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: Sunset is 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.
• Announcement: 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

• Terrain: The Lawrence River Trails are relatively flat singletrack with a few short hills sprinkled in for fun.
• Trail Conditions: They are flowy and not too technical, with only a few roots or rocks, perfect for trail running experts and beginners alike.
• Route: The 5K is one loop following the 5K Loop route: 10K runners will complete two loops of the 5K Loop route.
• Course Status: If the trails are unsafe for runners or vulnerable to damage due to muddy conditions, an alternative course will be provided.

Aid Stations

• Available Items: Water, electrolytes, energy snacks, fruit, and other items will be available on the course.
• 5K Turnaround: A small aid station will be available near the 5K Loop turnaround, about halfway through the race for 5K runners.
• 10K Access: 10K runners will pass the turnaround aid station during each of your loops.
• Reusable Containers: We encourage runners to bring your own reusable hydration bottles or cups.

Awards

• Finishers Medal: All finishers will receive a wooden finishers medal.
• Competitive Awards: 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.
• Availability: Extra shirts may be available on race day for anyone who registers after October 10, but are not guaranteed.
• Race Bib: Participants will receive a custom race bib.

Cutoff Policy

• End Time: The races will have an end time of 9:30 PM.
• Completion Time: Runners and walkers are welcome to take up to 3 hours to complete either distance.
• Final Loop Departure: 10K participants must leave the trailhead aid station by 8:00 PM.
• Risk: Participants continuing on public trails past 9:30 PM do so at their own risk.

Lawrence Trail Hawk Discount

Dues paying members of the Lawrence Trail Hawks 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. To sign up as a member before registering to get the discount, visit Lawrence Trail Hawks Membership.

Packet Pickup

Packet Pickup details will be announced soon.

Parking

Parking is limited near the start/finish. We recommend parking on the street while following all Lawrence parking rules. Consider parking in the public lot near the Kansas River bridge for a warm-up and cool-down on the river levee.

Deferral Policy

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

• Changing Distance: Runners may contact the Race Director to transfer to a different distance on or before October 10.
• No Bib Transfers: No transfers to other participants are allowed. Race numbers are assigned specifically.
• Deferral: Runners may defer their race entries to the following year by notifying the Race Director.
• Did Not Start: Notify the Race Director at least seven days before if unable to attend.

Rules and Safety

Runner safety is a top priority. Respect all participants and volunteers. Be courteous when passing. Single track trails are tight, so stay alert.

Kids and families are welcome! Participants must be at least 12 years old. Any child under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

All runners must carry a light source. Follow the motto "Kindness to Life and Land" and clean up any waste you may generate.

For this race, we ask that dogs stay at home for safety reasons.

Personal music devices are strongly discouraged. If you wear headphones, use low volume and stay alert.

Race Cancellation or Postponement

In the event of a race cancellation for reasons beyond our control, refunds will not be issued. Race packets will be available at a location to be determined.

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 specific tasks or as needed. Donations and loans of Halloween decorations are also appreciated!

Questions

Contact us at chrislansdell81@gmail.com.

More Information

For more details on the event, visit the Haunted Jaunt official site.