Accept Zero Run, Walk, and Virtual 5K

What is Accept Zero About?

This event will open the opportunity to acknowledge the reality of suicide, honor those that we've lost, honor those that have survived, encourage dialogue and conversation, and begin to shift the culture, perceptions and beliefs regarding suicide. Together, we can spread the message that suicide is preventable, and the support is out there. Let us take the pledge to accept zero! #AcceptZero

Money raised from this event is used for increased training and education throughout the community on suicide through free Question, Persuade, Response (QPR) trainings to businesses, churches, schools, and individuals. Additionally, funds will also be available to those individuals who may be experiencing thoughts to end their life so that they can seek support and treatment without the additional worry about finances which may include rent due to eviction notices, utilities being shut off, basic needs due to loss of income, no insurance, and past due medical/hospital bills. Funds raised are also used to host/attend events that allow us to get 988 Crisis Line and suicide prevention/awareness out to the members of the community.

Race Details:

Accept Zero 5k : Ages 5 and up to be timed runner/walker. Swag bags to include race day t-shirt (shirt not guaranteed after March 15th!) and Accept Zero wrist bands. 

Youth Fun Run (Ages 12 and under) – 8:30am - Join Kansas City Chief's mascot KC WOLF for an exciting dash to the finish with our Youth Fun Run. Children ages 12 and under will have a short race to start off the morning’s events. Every child to cross the finish line will receive a medal to remember the day and a high five for getting involved!

Virtual Race: Enjoy the convenience of running the race any day or time and on whatever course you desire. You can run or walk on a road or treadmill and either alone or with a group of friends. Then, simply upload your results to the site. Packets, medals and shirts (if you registered before the t-shirt deadline) will be mailed prior to the race (pending shirt arrival). 

Teams of 4 or more: Recruit some friends to join you on race day!  Creating a team requires setting a password that you will send out to those who want to join your team.  The first 3 members of a team will pay full price until the 4th member registers.  Once the 4th member signs up the first 3 members that registered will receive a $5 refund, and the 4th and any subsequent team member will be charged the race fee minus $5.  Price per team member increases on March 2nd, 2026, to $40 per team member and on April 13th, 2026, to $45.

Awards:

A monetary gift will be awarded to the top overall male and female finishers. Participation medals will be given to all participants at both the 5k and Fun Run. Custom event medals will be given to the Top 3 female and Top 3 male finishers in each age category: 5-9, 10 – 14, 15 – 19, 20 – 24, 25 – 29, 30 – 34, 35 – 39, 40 – 44, 45 – 49, 50 – 54, 55 – 59, 60 – 64, 65 – 69, 70 – 74, 75 – 79, 80+.  Overall winner and Finisher awards will be included in grab and go bags at the finish line. Age group winner medals will be distributed at the event, so please stick around until race times are posted to receive your age group medal.

What Happens if We Cannot Hold This Event Live?

In the event that public health reasons would prohibit us from holding this event, which is something that we are not anticipating, we would review our option to move the event to a later date in 2026 and move all registrations forward to that event.  

Packet Pick-up:

April 17th from 2:00pm - 4:00pm at Comprehensive Mental Health Services (17844 East 23rd St S, Independence, MO 64057) 
April 17th from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at KC Running Company Store (200 East 135th Street KC MO 64145)
Race morning, April 19th, from 7:30 – 8:45am

Day of registration will close at 8:30am runners and 8:45am for walkers.
No pets allowed. We are sorry, this is a City of Independence stipulation for these events.