Run for Raptors Trail Race

🌲 Race Date

Saturday, August 2nd 2025

Rain Date: Saturday, August 9th, 2025

🏃‍♂️ 11K Run

• Start Time: 7:30AM
• Route: View here

🏃‍♀️ 5K Walk/Run

• Start Time: 8 AM
• Route: View here

📩 Contact Information

Please email run4raptors@:lakesidenaturecenter.org with any questions.

📦 Packet Pickup

• Early Pickup: Lakeside Nature Center (4701 E Gregory Blvd, KCMO 64132) on Friday, 8/1 from 10 AM – 4 PM.
• Race Day Pickup: At Lake Lodge from 6:30 AM – 7:45 AM Saturday morning.
• Tip: If you plan to pick up your packet the morning of, please arrive early to allow yourself time in case of lines!

🗺️ Routes

We will be doing a separate 10K loop once again for 2025! The 10K race will not be looping the 5K route twice like the previous year. However, due to changes in the trails, the course is now slightly longer than a 10K. The actual race distance is closer to an 11K, or 6.8 miles.

📍 Location

The race does not take place at Lakeside Nature Center! The race start is located at Lake Lodge at Camp Lake of the Woods in Swope Park (38.991269, -94.518709). There is a Google Map for reference on the RunSignUp page. The run will take place on the Swope Trails.

🅿️ Parking

Parking attendants will be on hand to assist you with parking, starting at 6:30 AM. We do have limited parking around the lodge, so carpooling is always encouraged. Lakeside Nature Center's parking lot will be available to park at if you want to meet others there and ride together to the race start.

🦉 Raptors

Lakeside Staff and Volunteers will be at the race with several of our educational raptors (owls, falcons, hawk and vulture). Pictures and questions are welcome!

🎟️ Raffle

• Start Time: The raffle will begin around 8:45 AM.
• Included Ticket: All racers receive 1 ticket at the event as part of their registration.
• Additional Tickets: Can be purchased on race day (cash, check AND credit) from 6:30 AM up until the raffle officially begins.

💧 Hydrating

Please be sure to drink plenty of fluids starting a few days before the race. We will have a water fountain on hand at the Lake Lodge. One water station around the halfway point of both races will be located along the trail. We highly recommend those running the 10K bring their own hydration unit for the race!

⏰ Late Starts

Due to the crossing of the race courses, there will be no late starts for any of the race distances.

👜 Bag Drop

A secured area behind packet pickup will be available to leave any items while you are out on the trail.

🚻 Bathrooms

Bathrooms are located in the Lake Lodge.

🧗 Trail Tips

For those that may be new to trail running... you will love it! It is much better on your joints and being surrounded by so much natural beauty makes the time just fly by. However, you do have to watch your footing. Twisted ankles are the most common injury. You will encounter many exposed roots, rocks and even fallen logs. Be sure to pay attention to the obstacles ahead and don't hesitate to slow your speed just a tad when going downhill. Most falls happen when fatigue sets in and your feet trip up on something sticking up on the trail.

🏞️ Trail Etiquette

Please be considerate and aware of runners coming up behind you. Those that are passing, please yell "ON YOUR LEFT" on approach. Slower racers, please step off the trail to your right and let people pass. Because of this communication need, earbuds are NOT recommended.

☔ Rain Date

Our rain date for 2025 will be the following Saturday, August 9.

Please be sure to check your email, Facebook, and the Registration Page for any cancellations the evening before or morning of the race. Remember that storms can be isolated, so clear skies in your area does not necessarily mean clear skies at Swope Park!

🗓️ Registration Details

Early Bird Prices for Registration between 1/1/25 and 4/30/25. Prices will go up on 5/1/25, and again on 7/1/25 and 8/1/25. If capacity allows, there will also be day-of registration onsite.

🏆 Awards

First Place male and female runners in each distance (excluding walkers) for the race will receive free race entry next year!

🐕 Dogs

Due to the heat and that there will be live birds present, we are not allowing dogs to take part in the race. They can, however, come and cheer you on from the sidelines as long as they are leashed.