Westward Ho! 5K & Fun Run

A one-of-a-kind  Cross-Country Style Race

Get Outa Your Rut and Run!

Join us for a unique 5K and 1K Fun Run experience. No Streets. No sidewalks. No traffic. Just pure running (or walking) fun!  The 5K takes in the historic Oregon-California Trail (National Register), mowed pathways with scenic vistas from one of the highest points in Douglas County, and an improved surface nature trail. Don't worry, this is not a "trail run." Expect smooth, even surfaces, good enough for ages 8 to >80! The free 1K Fun Run on the Wesley Nature Trail is especially family, stroller and youth friendly. Westward Ho! is easily accessed from Hwy 40, just west of K-10 on the West side of Lawrence on the FUMC West Campus grounds. Can't make the race day?  Go with the Virtual option.  Cash in on a group discount for two or more in an single transaction..

See the 5K course in the 2022 promo video of 2021 race (click to view)

Family Promise of Lawrence

As Westward Ho’s primary beneficiary, Family Promise of Lawrence (FPL) empowers families in a housing crisis to achieve stabilization through community connections. This will be the fourth year where Westward Ho! has partnered with FPL by providing financial support, awareness and advocacy as FPL has expanded program offerings to include Prevention, Diversion from Shelter, Shelter and Stabilization for families in Douglas County. Your registration fee certainly makes a difference, but here are three other ways to help Family Promise: At registration check out, make a donation or opt for No T-Shirt when selecting shirt size; or enter in both the Westward Ho! and FPL’s 5K Home Run.

SAVE BIG with Family/Group discounts!

For groups of 2, 3, 4, or more get $3, $4, or $5 off per person. (All must register single transaction session).

Westward Ho! 5K & Fun Run (May 6, 8:30 am)

• Run/Walk the 5K on our cross-country-style course.
• Rolling start by pace
• Chip timing by Red Dirt Race Management
• Medals to top three by age/gender groups and top three overall
• SWAG: Westward Ho! 5K t-shirt, participation medal and gift certificates/coupons.
• Practice runs: Course will be marked and ready to run from April 29-May 5. Download the course map.

1K Family Fun Run (After the 5K on May 6 - Approximately 9:30 am)

• FREE to all! Enjoy a great family outing on the Wesley Nature Trail, an improved surface 1K trail (download) on FUMC West Campus.
• Online Registration is FREE and recommended, but day of registration is available on site.
• SWAG: commemorative Westward Ho! participation medals and ribbons while the supply lasts, and gift certificates/coupons.
• T-shirts can be purchased during registration for the Fun Run

Virtual Westward Ho! 5K & Fun Run (April 29 - May 6)

• Run/Walk a 5K, anywhere, anytime from April 29 to May 6, 2023.
• Submit your 5K times online through RunSignup RESULTS button.
• For more fun, run on the Westward Ho! 5K cross-country-style course on FUMC West Campus. Download the course map. 
• Sorry,  but no medals available to virtual 5K runners.
• SWAG: Westward Ho! 5K t-shirt, participation medal and gift certificates/coupons.

Guaranteed T-shirt size through April 15. We'll order extra t-shirts and fit you as best we can if you register after April 15, 2023.  Don't really need a T-Shirt? Opt for No T-Shirt at shirt size selection at checkout and more money will go to Family Promise.

Schedule:

Westward Ho! 5K & Fun Run - Saturday May 6, 2023

• 7:00-8:00 am           On-site registration, late packet pickup
• 8:30 am                   5K start, line up by pace
• 9:30 am (approx.) 1K Fun Run following the 5K

Packet Pickup:

Early packet pickup 3:00-7:00 pm, May 5,  Ad Astra Running, 734 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044. Includes packets for Virtual Race option. Race Day packet pickup is at the race, 7:00-8:00 am, May 6.

Watch for updates by email or posts on our web pages.