Best Places to Run in Kansas City, MO

Kansas City, with its many suburbs and smaller communities, has a thriving running community with many great places to run. Spread throughout the metroplex is a series of urban paths, crushed gravel trails and technical trails that would take you months to do if you attempted to run them all. Plus, you can sync up with runners and walkers of all ages and paces at almost any time of day. 

Kansas City hosts races all year long—everything from track meets to marathons, ultramarathons and trail running events. Post race, check out one of  the many coffee shops and breweries throughout the area. And don’t forget to fuel up with Kansas City’s world class barbecue.

Weather is generally mild most of the year, although August can get blistering hot (so summer’s a good time to run early in the day). Winters are mostly mild, too, though you can bet on a few cold days with biting wind. If you plan ahead and layer up, you can still enjoy the best running the city has to offer. 

Running clubs abound. Join one of our group runs if you’re looking for company, need some motivation or want to access to even more Kansas City running secrets. Check out the clubs below:

• Runners Edge, 
• KC Endurance 
• KC Running club
• KC Express 
• Kansas City Smoke 

But if you're looking to get in some miles now, check out our picks for the best places to run in Kansas City:

Trolly Trail 

• Best for: Short to medium runs and walks
• Surface type: road, crushed gravel
• Starting Point: South Plaza, Kansas City, MO 64112
• Distance: Up to 6.8 miles

Route Description: This is a point to point, urban route well traveled by other runners and walkers. It's perfect for a short shake-out run or something onger with plenty of access points along the way. It is mostly flat with some gradual uphill and downhill. A really cool urban trail that is well traveled by other runners and walkers. 

Longview Lake Greenway

• Best for: Speed work, tempo runs, long runs 
• Surface: road, crushed gravel
• Starting Point: Longview Lake Greenway, Kansas City, MO 64134
• Distance: 11.8

Route Description: Most people tend to start on the north end near the boat ramp. The path is mostly flat with some gradual sloping every now and then, which makes it a perfect choice both for longer intervals and tempo runs. Plus, soak in waterfront views  while running adjacent to Longview Lake. The greenway is also easy to navigate with mile markers every .2 miles. 

Rock Island Rail Trail 

• Best for: long runs
• Surface: road and crushed gravel
• Starting Point: Hartman Park, Lee’s Summit
• Distance: 8.1-16.2 miles

Route Description: Start on either end or in the middle at Vale trailhead. If you start in the middle (Vale), you’ll run a slight uphill going out in either direction and then you’ll return downhill back to the start. This trail is covered and keeping you out of the sun for most of the distance although it does get a little exposed on the sidewalk and on the asphalt on the southside of the trail. Lot’s of bikers, walkers and runners but wide enough to be accommodating. 

Locations

Lawrence

839 Massachusetts St
Lawrence, KS 66044

(785) 856-0434

M-S: 10am - 6pm
Su: 11am - 4pm

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Topeka

2130 SW Wanamaker Rd
Topeka, KS 66614

(785) 273-1456

M-S: 10am - 7pm
Su: 11am - 4pm

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Overland Park

11908 W 119th St
Overland Park, KS 66213

(913) 469-4090

M-S: 10am - 7pm
Su: 11am - 5pm

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Ward Parkway

8600 Ward Parkway
Kansas City, MO 64114

(816) 363-4800

M-S: 10am - 8pm
Su: 12pm - 5pm

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