Life Unlimited 5K & 1 Mile Walk

What does my race registration support?

For over 50 years, Life Unlimited has been a leader in providing services, education, and opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. Your race registration directly supports our mission to empower individuals with disabilities to live fulfilling lives with unlimited possibilities.

Life Unlimited is the largest provider of services for adults with disabilities in the Kansas City metro and Northwest Missouri, serving over 1,000 individuals across 12 counties. By participating in this event, you’re helping us continue to create a community where everyone can thrive.

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Gene McClain was a state‑champion runner from Salina, Kansas, and an All‑American
at the University of Kansas. After graduating, he began his teaching career in the North
Kansas City School District, first as an art teacher at Oakwood Manor Elementary in
1968. In 1970, he moved to North Kansas City High School, where he became known
for his imaginative large‑scale art projects and the genuine connection he built with his
students.
For 27 years, Gene coached cross country and track at North Kansas City High School,
earning a reputation as one of the rare coaches who could keep pace with his fastest athletes
during practice. A kid at heart, he believed in keeping life light, fun, and full of discovery. His
practices often turned into adventures—through the woods, into downtown Kansas City, along
off‑limits railroad tracks, and, on occasion and against his better judgment, across the Broadway
Bridge and other railroad bridges. For Gene, adventure wasn’t optional; it was essential.
That same spirit carried him far beyond Kansas City. He ran the Grand Canyon
rim‑to‑rim multiple times and summited high peaks throughout Colorado. He took great
pride in coaching numerous state champions and successful teams during his tenure at
NKC. Among colleagues, he was affectionately—and accurately—nicknamed “Mean
Gene, the Running Machine.”
Gene retired in 1997 but continued to live fully as both an artist and a runner. He
remained active, creative, and endlessly curious until his passing on May 31, 2025

March 13- 5:00-7:00 p.m.--- Location TBD
March 14- 6:00-7:45 a.m. (RACE DAY) 320 Armour Rd. North Kansas City, MO 64116 Directions Click here

If you plan to pick up your packet on race day please arrive early to avoid the long lines

Parking

THERE WILL BE VERY
LIMITED PARKING AT LIFE UNLIMITED, BUT WE HIGHLY
SUGGEST THAT YOU PARK IN OUR SHUTTLE LOT AND RIDE ONE OF THE BUSES! 
THE BUSES WILL BE RUNNING EVERY 10 MINUTES FROM 6:30-12:30

Shuttle Parking

Our shuttle lot will be located at 
3920 N. Oak Trafficway Kansas City, MO 64116. Shuttle lot is less than 2 miles from the Start/Finish Line.
LOOK FOR THE BLUE SHUTTLE FEATHER BANNER

ALL participants will receive a custom Life Unlimited race medal. 5K will be a large heavy 4 inch medal and the 1 Mile will be a large 3.5 inch medal. 

Top Overall Male & Female Winners will receive a custom plaque:
The 1st place Male and Female winner will receive a Free Night stay at the Elm's Hotel and a gift basket from Trader Joe's

Age Group award winners will receive a custom age group medal:
Male: 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+.
Female: 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+.

5K Map My Run route details CLICK HERE

1 Mile Map My Run route details CLICK HERE