2025 is off to a cold but adventurous start for our running adventures here in the Kansas City area! This month, we tackled two memorable races: the Hangover 10K on New Year’s Day and the Battle of the Bean 5K on Saturday, January 18th. Both were frosty challenges, but they were rewarding in their own unique ways.
Hangover 10K
The Hangover 10k took place along Overland Park’s beautiful Indian Creek Parkway Trail. This race was a milestone for us: William’s first 10K (6.2 miles) and my second. We decided to tackle the race together, step by step, running the entire course side by side. 139 participants completed the 10k with us, while 135 opted to start their year with a half-marathon!
It was the perfect way to begin the year, taking on a major challenge as a team and crossing the finish line together. The New Year’s Day weather added an extra layer of difficulty, with temperatures hovering around 32°F. Despite the cold, the atmosphere was electric, and we focused on our shared goal of finishing strong rather than worrying about our time.
Battle of the Bean 5K
Fast forward to the 18th, and we found ourselves among 400 others braving an even colder morning at the Battle of the Bean 5K (3.1 miles). This run started and finished at the Red Bridge Shopping Center in Kansas City, and benefited Wonderscope Children’s Museum. The temperature dropped to 8°F at the finish line, and the slick spots on the course turned this race into a battle, indeed! We weren’t exactly prepared for the conditions, so we improvised by layering our winter jackets over our running gear, resembling Star Wars characters braving the icy tundra of Hoth (hello, Tauntaun vibes!).
This race was probably our coldest ever and pushed us to focus less on speed and more on perseverance—and on getting back to our warm car as soon as we could! While it wasn’t our fastest 5K or most flattering finish photos, it was a victory in its own right for sheer determination.
Looking Ahead
With two outdoor winter races already behind us, we’re thrilled that our next challenge, the Groundhog Run, takes us indoors at The Hunt Midwest SubTropolis. This unique 100% underground race supports Ability KC, benefiting adults and children with disabilities.
Our 2025 calendar is shaping up to be an exciting one, with plenty more running adventures ahead. You can check out all our upcoming races at williamandnate.com/runs.
Here’s to warming up (literally and figuratively) as we continue the year!
Current fundraising focus
Support us in our runs by donating to our fundraiser for KC Pet Project.
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