HalfRuns
Sunrise Marathon 5K/10K/13.1 KANSAS CITY

Sunrise Marathon 5K/10K/13.1 KANSAS CITY

Kansas City's sunrise half-marathon draws thousands from across the U.S.

Race Date

Jan 3, 2026

Location

Kansas City, MO

Runner Favorite80

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Location
Kansas City, Missouri
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K, 10K, 1 Miles
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
74,698

Highlights

Good For

Beginner Friendly

Atmosphere

Great Swag

The Experience

The Sunrise Half Marathon in Kansas City is a well-loved institution, now in its 20th edition. Each year, nearly 4,000 runners from about 45 states gather to start their day with a breathtaking sunrise and a scenic run through the city. With a loyal repeat rate of around 20%, this race has built a community of runners who return year after year.

The course is a flat, looped road route—ideal for beginners chasing their first finish line or seasoned runners seeking a fast time. The lack of hills and the wave-start setup keep the experience stress-free, letting you focus on the views and your rhythm. Timing is optional, so you can run by feel and submit your result later.

After crossing the finish, you'll be greeted with a finisher's medal, a T-shirt, and a commemorative towel. The event prides itself on being warm and supportive, with coordinators on hand to guide every runner. It's a low-fuss, high-reward way to tackle 13.1 miles.

Race-provided description

🌅 Rise. Run. Shine. – The Sunrise Marathon 2026 🌄 Start your day with purpose, peace, and a little pavement-pounding joy. Join us for the Sunrise Marathon — a breathtaking early-morning race designed to energize your soul and awaken your senses.   Overview: Run will sell-out QUICK! We will close off waves the moment they fill up. If waves are sold out, you can sign-up for the virtual run option or wait list. This is a smaller, private group run with a cap per wave. All paces and ages (under 18 with guardian) are welcome - Run or Walk!   There's no equipment or setup, this is a pure run with our coordinators to support you in a warm, stress-free setting! When you sign-up, we give you the support you need to help you achieve your goals and fitness. We also invite you to be part of our local run clubs that supports your fitness journey. 

Timing: - Timing is Optional: You may track your time on an app (Strava, RunKeeper, Nike Run, etc) and submit your times with our easy form to be posted online. Or you can ask our coordinators to help keep track of your time.  - No timing chips (This is a stress free run to support you in achieving your goals)! What You Get (Swag Bag): - Running T-Shirt (Shipped to the address you register with - US only) - Finisher's Towel or Giveaway - Finisher's Medal!  - Digital Training Pack  - Online Results & Certificate of Completion - Invitation to Join one of our Local Running Clubs - We now have Technical Running Shirts (Optional). These lightweight, moisture wicking shirts can be upgraded for just $5 more.  Packet Pickup: No hassle of picking up packets required! -Swag shipped direct to your address (Please make sure you provide your full, correct US mailing address including apartment number and check spelling) - Race bibs are provided on race day When will I get my Swag? You will get your shirt at your mailing address the week of your race. Race Updates: We will email you a final update the Wednesday before the race with final details and course maps. Do you accept last minute registrations? (For those signing up 2 weeks before the race) Yes, but please note that it takes time for us to ship your shirt. Your shirt will likely arrive after the run. You can wear any shirt you find appropriate to run the race!    Wave Times: (Email Us Your Desired Wave Time: info@thebestraces.com) (Waves filled on a First Come, First Serve Basis) Wave A: 7:30AM Wave B: 8:00AM Wave C: 8:30AM Late runners can run upon arrival (Please note our coordinators stay 3 hours after the first wave) Are there any other Questions we missed? https://www.thebestraces.com/faq/ Virtual Run Option: - Our Virtual Run uniquely offers a Training Pack with Digital Tools to support your run.  Virtual runs can be done any time and place of your choosing using any tracking device (optional). After you finish, you can submit your results to info@thebestraces.com to receive your medal!  Race Bundle: Sign-up for more races and get a discount!  Sponsorships & Promoting your Business: If you're looking to become a sponsor, we'd love showcase your business! https://www.thebestraces.com/events   Team Glo Volunteers: If you're interested in helping put on runs for the Community and helping people achieve their goals, we invite you to join our team of volunteers, fill out the form here: https://www.thebestraces.com/volunteer-form/   Be part of the Journey! Our Charity Initiatives. Find out more @ www.thebestracesjourney.com Keep running. Every mile you log after the race, we'll donate $1 to one of the charities we work with! (Note that Fundraising is Optional)

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, January 3, 2026

Start Time

7:30 AM

Giveaway

Running Shirt + Packet

Start Location

Mill Creek Park (Course Map will be emailed), Kansas City, MO, 64111

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

5K10K1 Miles

Quality Score

Runner Favorite80
Methodology
Heritage20/20

20 years running

Size15/15

~3,098 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty20/20

20% returning runners

Course & details6/15

5 timing sources · 6 photos

National draw10/10

runners from 45 states

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 1:13:04

Weather0/10

typical high 77°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

51°

Afternoon (High)

69°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.2"

Precipitation

13 mph

Wind

67%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 74,698 finishers actually crossed the line across 20 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

74,698

Median time

2:17:25

Latest turnout

3,914

States

48

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:05p50 median ≈ 2:106:30

Turnout by year

20172025

'17'18'19'21'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Sunrise Marathon 5K/10K/13.1 KANSAS CITY?

The Sunrise Marathon 5K/10K/13.1 KANSAS CITY is held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM.

Where does the Sunrise Marathon 5K/10K/13.1 KANSAS CITY take place?

It takes place in Kansas City, Missouri.

What distances does the Sunrise Marathon 5K/10K/13.1 KANSAS CITY offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K, 10K, 1 Miles.

Is the Sunrise Marathon 5K/10K/13.1 KANSAS CITY course flat and good for a PR?

The Sunrise Marathon 5K/10K/13.1 KANSAS CITY is a ultra-flat, loop course course.

How many people run the Sunrise Marathon 5K/10K/13.1 KANSAS CITY?

HalfRuns has finish records for 74,698 runners who have completed the Sunrise Marathon 5K/10K/13.1 KANSAS CITY.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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