Groundhog Run 2025

By signing up for this event, the Participant, on behalf of themselves and any minor participant, requests and consents to participate in the Groundhog Run. No Participant, including any minor participant, is authorized to participate in the event unless they agree to the conditions of this Release and Waiver. 

The Participant acknowledges and understands that the Participant will be engaging in a sporting activity that involves the risk of serious injury, including, but not limited to, property damage, severe social and economic losses, permanent disability, and even death. These injuries or damages might result from the Participant's own actions or inactions, the fault or negligence of others, including that of Ability KC, KC Running Company, Hunt Midwest Enterprises, Inc., Hunt Midwest Real Estate Development, Inc., or any sponsors or volunteers, and any of their subsidiaries, associated companies, agents, or employees. Further, participation may involve risks not known or foreseeable at this time to Participant, Ability KC, KC Running Company, Hunt Midwest Enterprises, Inc., Hunt Midwest Real Estate Development, Inc., any event sponsors, and/or event volunteers. Participant acknowledges and understands that the Participant voluntarily assumes all these risks when participating in the event. 

Further, the Participant, intending to be legal bound, on behalf of themselves and any minor participant, their heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, voluntarily releases, waives, discharges, and covenants not to sue any of the following: (1) KC Running Company, (2) Hunt Midwest Enterprises, Inc., (3) Hunt Midwest Real Estate Development, Inc., (4) Ability KC, (5) any sponsor of the event, (6) any race official or volunteer, and/or any of their subsidiaries, associated companies, agents, insurers, independent contractors, or employees, and their successors and assigns (the "Released Parties"). This release extends to any and all claims for injury or property damage, up to and including death, due in any way to any negligence or fault of a Released Party, in any way connected or related to Participant's participation in or attendance at the Event. This Release and Waiver will be construed to the broadest extent permitted by law. Participant acknowledges and understands that, if injured, Participant will be solely responsible for any medical costs.

No refunds, deferred registrations or runner substitutions will be allowed. For the safety of participants and volunteers, strollers of any kind, roller blades, and dogs are prohibited on the course or in the Hunt Midwest SubTropolis. Participants, volunteers, and spectators are prohibited from possessing any weapons, alcoholic beverages or controlled substances while on the premises. Race officials and Hunt Midwest SubTropolis Security Staff reserve the right to remove anyone from the event for breaking the terms of this Release and Waiver, the Code of Conduct, or the instructions of any race official or security staff.

Your cancelled check or credit card statement dated between April 1, 20231 – January 28, 2024, will serve as your proof of registration, in the event that your registration cannot be found within the RunSignUp system. If a Participant requests to change their registration from the 5K to 10K, a difference of $5 will be due at the time of the registration change. Changes from the 10K to 5K will not be refunded. All participants must be 8 years of age or older on the day of the event. Finally, by accepting this Release and Waiver you authorize the use of photographs or video taken during the event in promotional materials by Groundhog Run, Ability KC, or their sponsors.

All attendees, runners, sponsors and volunteers of Ability KC’s Groundhog Run are required to agree with the following code of conduct. Groundhog Run organizers and Ability KC staff will enforce this code before, after and throughout the event for all matters regarding Ability KC’s Groundhog Run. We expect cooperation from all participants to help ensure a safe environment for everybody. Ability KC’s Groundhog Run is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for attendees, runners, sponsors and volunteers regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. Attendees, runners, sponsors or volunteers violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from Groundhog Run without a refund at the discretion of the race organizers.

Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome attention. Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

If a participant engages in harassing behavior, Groundhog Run organizers or Ability KC staff may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from Groundhog Run without a refund.

 Q. What is the Kids Run

A. This untimed fun run will have family and friends cheering on kids ages 0-8, in distances ranging from 50 yards to 200 yards (based on age group).

The Kids Run will start at 9:15am or after the 5K Race. We will group kids by age groups beginning with the youngest and ending with the oldest. Parents & guardians are allowed to run with their children, but please be mindful of everyone! Kids Run participants will receive a medal at the Kids Run finish line. 

Kids’ bibs will be available at Packet Pick-Up on Friday & Saturday as well as the event day on Sunday morning.

Q. Are strollers allowed on the course?
A.  Yes, strollers are allowed in the course. 

Q. Where should I park on race day?
A. 

General Registration

Parking will be available at Ameristar Casino across the street from the Hunt Midwest SubTropolis. Shuttle buses will be available at Ameristar to take runners across the highway to the SupTropolis. We advise arriving 60 - 45 minutes prior to your start time to ensure you have time to park, check your gear, warm up and pick up your packet (if you did not pick up your packet at the Friday or Saturday pick up times).

VIP Parking

If you are registered with a Sponsored Team or have upgraded your registration to the VIP Experience please have the VIP parking pass received with your packet clearly displayed. You must have a VIP parking pass to access the VIP lot. Parking attendants will direct you to the VIP parking lot directly across from the Hunt Midwest SubTropolis entrance. 

ADA Parking

If you require ADA parking please contact us at events@abilitykc.org. Please ask for your ADA parking tag during packet pick up.  The tag will need to be displayed in your dash board  visible to the parking attendant and police officers that directs traffic. The designated area for ADA parking is along Underground Drive, just outside the 8300 entrance. See below photo. 

Volunteer Parking

Parking will be available at Ameristar Casino across the street from the Hunt Midwest SubTropolis. Shuttle buses will be available at Ameristar to take volunteers across the highway to the SupTropolis and back from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm. 

Q. Where does the course go? 
A. The course is 100% underground in the Hunt Midwest SubTropolis business park.  A detailed race map will be posted prior to the race and will be available for viewing at packet pickup. 

Q. Can I pick up my packet on race day? 
A. Yes! While pick-up prior to race day is preferred, race day packet pickup will be available at the Hunt Midwest SubTropolis beginning at 7:00 a.m.

Q. How old do you have to be to participate in Groundhog Run?
A.  All participants must be at least 8 years old on race day to register for Groundhog Run. 

Q.  Can I switch from the 5K to the 10K or vise - versa?
A. Yes!  Please contact us with any changes to your registration as soon as possible to ensure all information is correct on Race Day. Changes from the 5K to the 10K will require a $5 charge due at the time of the change. Changes can be made up until the day before the race. 

Q. Can I walk the 5K or 10K? 
A.  We welcome participants of all paces! As Groundhog Run is an underground business park our 5K and 10K start back-to-back and not simultaneously.  Because of this we ask that all 5K participants finish by 9:50 AM and all 10K participants finish by 11:50 AM. 

Q. What if there is bad weather? 
A. The race will take place rain, snow or shine, as the weather doesn't affect the course. The course will stay in the mid 60s no matter what the temperature is outside. Please use your best judgement and be cautious if driving conditions are poor. 

Q. Can I bring my dog and /or wear rollerblades? 
A.  Due to the nature of the course and insurance stipulations we do not allow dogs or rollerblades on the course. 

Q. I registered but cannot participate; can I transfer my registration to next year or give it to a friend? 
A. Registrations cannot be deferred or transferred (please see waiver) however you can contact us to make your registration a tax-deductible donation to support the children with disabilities participating in services at Ability KC.   

Q. I registered by cannot participate; can I still pick-up my packet? 
A. Yes! You may still pick up your packet if you are unable to participate. In addition, shirts can be mailed if postage is paid.  For more information, please contact us at events@abilitykc.org.