Kansas Half Marathon

The Kansas Half Marathon is Lawrence, Kansas's flagship half marathon and 5K, run each fall through downtown and along the Kansas River since 2009. Billed by organizers as "fast, flat, and full of heart," the USATF-certified half marathon course starts near South Park on Massachusetts Street, passes downtown landmarks, the river, and the Baker Wetlands, and finishes back downtown, while the companion 5K loops entirely through downtown Lawrence. Seven aid stations serve the half marathon route, with energy gels available from mile 6.7 onward, and one aid station serves the 5K. The race benefits Heartland Community Health Center, a nonprofit that provides medical, dental, and mental health services to more than 25,000 patients a year regardless of income or insurance status. Finishers receive a medal, an official race T-shirt, free beer from Lawrence Beer Company, snacks and chocolate milk, and professional race photos, and kids can join a free Kids Fun Run. The 18th annual edition runs Sunday, November 1, 2026.