were so friendly. The course was clear of cars except for a random … MORE
Great turnout, it seems like the whole town was out volunteering or running. Lots of pacers who were so friendly. The course was clear of cars except for a random truck that ignored the road closed signs and he was quickly guided out by someone. I loved the cows to get pictures with at the school. Only saw 1 cow on the course. Food choices afterward were not as good as I was expecting based on previous reviews, probably because of how slow I was. I was not prepared for the hills or the heat so it was one of my worst times ever. However I didn’t get an official time so I do not know exactly how bad it was! This may have been the last running of this race which is sad.
First & Last Time Running with the Cows
I was so excited to run this unique race and am so glad that I did since the organizers announced earlier this month that it would be the last year. … MORE
I was so excited to run this unique race and am so glad that I did since the organizers announced earlier this month that it would be the last year. The race started at the Holy Rosary Wea School in Bucyrus, KS, a beautiful, quaint Catholic school out in the country, complete with a cemetery and church bell that tolled on the hour. The day was bright and sunny with light winds, but unfortunately it was a little warm for running. It was about 70F when the race started at 7:30 AM, and there was very little shade on the more or less out and back course. I started out faster than I should have, and between that, the rolling hills, and the heat, I was exhausted by mile 5. Thankfully there were water/gatorade stops every couple miles and GU around mile 7! I also kept reminding myself of the delicious Taste of Wea dessert table that I had heard about at the end of the race, and it did not disappoint! The medal was AMAZING, the shirts were awesome, the desserts were beyond delicious, and the people were friendly and kind. It was a much smaller race than ones I have done before, but very unique and well executed. Also, shout out to the SmartPacing team from Kansas City, they were great!!!…Oh yeah, and did I mention the desserts?…So sad to see this race ending.
Great support / swag / food.... Hills
Highly supported by the community. Lots of volunteers & cheerers. Food spread was amazing and mostly home made! and then you saw pictures of the spread that existed before you … MORE
Highly supported by the community. Lots of volunteers & cheerers. Food spread was amazing and mostly home made! and then you saw pictures of the spread that existed before you finished. Not sure whether to be more impressed or jealous! Swag bag had lots of snacks. Photos were free without watermarks. Great photo ops with cows. 10/ 10 recommend.
Only down side…I hate hills!
Love the warmth of the volunteers.
This is one of my favorites in 20 years of running. The pacers helped me finish 6 minutes before my anticipated time! The course was scenic and water/food stops came … MORE
This is one of my favorites in 20 years of running. The pacers helped me finish 6 minutes before my anticipated time! The course was scenic and water/food stops came at just the right time along the course. The volunteers were exceptional! I could feel the love. The unique medal with barn doors that open, after-race brunch for everyone, and the photo shoot with the barn setting and a calf (one of my favorite race pictures) were highlights. I already have a friend who wants to join me next year. The overnight stay at Embassy Suites in Overland Park and the pasta/salmon meal at Carrabba’s across the street were a perfect preparation for the race and only a 25 minute drive to Bucyrus. This is a race I heartily recommend.
My kind of people!!
I can't believe I've never ran in this race! I've been missing out. I missed Rock The Parkway this year because of a nasty cold and I thought I'd give … MORE
I can’t believe I’ve never ran in this race! I’ve been missing out. I missed Rock The Parkway this year because of a nasty cold and I thought I’d give this a whirl! Boy I’m happy that I got sick now! Well thought out event! You even have Archbishop Joseph Naumann praying for you at the start of the race! Your family has lots to do while waiting for you. A petting zoo! Your welcome to come into the school and wait also. There is food everywhere! You won’t starve here or get dehydrated that’s for sure. They make you feel like family! all 2,000 of us! lol…
No Ordinary Half Marathon or 5K
You may not see too many houses or buildings, but lots of green fields and Real people cheering for YOU.!!! - The Nicest Half and Favorite ever. - This is … MORE
You may not see too many houses or buildings, but lots of green fields and Real people cheering for YOU.!!!
– The Nicest Half and Favorite ever.
– This is for a Local Church and all the congregation comes out for you… From kids and older people. you truly feel welcome and at home.
– There is not way you will not enjoy this race even if you don’t meet your race goals.
– This is not a Business like any other race, this is truly for the fun of running.
– Some people may think this is a difficult course, but come on, no race is easy. It has the right amount of hills and flats to keep you challenged.
– You race it once, I can guarantee you will come back.
Loved the Cows!
The food after the race was wonderful. They even had a gluten free table. There was coffee before and after the race and they did not run out. Very organized … MORE
The food after the race was wonderful. They even had a gluten free table. There was coffee before and after the race and they did not run out.
Very organized – and the crowd was not overwhelming. I will be back next year and hope to run the 5K instead of walking it.
I really loved it!
It was beautiful scenery and it was so well put together and the volunteers were AMAZING! I am so excited for next year! I was disappointed by the lack of … MORE
It was beautiful scenery and it was so well put together and the volunteers were AMAZING! I am so excited for next year! I was disappointed by the lack of cows though. I guess they just couldn’t bear to come out into the rain to enjoy it.
Great Organized Race
Love this race. This is my 2nd time participating. I love the rolling hills and being out in the country. Very organized and people on course energize you with cowbells … MORE
Love this race. This is my 2nd time participating. I love the rolling hills and being out in the country. Very organized and people on course energize you with cowbells and saying Moo. Best post race food. Was very impressed with the allergy table with amount of gluten-free items. Best medal ever.