Jesse James Festival 5k /10k Bill James Classic

Lace up your running shoes for the Jesse James Festival 5k /10k Bill James Classic, taking place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in Kearney, Missouri. This event is a cherished highlight of the annual Jesse James Festival, promising a vibrant atmosphere for runners of all levels. Participants can choose between a challenging 10K, a popular 5K, or a leisurely 2.09K (1.30 mile) stroll. The course winds through the scenic paved trails of Jesse James Park and Mack Porter Park, offering beautiful scenery, crisp early fall air, and the sounds of morning birds. Runners will find the course mostly flat with a few turns and hills, including the "infamous Jesse James Park BIG HILL" that 10K participants will conquer twice.

The race starts at 8:00 AM, with the start line either in Downtown Kearney at North Grove St and Boude St or on the Jesse James Park side, leading to a finish line in Downtown Kearney where friends and family can cheer you on. Aid stations will be available along the course to keep you hydrated and energized, and all finishers will receive a medal, with placement medals awarded to top age group and overall winners. Typical race day conditions in mid-September bring comfortable highs around 81F and lows around 60F, with a low 15% chance of precipitation, creating ideal running weather. Beyond the race, participants are encouraged to immerse themselves in the broader Jesse James Festival, making this a fantastic opportunity for family bonding and community spirit. Your participation also contributes to the community, with funds supporting the festival grounds and the building of a Hero's Monument Memorial.