Running With The Cows Half Marathon & 5K

Half Marathon and 5K school fundraiser in rural Bucyrus, Kansas! Just 30 minutes south of Kansas City. Fully supported course, fantastic volunteers and post race festivities distinguish this event from all others! Top Rated Race in America ~ RaceRaves.com

“You race it once, I guarantee you'll come back” says one finisher of this hidden gem of the heartland. RWTC starts and finishes at Holy Rosary Wea School (for which the event is an annual fundraiser) with a rural course featuring miles of bucolic countryside. Along the way, “super friendly” volunteers help you conquer the rolling hills with the help of — you guessed it, more cowbell. But as gratifying as the scenery is, the organizers may save the best for last with a post-race “smorgasbord” that includes allergy-friendly options. And as one reviewer notes, “How many races can you attend where you can actually kiss a calf after?” For an udderly irresistible half marathon with huge comMOOOnity support, RWTC may be the most fun you’ll “heifer” have on race day.

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Welcome

We're excited to welcome the HERD back for our 16th Annual Running with the Cows Half Marathon & 5K. Running with the Cows benefits Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic School. We're a small, rural school serving families and their children, 3 years old through 8th grade. We're grateful for the support and LOVE we receive as our community comes together for service and FUN!

Packet Pickup

When: Thursday, May 7th | Friday, May 8th. 4 PM - 7 PM

Where: Scheels 6503 W. 135th Street Overland Park, KS 66223

Pick up your race shirt and bib with chip timer: You'll receive the shirt size listed on your registration. We will be located on the 2nd floor of Scheels. As you enter the building, turn right and take the stairs to the 2nd floor. Follow signage. Unclaimed packets will be on the south side of the cafeteria race morning. 
Race Day Schedule

6:00 AM: On-Site parking begins on the south side of Holy Rosary Wea grounds. See the map below for more details

6:45 AM: Road Closes

7:30 AM: Half Marathon begins

7:45 AM: 5K begins

Event Address

22705 Metcalf Ave. Bucyrus, KS 66013

Parking

• Race traffic on HWY 69 southbound will be directed to use the 223rd or 247th street exit.
• Parking is dictated by traffic flow and is changing constantly. Please allow yourself enough time.
• Race traffic on HWY 69 northbound will use the 247th Street exit.
• Please follow the parking attendant's instructions after exiting HWY 69
• Please travel as directed for the fastest parking experience possible
• Be respectful of our parking volunteers
• Handicap parking is available; you must have a placard/tag. Enter through the south church entrance
  

   

• ***All race traffic arriving after 7:00 am must use the 247th street exit***

PLEASE WATCH SIGNS AND PARKING ATTENDANTS

In case of inclement weather, alternate parking may be needed. You will be notified via email of any changes

Post Race

A post-race buffet will be provided. This buffet is for all participants of the race. If someone did not register but would like to enjoy our buffet, we ask for a $6 donation.

All donations benefit Queen of the Holy Rosary School. We appreciate your generosity!

Please be respectful of your fellow runners so that there is enough food for everyone to enjoy!!

PLEASE DIRECT ALL QUESTIONS TO INFO@COW.RUN

ON-SITE MAP 

RACE DAY INFORMATION

PACE TEAMS for the 2025 Half Marathon will be provided by SmartPacing. Runner's Edge SmartPacing teams use a strategy that adjusts the pace based on the course to help you run with an "event effort". At the race, look for pace leaders who will be carrying flags with the expected finish time.

PHOTOS will be taken throughout the event and posted at www.cow.run under the "Race Info" tab within a few days of the race. Photos are free & downloadable.

MEDICAL assistance will be on-site in the event of an emergency. Law enforcement will be present along the course, as well as course monitors. An ATV "Gator Guy" will be present on every mile of the course if assistance is needed. An Aid Station attendant can call for help as well.

RESULTS & AWARDS

Medals will be awarded to all Half Marathon & 5K finishers as they cross the finish line.

Individual Results

Use your smartphone to check your results. To view the results, scan the QR code on your bib or the ones place throughout the race event.

Full results will be posted at www.cow.run upon completion of the race.

• Open your camera on your phone
• Point the camera at the QR code
• A Pop-Up will open on your phone, asking you to open RunSignup
• Click the pop-up, and you will be directed to the results
• Search for your name

Top Finisher Awards

Awards are given to the top overall finishers and master winners in both the Half Marathon & 5K events, as well as the top three male & female finishers in each age group.

14 & under / 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+

*Porta Potties will be located near each aid station

Where does the race start and finish? The race starts and finishes at Holy Rosary Wea Catholic School 22705 Metcalf Ave, Bucyrus, KS.

What time does the race start? Half Marathon starts at 7:30AM - 5K starts at 7:45AM

Need the Participation Guide? The current guide can be found in the website menu or by clicking this link : https://www.cow.run/Race/RunningWithTheCowsHalfMarathon5K/Page/2026participationguide

Is there a time limit? No  

Is there LIVE participant tracking? No

Where do I park on race day? Parking will be in grassy fields surrounding the event site. Volunteers will be directing traffic.

