Run for Raptors Trail Race

🏃‍♂️ Race Date

Saturday, August 2nd 2025

🌧️ Rain Date

Saturday, August 9th, 2025

🏅 Race Options

• 11K Run: 7:30 AM start time | ROUTE: View Route
• 5K Walk/Run: 8 AM start time | ROUTE: View Route

📍 Event Details

Thank you for your interest in the 9th annual Run for Raptors Trail Race in Swope Park! Please read more about the event below.

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: Lake Lodge from 6:30 AM – 7:45 AM Saturday morning.
• Note: If you plan to pick up your packet on race day, please arrive early!

🏞️ Course Information

We will be doing a separate 10K loop for 2025! 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.

🚗 Parking

Parking attendants will be on hand 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 if you want to meet others and ride together to the race start.

🦉 Raptors

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

🎟️ Raffle

The raffle will begin around 8:45 AM. All racers receive 1 ticket as part of their registration. Additional tickets can be purchased on race day (cash, check, AND credit) from 6:30 AM until the raffle begins. Tickets will be $2.

💧 Hydration

• Pre-Race: Please drink plenty of fluids starting a few days before the race.
• Water Stations: One at the halfway point and at the finish. The lodge is air-conditioned.

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

🚻 Bathrooms

Bathrooms are located in the Lake Lodge.

🏃 Trail Tips

If you are new to trail running, you will love it! It is much better on your joints and surrounded by natural beauty. Watch your footing to avoid injuries.

🤝 Trail Etiquette

Please be considerate of other runners. Pass on the left and step off the trail to let others pass. Earbuds are not recommended.

🌧️ Rain Date

Our rain date for 2025 will be the following Saturday, August 9. Check your email, Facebook, and the Registration Page for any cancellations.

💸 Registration Information

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.

🏆 Awards

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

Due to the heat and that there will be live birds present, we are not allowing dogs to take part in the race, but they can cheer you on!