Haunted Jaunt 5K & 10K Trail Races

Event Overview

The inaugural Haunted Jaunt 5K & 10K Trail Races will take place on the Lawrence River Trails. This is a nighttime race that may feature a few spooky surprises along the route! Feel free to wear a costume but keep in mind the challenging nature of nighttime trail running when making costume choices.

Start Time

• Sunset: Scheduled for 6:29 PM.
• Race Start: Races will begin at 6:30 PM.
• Staggered Starts: Depending on field size, start times between the 5K and 10K may be staggered by up to 15 minutes.
• Announcements: Race directors will make an announcement if start time adjustments are made closer to the race.

Light Source Requirement

All runners must carry a light source such as a headlamp, waistlight, or handheld flashlight. It will be dark on the course.

Course Description

• Trail Type: The Lawrence River Trails are relatively flat singletrack with a few short hills sprinkled in for fun.
• Technical Difficulty: They are flowy and not too technical, with only a few roots or rocks, perfect for trail running experts and beginners alike.
• Race Route: Races begin near the Levee gate, go down through the parking lot, and enter the River Trails on the south (right-hand) side.
• Loop Details: The 5K is one loop following the 5K Loop route. 10K runners will complete two loops of the 5K Loop route.

Aid Stations

• Offerings: Water, electrolytes, energy snacks, fruit, and other items will be available on the course.
• Setup: A small aid station will be available near the 5K Loop turnaround, about halfway through the race for 5K runners.
• For 10K Runners: 10K runners will pass the turnaround aid station during each of your loops and will also have access to an aid station at the trailhead at the start of your second loop.
• Reusable Hydration: We encourage runners to bring your own reusable hydration bottles or cups.

Awards

• Finishers Medal: All finishers will receive a wooden finishers medal.
• Categories: Awards will be given for 1st place overall and 1st place masters in each gender for the 5K and 10K races.

Swag

• T-shirt: Participants registered by October 10 will receive a Haunted Jaunt t-shirt.
• Extras: Extra shirts may be available on raceday for anyone who registers after October 10.
• Custom Bib: Participants will receive a custom race bib.

Cutoff Rules

The Haunted Jaunt 5K and 10K races will have an end time of 9:30 PM. Runners and walkers are welcome to take advantage for up to 3 hours to complete either distance.

Lawrence Trail Hawk Discount

Dues paying members of the Lawrence Trail Hawks (http://trailhawks.com/) are eligible for the Trail Hawk discount of $10 off either race. The discount will be automatically applied when using your Runsignup account associated with their Trail Hawks Membership.

Packet Pickup

Packet Pickup details will be announced soon.

Parking Information

Parking is limited near the start/finish. We recommend parking on the street while following all Lawrence parking rules and regulations and respecting our North Lawrence neighbors. You may consider parking in the public lot near the Kansas River bridge at the corner of N. 2nd Street and Locust St and take advantage of an approximately 1 mile warm-up and cool-down on the river levee.

Deferral Policy

If you’ve signed up for one of the events but are unable to safely participate in the race, we offer the following options:

• Changing Distance: Runners may contact the Race Director and transfer to a lower or higher distance on or before October 10.
• No Bib Transfers: The Haunted Jaunt does not allow refunds or for runners to transfer entries to other participants.
• Deferral: Runners may defer their race entries to the following year by notifying the Race Director on or before October 10.
• Did Not Start: If you can’t attend and haven’t deferred, please let the Race Director know at least seven days before the race.

Rules and Safety

Runner safety has always been, and will continue to be, a top priority for our event. Respect all participants and volunteers to ensure a safe and enjoyable race for everyone.

• Passing Etiquette: Be courteous to others when passing or being passed.
• Trail Conditions: The River Trails are not suitable terrain for strollers.
• Light Source: All runners must carry a light source such as a headlamp, waistlight, or handheld flashlight.
• Dog Policy: Due to the narrow nature of the trails and presence of "haunt cast" on the trails, we ask that you please keep dogs at home for this race.

Race Cancellation or Postponement

In the event the race should be postponed or canceled for reasons beyond the control of the Lawrence Trail Hawks, refunds will not be made.

Volunteers

We can't do this race without our wonderful volunteers! Help is needed for packet pickup and race day. You can sign up for a specific task or sign up for "As Needed" to be assigned where we need you most. We are also asking for donations and loans of Halloween decorations to make the course extra special. THANK YOU for making this event possible with your time and talents!

Contact Information

Questions? Contact us at hauntedjaunttrailrace@gmail.com

Race Details

For more information, visit the official race page: Haunted Jaunt Trail Races.