Runner receives medal after finishing Cliffhanger race Saturday, Oct. 26 | Photo by Julia Williams
Runner receives medal after finishing Cliffhanger race Saturday, Oct. 26 | Photo by Julia Williams

Julia Williams

Editor-in-Chief

Northeast and Kansas City metro running enthusiasts laced up their shoes bright and early Saturday morning, Oct. 26 for Kansas City Running Club’s 27th annual Cliffhanger run — and the race’s 39th year overall. 

With options of a 5k, 8k, Mile or 200 Meter race (for children 12 years old and under) this event takes participants on a trek along Northeast’s Cliff Drive — beginning and finishing at its East entrance. 

Two Cliffhanger run participants about to cross the finish line Saturday, Oct. 26 at Cliff Drive’s East entrance | Photo by Julia Williams

The first Cliffhanger run was held in 1985, beginning at Scarritt Renaissance’s Concourse Park and ending at the Kansas City Museum. However, in 1997, Kansas City Running Club — a nonprofit organization and member of Road Runner’s Club of America and USA Track and Field, according to its website — became a sponsor and host of Cliffhanger, with hopes of continuing to attract Northeast residents and their families to this yearly fall tradition. 

Runners awaiting the sign-in table to record their Cliffhanger run, race-time results | Photo by Julia Williams

While participating age groups ranged from 1 to 14 years old on the youngest end for both 5k and 8k races, the oldest age group included 80 plus for the 5k and 75 to 79 years old for the 8k race. 

Cliffhanger run participants gather after crossing the finish line Saturday, Oct. 26 at Cliff Drive’s East entrance | Photo by Julia Williams

Ryan Sorenson was the overall top finisher for the 5k race with a time of 17 minutes and 35 seconds; The top overall finishing time for the 8k race was 27 minutes and 40 seconds, which belonged to Clay Martin. 

Medals, which were awarded to each runner as they crossed the finish line for their attendance and participation in the Oct. 26 Cliffhanger run | Photo by Julia Williams

Kansas City Running Club hosts weekly, free group runs for members and non members in locations including Brookside’s Trolly Track Trail, Macken Park (1002 Clark Ferguson Dr) and Loose Park (5200 Wornall Rd), among others.

For those interested in joining Kansas City Running Club, or wanting additional information, visit: https://kcrunningclub.com/.