Ward Parkway Four on the Fourth
Kansas City, MO
- 4 Miler, 4K, Kids Run
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Get ready to rock the most patriotic gear you’ve got because this 4th of July, we’re throwing the ultimate party on the pavement – Four on the 4th! Lace up those running shoes or take a leisurely stroll for 4 glorious miles along the iconic Ward Parkway, all while soaking … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Jul 04):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 94 | 90 | 86 | 95 | 97 |
| L (°F) | 75 | 74 | 73 | 69 | 75 |
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Great energy at this one
This race always has highly motivated racers and volunteers. The route has a couple light hills but it's shaded, so that makes up a lot in these hot days. Medal … MORE
This race always has highly motivated racers and volunteers. The route has a couple light hills but it’s shaded, so that makes up a lot in these hot days. Medal felt a little cheaper this year (lighter plastic?) and I miss the pizza sponsor that used to be there, but all in all a good after party.
Intimate 4th race
So, this was not a small race, but it wasn't a Trolley Run or Hospital Hill or anything like that. It did have a very intimate feel, in part because … MORE
So, this was not a small race, but it wasn’t a Trolley Run or Hospital Hill or anything like that. It did have a very intimate feel, in part because the start/finish and afterparty was in a shopping center parking lot, and that lot was surrounded by a retaining wall, which really gave it a personal “private event space” sort of vibe. I hope they continue to secure that spot, as it was only the race that was in that parking lot and it was a wonderful energy. Plus, for the afterparty that kept people naturally contained together and I think did a lot to promote conversation and camaraderie. Plus the pizza was to die for.
Now the race itself was quite a pretty course out and back along Ward Parkway, several of the neighbors had lawn chairs out to cheer us on, and a couple had turned on their sprinklers into the street. It cannot be overstated how much that was appreciated on a muggy day in body armor. I had the honor of racing with a buddy from a former face as well as meeting some new people at this race that I hope to see again out on the course. The hills certainly weren’t the worst I’ve seen but for anyone who thinks the Midwest means flat courses, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise on this one. I think it’s a great training race for some of the more punishing hills later in the season, and it’s “only” 4 miles, a race length that you don’t get a chance to hit up often. If 5ks are your norm, this may be a rough “first time going longer” race, but it is quite doable, and the after party will more than reward you for breaking through to the next level. I actually met three people at the starting area prerace who were doing just that and every one of them put in an impressive performance and made it to the end, but they do also have a 4k option if you’re just adamant about it. Oddly there’s not a lot of races this weekend, so you have no excuse not to come out and grab a slice. Say hi when you do and happy racing!
Four on the Fourth
I enjoy the atmosphere at this run. Everyone is having a good time. There are fun costumes. The after-party is excellent. There isn't a much better way to end a … MORE
I enjoy the atmosphere at this run. Everyone is having a good time. There are fun costumes. The after-party is excellent. There isn’t a much better way to end a race than with a cold root beer float. I enjoyed people-watching. It is fun seeing the kids enjoying themselves and people of all ages pushing themselves.
The race seemed better prepared this year. Registration was simple. The packet pickup was well-organized. There was excitement to start the race and great volunteers throughout the course. I missed the participation from the community. The last time I ran, many people were out watching the races, and snarky signs lined the trail. This time they were few and far between.
The course itself is not too bad. It is relatively flat. The shade trees lining Ward Parkway make for a slightly cooler run. But, this race is in the hottest month of the year. The heat this year made it challenging. There were two water stations on the course. Usually, I would say that is enough for a four-mile run, but given the heat, they could have used at least one more.
I like the shirts this year. They do not have all of the advertising on the back. I could see myself wearing it out and about. The medal felt cheap. It was made of plastic and was already peeling a bit when I got home.
I got my personal best on a four-mile run today. Given the challenges with the heat, I was pleased with my performance.
Four on the 4th
This was an awesome way to celebrate the holiday. The course takes you down Ward Parkway which is beautiful and a relatively easy run (other than the hill at the … MORE
This was an awesome way to celebrate the holiday. The course takes you down Ward Parkway which is beautiful and a relatively easy run (other than the hill at the end). The motivational signs and community cheering was awesome and made the event so much better. The party at the end was awesome too. Its a really family friendly event with great swag. Definitely make this part of your tradition.