Last year, in the cold of a Midwest winter, we discovered something magical: our first‑ever 100% underground 5K (3.1 miles). No windchill. No icy sidewalks. Just the hum of footsteps echoing through SubTropolis and the novelty of running a race shielded entirely from the elements. We loved it so much that coming back this year felt like a no‑brainer.
And I’m glad we did-because we both improved.
The Groundhog Run is special for reasons far beyond the novelty of being underground. 2026 marks the 44th annual running of this event, making it one of the longest‑running races in Kansas City’s history. It typically draws around 2,000 participants each year, all converging underground for a cause that matters.
And that cause is Ability KC – an organization providing therapeutic and educational services for children with disabilities. The race directly supports their programs. Running is fun, but running for something alongside your community adds a layer of meaning that sticks with you long after you cross the finish line.
This course is eerily quiet and calm throughout the race once you get past the start/finish line commotion. The congestion at the start clears quickly, and once it does, the course opens up into one of the most unique running experiences you can have in Kansas City. There’s a moment near the end of this particular course – if you’ve run it, you know exactly what I mean – where you’re running hot but hit a turn and suddenly feel the cold air again. After miles of steady 65-68° tunnel air, that little blast of winter is the perfect signal and a welcome relief: you’re almost there.
Last year, William ran an 11:06/mi pace and I ran 8:46/mi. This year, William clocked in at 10:22/mi, and I shaved mine down to 8:35/mi. Progress feels good, especially in a race that starts in a tunnel packed shoulder‑to‑shoulder with hundreds of runners all about to find their rhythm beneath the surface.
If you’re not claustrophobic and you’re looking for a winter race that’s both warm and wonderfully weird, I can’t recommend the Groundhog Run enough. We’ll be back – hopefully a little faster again next year.
Current fundraising focus
Support us in our runs by donating to our fundraiser for KC Pet Project.
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