The 14th Annual 5K Walk/Run returns to Topeka, Kansas on September 12, 2026. Race morning in Topeka begins with a crisp early September feel as runners gather at the beautiful Shawnee Mission Park. This event offers both seasoned racers and newcomers alike an engaging atmosphere; the park is filled with greenery and picturesque views, making it the perfect backdrop for a walk or run. The race starts promptly at 7 AM, providing ample time to soak in the serene surroundings. This year marks its fourteenth edition, showcasing a tradition of community engagement and support that has grown stronger each passing year. Over the past decade, thousands have participated, raising funds for local scholarships benefiting area students. This event not only brings together runners from all walks of life but also serves as an essential part of Topeka's annual sports calendar. The 14th Annual 5K Walk/Run takes place on a hard and dry surface within Shawnee Mission Park, with the course starting and finishing at the park entrance. The route is well-marked for easy navigation; however, it does offer a few notable features such as small elevation changes that make the run both challenging yet enjoyable. On race morning, temperatures will hover around 22.6°C, feeling much like an average day in September with minimal humidity and moderate UV exposure. A gentle breeze of about 10.9 km/h is expected throughout the event, making it a comfortable pace for all participants to maintain their rhythm without struggling from heat or cold. The race offers distances including a 5K | 5km walk/run.
5K 5km • Start: 08:30:00 • Fee: $44.45
To register for this incredible run/walk, visit https://raceroster.com/events/2026/115905/14th-annual-5k-walkrun. The registration fee is $44.45 and closes on September 8, 2026. Bibs will be available for pickup at Shawnee Mission Park from August 31 to September 11 between the hours of 9 AM and 7 PM; bring your ID to confirm identity and pick up a race number. The event starts in front of the park's main entrance, located on 8200 W 65th St. Topeka, Kansas. Participants must be at least 13 years old to compete. First-timers should ensure they have their identification ready for verification upon arrival. This year’s race is not just about a five-kilometer walk/run; it's part of the vibrant community spirit that makes Topeka so special during this time each year, making it worth attending if you value supporting local education and enjoying a beautiful park setting.
Races Offered
5K
Sep 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
5km
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:30
sell
$44.45
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in Topeka.
thermostatTemperature
17.0° / 28.3°
wb_sunnyFeels like
16.3° / 27.3°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
10h 24m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
2.8 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
10.9 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
High
terrain
Course conditions
Hard and dry surface
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (5.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
64.0%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
07:04
nightlight
Sunset
19:29
About Topeka
Learn more about the host city, Topeka.
Topeka is the capital city of the U.S. state of Kansas and the county seat of Shawnee County. It is along the Kansas River in the central part of Shawnee County, in northeastern Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 126,587.
