41st annual event becomes two days, emphasizing family-friendly fitness on Friday

The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine students have a long tradition of providing medical care for Hospital Hill Run participants who “Conquer the Hill.” This year, the run will be twice as fun.

New event time, date and course. The Hospital Hill Run UMKC School of Medicine 5K will be at 7 p.m. Friday, June 6. The course starts and finishes in front of Crown Center Shops. Instead of being the same time and day, the half marathon and 10K will be at 7 a.m. Saturday, June 7. Why the changes?

More families have children who want to participate in the 5K but parents want to participate in the half marathon. Now, parents no longer have to choose — they can do both and earn the title of a “Hospital Hill Re-Runner.”

The two-day event will enhance the 5K experience, making it more family-friendly by allowing strollers in the 5K (strollers aren’t allowed into the 10K or half marathon). Parents and children can participate in the 5K course (3.1-miles) together and enjoy a family-friendly party in the Crown Center Square after crossing the finish line.

“We’re seeing younger children running, which is something we weren’t really seeing five years ago,” said Margaret Gibson, MD, sports medicine program director at the UMKC School of Medicine. “It’s a good thing. Children and parents motivate each other when they train for a 5K by running and walking together. It encourages the community to be healthy and active.”