Run for Raptors Trail Race

Race Date: Saturday, August 1st, 2026

Rain Date: Saturday, August 8th, 2026

11K Run: 7:30AM start time | ROUTE: https://www.strava.com/routes/3118568125094926392

5K Walk/Run: 8 AM start time | ROUTE: https://www.strava.com/routes/3118562730703402374

Thank you for your interest in the 10th 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 packet pickup will be held at Lakeside Nature Center (4701 E Gregory Blvd, KCMO 64132) on Friday, 7/31 from 10 AM – 4 PM. To pick up your packet, please enter the main doors and there will be volunteers to assist you in the lobby.  Race day pickup will be held at Lake Lodge from 6:30 AM – 7:45 AM Saturday morning. If you plan to pick-up your packet morning of, please arrive early to allow yourself time in case of lines! 

ROUTES: We will be doing a separate 10K loop once again for 2026! The 10K race will not be looping the 5K route twice like in previous years. 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. The run will take place on the Swope Trails. The entrance to the Lodge is located off of Oldham Rd just SE of Hillcrest Rd.  Signs will be in place to help navigate you to the right place. A map will be present at packet pickup if you need further directions to the race location.

PARKING:  Parking attendants will be on hand to assist you with parking, 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 at if you want to meet others there and ride together to the race start.

RAPTORS:  Lakeside Staff and Volunteers will be at the race with several of our educational raptors (owls, falcons, hawk and vulture). Pictures and questions are welcome!

RAFFLE:  The raffle will begin around 8:45 AM.  All racers receive 1 ticket at the event as part of their registration. Additional tickets can be purchased on race day (cash, check AND credit) from 6:30 AM up until the raffle officially begins. Tickets will be $2. If buying with credit card, there will be a $10 minimum. Raffle tickets are placed in the cup of your choosing to try and win the raffle item, there is no limit on how many tickets can be placed in one cup. 

HYDRATING:  Please be sure to drink plenty of fluids starting a few days before the race.  We will have a water fountain on hand at the Lake Lodge. One water station around the halfway point of both races will be located along the trail. We highly recommend those running the 10K bring their own hydration unit for the race! There will also be one water station at the finish. The lodge is air conditioned and is a welcome refuge for anyone who is feeling overheated.

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

BATHROOMS:  Bathrooms are located in the Lake Lodge.  

TRAIL TIPS:  For those that may be new to trail running... you will love it!  It is much better on your joints and being surrounded by so much natural beauty makes the time just fly by.  However, you do have to watch your footing.  Twisted ankles are the most common injury.  You will encounter many exposed roots, rocks and even fallen logs.  Be sure to pay attention to the obstacles ahead and don't hesitate to slow your speed just a tad when going downhill.  Most falls happen when fatigue sets in and your feet trip up on something sticking up on the trail.  If there is any moisture that morning, the rocks will be slippery, so take heed. The 10K  run has more rocky stretches than the 5K. And keep an eye open for wildlife, we have lots of cool critters up there!

TRAIL ETIQUETTE: Please be considerate and aware of runners coming up behind you.  Those that are passing, please yell "ON YOUR LEFT" on approach. Slower racers, please step off the trail to your right and let people pass. Because of this communication need, earbuds are NOT recommended. If you do need music, please only wear one ear bud to allow for full hearing in the other ear. 

RAIN DATE:  Our rain date for 2026 will be the following Saturday, August 8. 

Please be sure to check your email, Facebook, and the Registration Page for any cancellations the evening before or morning of the race. Remember that storms can be isolated, so clear skies in your area does not necessarily mean clear skies at Swope Park!

Prices will go up on 5/1/26, and again on 7/1/26. If capacity allows, there will also be day-of registration onsite. 

Packet Pickup for the in-person race will be at Lakeside Nature Center on Friday, July 31st from 10am-4pm and later at the race trailhead that evening. More details to come closer to the race date on exact times. Packets not picked up before the race will be brought to the race for early race-day pickup on 8/1. (If you plan to pickup your packet on race day, remember to arrive earlier!) 

First Place male and female runners in each distance (excluding walkers) for the race 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. They can, however, come and cheer you on from the side lines as long as they are leashed.