Rock Chalk Run: 10K, 5K & 1K Fun Run/Walk

Lace up for the 4th Annual Rock Chalk Run, taking place on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in Overland Park, KS. This vibrant community event offers distances for every pace, including a challenging 10K, a spirited 5K, and a family-friendly 1K Fun Run/Walk. Beyond the finish line, every stride supports a vital cause, with proceeds directly benefiting first-generation college students at the University of Kansas Edwards Campus through grants and scholarships. You can expect typical race day conditions to be crisp and cool, with highs around 71°F and lows near 51°F, and only a 12% chance of precipitation, providing ideal running weather.

All races commence and conclude at the Best Conference Center on the KU Edwards Campus, offering ample free parking for participants and spectators. The course, featuring "all-new run routes" for the 10K and 1K, includes a noticeable hill on both the 5K and 10K, adding a rewarding challenge to your run. Hydration is readily available with water stations positioned at the 1.4-mile mark for both the 5K and 10K, plus an additional two stops for 10K participants at the 3.5-mile and 4.8-mile points. Restrooms are conveniently located within the BEST building near packet pick-up.

The Rock Chalk Run is designed as a festive and welcoming experience for all, including leashed pets and strollers (with a note about the course's hill). Beyond the race itself, participants can enjoy food trucks, a dedicated family fun area, and the chance to grab KU bookstore merchandise, perhaps even catching a visit from the beloved Jayhawk mascot. All registered participants receive a commemorative KU t-shirt and a finisher's medal, making this a memorable event for a great cause. Join over 450 enthusiastic runners and walkers from previous years for a day of fitness, camaraderie, and community spirit.