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WestwardHo!5K

2023 Photo Gallery

Not your everyday 5K!

Take a break from the pavement! No Streets. No sidewalks. No traffic. Just pure running (or walking) on a smooth, soft surface!

The Cross-Country-Style 5K course takes in the historic Oregon-California Trail, the Wesley Nature Trail, and mowed pathways with scenic vistas from one of the highest points in Douglas County. Easily accessed from Hwy 40, just west of K-10 on the West side of Lawrence on the FUMC West Campus grounds.

What they say about the 5K:

Lot of fun and you guys did a great job! Very organized event. Will be back next year!  Pam S., Dwight KS

Such a fun course! My strava map looked like a plate of spaghetti!  Jackie W., Lawrence


This was a delightful race! The trail was great!  
Claire P., Topeka

1K FUN RUN, just right for kids!
And it is FREE!

Right after the 5K (about 9:45-ish), run on the 1K Wesley Nature Trail, an improved surface that is stroller friendly. An incredibly fun family outing.

Come out early for donuts, hot chocolate, and J&S coffee (all FREE).

Kids get to race against T-Rex in preliminary sprint races and run with the Free State HS kids!

Bounce House by Fun Services

FUN RUN & T-Rex Races

Beneficiary:

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 that 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.

When you Register, please consider an additional donation or opt for No T-Shirt when selecting shirt size at checkout!

After you’ve warmed up with the Westward Ho! 5K, run in Family Promise’s 5K Home Run on Memorial Day!

The Basics:

Schedule:

  • Westward Ho! 5K (live) – May 6, 2023, 8:30 am
  • Westward Ho! 1K Family/Youth Fun Run – Following the 5K, Appx. 9:45 am
  • Virtual Westward Ho! 5K – April 29 – May 6, anytime, any place

Registration Fees:

  • 5K, both Live and Virtual:  $30 plus processing fee through February 21
    $35 February 22 through April  30 /  $40 May 1 through May 6
  • 1K Fun Run: Free to all, but online registration is requested

SAVE BIG – Family/Group Discounts: For groups of 2, 3, 4, or more get $3, $4, or $5 off per person.
All must be in a single registration session.

What You Get for the 5K:

  • T-shirts, participation medals, and a swag bag full of goodies
  • Medals for the top three finishers by age group and gender 
  • Overall medals for the top three finishers by gender
  • Opportunity to give more to Family Promise by opting for No T-Shirt when selecting shirt size at checkout!

What You Get for the FREE 1K:

  • Swag bag full of goodies
  • Participation medals
  • T-shirts are available for purchase

Packet Pickup:

Early pickup is 3:00-7:00 pm, May 5, Ad Astra Running, 734 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Race Day packet pickup on-site, 7:00-8:30 am, May 6.

Additional Links:

Westward Ho! 5K course map

Enjoy a great family outing anytime on the Wesley Nature Trail, an improved surface 1K trail (download).

5K course includes a section of the historic Oregon-California Trail listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Be sure to thank our sponsors!

2023 SPONSORS

Wagon Train Master
Sponsor

Trail Blazer
Sponsor

1K Fun Run Sponsor

Supporters and Friends

Photo Gallery

2022 Westward Ho! 5k Recap