When and where is packet pickup? Packet Pick Up will be at Scheels 6503 W 135th St STE 88, Overland Park, KS 66223 on Thursday, May 7th & Friday, May 8th from 4-7pm.

Packets that are not picked up will be at race site Saturday morning starting at 6AM.  Please note* - Virtual packets will NOT be available at packet pick up or on race day.

Can a friend or family member pickup my packet? Yes!

What if it rains on race day? We will run in the rain. However, if it is unsafe to run/walk, the Race Director reserves the right to cancel the race. There will be NO REFUNDS if the race is cancelled due to inclement weather or pandemic.

What if I'm unable to attend? Do I get a refund? There are NO REFUNDS for any reason as RWTC is a fundraiser.

Can I transfer my entry to another runner? (allowed until 4/1/2026) Yes! Manage Registration here. Sign in under your RunSignUp account then go to your profile in the upper right corner. Go to upcoming races and make the changes under Running with the Cows Half Marathon & 5K. (transfers allowed until 4/1/2026)

How do I verify if I'm registered? Verify Registration here.

If I registered but can't participate can I still get my shirt? Yes! Please stop by during Packet Pickup to get your shirt. Shirts will NOT be mailed.

Do you mail virtual packets (shirt and medal) outside the US? Please email us at info@cow.run with your request.  We will try to accommodate as much as we can.  With increasing shipping costs, we can determine pricing for you.  Thanks for your interest!

Where can we stay if coming from out of town? Hotels in zip code 66223 are close to 69 Highway and Packet Pickup.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Overland Park
Candlewood Suites Overland Park
Hampton Inn & Suites Overland Park South
Home2 Suites by Hilton Overland Park

Are pets allowed? Pets are NOT allowed due to the size of the race and the safety of other runners.

Are strollers allowed? Yes, please start in the back of the start line area for the safety of you and the other runners.

What charitable organization will my participation fees benefit? Your entry supports Holy Rosary Wea School. To learn more or make a donation please CLICK HERE.

Are there shirts for sale? Yes, some race merchandise will be available for purchase in person at Packet Pickup and on Race Day.  

What is the course route? We will have the same route as for 2024 & 2025 and we hope you love it!  Beautiful rural scenery & gently rolling hills!  See links below.

HALF - MapMyRun       5K - MapMyRun

Do you have pacers? Yes! We are happy to announce that Runners Edge will be pacing for us again this year.  They're wonderful & help make the race a fun experience for everyone!  meet the pacers

2025 photos - https://runandshootphoto.smugmug.com/Running-with-the-Cows-2025

2024 photos - https://runandshootphoto.smugmug.com/Running-With-the-Cows-2024

2023 photos - https://runandshootphoto.smugmug.com/Running-with-the-Cows-1-2-Marath

2022 photos - https://runandshootphoto.smugmug.com/Running-with-the-Cows-12-Marathon-5k-2022

2019 photos - https://runandshootphoto.smugmug.com/Running-With-the-Cows-2019

2018 photos - https://runandshootphoto.smugmug.com/Running-With-the-Cows-2018

2017 photos - https://runandshootphoto.smugmug.com/Running-With-The-Cows-2017

2015 photos - https://runandshootphoto.smugmug.com/Running-with-the-Cows-2015

In-person participants will receive their race shirt and bib with timing chip at Packet Pickup! *Please note: VIRTUAL packets will NOT be available at Packet Pickup. 

Packet Pickup is at Scheels 6503 W 135th St STE 88, Overland Park, KS 66223.

4-7pm on Thursday, May 7th, 2026

4-7pm on Friday, May 8th, 2026

Leftover packets will be taken to Holy Rosary Wea School and be available for pickup on race morning starting at 6am at the Registration Tent.

Participants in both the 5K and Half Marathon will compete for age group, top overall and top masters awards.

We are pleased to announce that Runners Edge will be pacing for us again this year!  They are fabulous and help make the race a fun experience for everyone! Meet the Pacers

Run your virtual half marathon any time and any place! We will mail virtual registrants their medal and T-shirt after May 10th. Packets are usually mailed the week AFTER the race.  Check that your mailing address is correct on your registration. No need to pick up a packet or submit your run time 

*NOTE: Packets are NOT available at packet pick up. 

If you are located outside the US, please email us at info@cow.run for additional information and pricing.

NO REFUNDS for any reason and registration cannot be transferred. Our no refund policy is stated in each runners signed waiver. Fees go directly to pay for event costs, many of which have already been paid (medals, t-shirts, etc). Remaining fees go to Holy Rosary Wea School in Bucyrus, KS as this is the school's main annual fundraising event. With this being the case, we are not in a position to offer refunds. We appreciate your support and understanding.