They say Kansas City has more fountains than Rome—and now I’ve raced through them all!
From art to jazz, history to heart. Kansas City’s largest race takes you on a journey like no other—through neighborhoods that beat with energy and landmarks that inspire awe.
Grief is a strange companion to bring to a race.
Some runs are about speed, others about endurance, but this one was about heart. Aunt Suzi’s battle with cancer was a marathon of its own—grueling, relentless, and met with her signature stubbornness.
We buried her less than a week before the race. She wasn’t one for excuses or self-pity. In fact, she’d probably roll her eyes at me for even considering skipping the race. This wasn’t just my race; it was ours. She would’ve quipped, probably with a knowing smirk. , “Go do your thing. But be careful. And make sure you don’t overdo it.” So I ran, not to escape the grief, but to carry her with me.
The First Act: Moon Shadows to Sunlit Streets (Miles 1-4)
In the heart of the City of Fountains, under the fading moonlight, the morning seemed to whisper promises of resilience. It had been over five months since I last ran a single mile, but I had made it here, ready for State #37. As the starting gun echoed, I inhaled deeply, closing my eyes for a split second. “For Aunt Suzi,” I thought.
The first few miles came and went in a blur of speed and determination. I didn’t even bother checking the split—whatever it was, it was fast. The weather was on my side—perfect temperatures between 46 and 57 degrees—and the hilly terrain only made me more resolute.
What I love most about races is the point-to-point course design. There’s something invigorating about constantly moving forward, never retracing your steps. Every mile offers new visuals, and each one feels like a fresh chapter in the race story.
I hit Mile 4, feeling strong, when suddenly, something caught my attention. A tiny dog, not much bigger than our shih tzu Truvy, was sprinting right along with the crowd! It was one of those moments that made me pause and appreciate the fun side of race day—where even the littlest runners can make a big impact.
Splashing Through the City of Fountains (Miles 5-8)
Kansas City, affectionately known as the “City of Fountains,” boasts over 200 fountains, making it one of the world’s most fountain-rich cities. Each fountain seemed to tell its own story, some grand and others more subtle, but all of them provided a soothing backdrop to the race. This was a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected places can offer the most profound experiences.
Heavenly Shoulders, Stronger Strides (Miles 9-13)
Mile 9—my typical mini wall. I’ve learned to deal with it by stopping for a few moments to capture the race around me: fun signs, panoramic views, and the energy of the crowd.
But something shifted during the last 4 miles of this race. It was as if my Aunt Suzi’s presence surrounded me, her hands gripping my shoulders, urging me forward. I wasn’t fatigued, I wasn’t sore; I was just running faster, almost effortlessly.
As the race went on, this one guy kept popping up at every turn, and I couldn’t help but laugh every time I saw him—it was like he was my personal race mascot! At least four times, I passed him, and each time, he was holding the same sign with a huge smile.
By the end, it felt like we were old friends, sharing an inside joke about how the hills were done.
The feeling of crossing the finish line was euphoric, and it only got better as I was handed a beautiful medal and a hot Jack Stack’s BBQ sandwich (totally hit the spot!). With a satisfied stomach and a heart full of accomplishment, I made my way to the nearest fountain.
I tossed in a lucky quarter and made a wish. That one was for you Aunt Suzi…
From City to City: Seizing Every Media Opportunity Along the Way
Being able to share my journey with Channel 41 KSHB was such a humbling experience. What may seem like a fleeting moment—a quick interview—can truly have a profound impact. In a world where human interest stories are everywhere, you never know how one simple tale can touch someone’s heart, motivate them, and encourage to them add their face, their story, their contribution to help to close the gap and move us one step closer to finding a cure.
The Best BBQ in the City? This Won’t End Well.
If you’re looking to spark a BBQ foodie debate in Kansas City, there’s one surefire way to do it—start with asking any local where the best spot is to grab BBQ. The vast majority of people I spoke to pointed me in the same direction: Arthur Bryant’s. This iconic barbecue joint has been serving up mouthwatering plates since 1946, and I couldn’t wait to try it. I’m glad I arrived when the doors opened at 11:00 a.m., because by 11:30, a line had already formed outside the door! The buzz around this spot is real, and I highly recommend you find out why for yourself.
A Legacy Remembered: Why the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a Must-Visit!
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum began with a dream—a dream to honor the incredible athletes who were denied a fair chance to play in the major leagues. What began in 1991 in a small, one-room office space became a monumental tribute to their legacy in 1997, thanks to the leadership of John “Buck” O’Neil. This institution continues to be a beacon of history, shedding light on a chapter of baseball that has long been overlooked but is now recognized and celebrated worldwide.
An impressive aspect of the museum is the Field of Legends. Separated from the visitor at the entrance by chicken wire, it is accessible only at the end of the tour. One can walk onto a field adorned by nearly life-sized bronze statues of twelve figures from Negro league history.
Behind Every Great Race, There’s an Incredible Race Director
We owe a big thank you to Dave Borchardt, the amazing Race Director, whose vision and tireless efforts make this event run smoothly. From organizing every detail to ensuring that runners have an exceptional experience, Dave’s commitment is unmatched.
