6th Annual Lap The Lake

About the Event

The 6th Annual Lap The Lake returns to Melvern, Kansas on October 10th, 2026. Located along the rolling hills and shoreline of Melvern Lake, this event offers a variety of routes for runners, cyclists, and those ready to explore challenging terrains.
Race morning finds participants warming up under clear skies with temperatures around 17°C, feeling much like the air itself as you pace yourself through the early hours. The atmosphere is one of camaraderie and encouragement, where seasoned athletes and newcomers alike push their limits together. Each route offers its own unique challenge—ranging from rugged gravel paths to smooth, welcoming miles.
The event has been growing in popularity since 2013, drawing participants not just for the competition but also for the sense of community that surrounds it. This race supports local partnerships and gives back through every mile completed, making it a significant part of the Melvern landscape.
Course venues vary across different distances, with options from the Challenger Deep 50 Mile Bike to the Old Abe 3 Mile Bike or the Rucking Challenge. The Terrain is firm but slightly soft, providing both a test for endurance and an appreciation for nature's beauty along the way. Start and finish lines are marked by familiar landmarks: the lakefront park where participants can easily find their way.
Weather on race day predicts average temperatures between 11.9°C to 22.2°C with moderate humidity at around 59.4%, making it comfortable for most but be prepared as winds may reach up to 16 km/h and a UV index of 4 suggests using sunscreen during the early morning hours.

Challenger Deep 50 Mile Bike
80.5K • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $65.87

Mariana Trench 27 Mile Bike
43.5K • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $49.78

Mohohoko's Last Stand 13 Mile Bike
20.9K • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $44.42

Mokohoko's Last Stand Half Run/Walk
21K • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $44.42

Old Abe 3 Mile Bike
4.8K • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $33.69

Old Abe 5K Run/Walk
5K • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $33.69

Rucking Challenge
Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $44.42

Stayin' Shallow 10K Run/Walk
10K • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $39.05

Stayin' Shallow 6 Mile Bike
9.7K • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $39.05

T-Shirt Only
Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $28.32

Challenger Deep 50 Mile Bike | 80.5K
Mariana Trench 27 Mile Bike | 43.5K
Mohohoko's Last Stand 13 Mile Bike | 20.9K
Mokohoko's Last Stand Half Run/Walk | 21K
Old Abe 3 Mile Bike | 4.8K
Old Abe 5K Run/Walk | 5K
Rucking Challenge | fee=$44.42
Stayin' Shallow 10K Run/Walk | 10K
Stayin' Shallow 6 Mile Bike | 9.7K
Registration for the event can be completed online at https://raceroster.com/events/2026/113368/6th-annual-lap-the-lake with fees ranging from $28.32 to $65.87 depending on your chosen distance. Bib pickup is available two days before the race, September 29 and 30 at the Melvern Community Center from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Participants should bring a valid ID for verification.
The start location is at the entrance of Melvern Lake Park on Main Street. The event welcomes runners aged 16 and older; first-timers are encouraged to arrive early, ensuring they have their bibs and any necessary gear ready.
This race matters because it brings people together through movement and shared experience in a breathtaking setting, supporting local partnerships while giving back to the community with every mile completed.

Races Offered

Challenger Deep 50 Mile Bike

Oct 10, 2026

straighten

Distance — 80.5K

terrain

Type — Cycling, Others

timer

09:00

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$65.87

Mariana Trench 27 Mile Bike

Oct 10, 2026

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Distance — 43.5K

terrain

Type — Cycling, Others

timer

09:00

sell

$49.78

Mohohoko's Last Stand 13 Mile Bike

Oct 10, 2026

straighten

Distance — 20.9K

terrain

Type — Cycling, Others

timer

09:00

sell

$44.42

Mokohoko's Last Stand Half Run/Walk

Oct 10, 2026

straighten

Distance — 21K

terrain

Type — Cycling, Others

timer

09:00

sell

$44.42

Old Abe 3 Mile Bike

Oct 10, 2026

straighten

Distance — 4.8K

terrain

Type — Cycling, Others

timer

09:00

sell

$33.69

Old Abe 5K Run/Walk

Oct 10, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Cycling, Others

timer

09:00

sell

$33.69

Rucking Challenge

Oct 10, 2026

straighten

Distance — Rucking Challenge

terrain

Type — Cycling, Others

timer

09:00

sell

$44.42

Stayin' Shallow 10K Run/Walk

Oct 10, 2026

straighten

Distance — 10K

terrain

Type — Cycling, Others

timer

09:00

sell

$39.05

Stayin' Shallow 6 Mile Bike

Oct 10, 2026

straighten

Distance — 9.7K

terrain

Type — Cycling, Others

timer

09:00

sell

$39.05

T-Shirt Only

Oct 10, 2026

straighten

Distance — T-Shirt Only

terrain

Type — Cycling, Others

timer

09:00

sell

$28.32

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for October in Melvern.

thermostat Temperature

11.9° / 22.2°

wb_sunny Feels like

8.5° / 19.0°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

8h 48m

water_drop Avg rainfall

1.9 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

16.0 km/h (Gentle breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

Moderate

terrain Course conditions

Firm and slightly soft

sunny Max UV Index

Moderate (4.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

59.4%

wb_twilight Sunrise

07:32

nightlight Sunset

18:42

About Melvern

Learn more about the host city, Melvern.

Melvern is a city in Osage County, Kansas, United States, along the Marais des Cygnes River. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 356.