WestwardHo!5K

2024 event is canceled due to construction. Watch for us in 2025!

Construction Disrupts 5K Course for 2024

Construction on HWY 40 and our new church property entrance through the summer of 2024 will require us to re-build significant portions of the 5K course. This makes it impossible to run the event in 2024. We’ll be back in 2025!

Thanks for your support over the past four years.

You can still support Family Promise of Lawrence by signing up for their 5K Home Run (May 27, 2024)!

See you in the spring of 2025!

2023 Westward Ho! Event

The numbers are in!

Kurt Goeser, State Farm Insurance (our title sponsor), and Pastor Kay Scarbrough handed Dana Ortiz and Family Promise of Lawrence staff a check for $6,759, proceeds from the Westward Ho! 5K & Fun Run. Thanks to our sponsors, runners, and other donors we raised more funds in this our fourth annual event than in any other year! These dollars help Family Promise support families in a housing crisis in Lawrence.

We had our best year ever in terms of participation, weather, and just plain fun! The 5K course was in great condition and fast, leading to many age-group course records. Kids and families had a blast in the 1K fun run that doubled in size and the bounce house was a hit.

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:

Location: FUMC West Campus, 867 W Hwy 40, Lawrence, KS 66049

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!