Haunted Jaunt 5K & 10K Trail Races

The inaugural Haunted Jaunt 5K & 10K Trail Races will take place on the Lawrence River Trails. This is a nighttime race that may feature a few spooky surprises along the route! Feel free to wear a costume but keep in mind the challenging nature of nighttime trail running when making costume choices.

Start Time: Sunset is scheduled for 6:29 PM. Races will begin at 6:30 PM. *Please note, depending on field size start times between the 5K and 10K may be staggered by up to 15 minutes. Race directors will make an announcement if start time adjustments are made closer to the race.

Light Source Required of all Runners: All runners must carry a light source such as a headlamp, waistlight, or handheld flashlight. It will be dark on the course.

Course Details

The Lawrence River Trails are relatively flat singletrack with a few short hills sprinkled in for fun. They are flowy and not too technical, with only a few roots or rocks, perfect for trail running experts and beginners alike. Races begin near the Levee gate, go down through the parking lot, and enter the River Trails on the south (right-hand) side. The 5K is one loop following the 5K Loop route. 10K Runners will complete two loops of the 5K Loop route. This is a non-certified course on trail; your watch will likely read a little more or less than 5K or 10K.

If the trails are unsafe for runners or vulnerable to damage due to muddy conditions, an alternative course will be provided by the Lawrence Trail Hawks Race Directors. The alternate course will most likely be on the packed-gravel Lawrence Levee Trail.

Aid Stations

Water, electrolytes, energy snacks, fruit, and other items will be available on the course. A small aid station will be available near the 5K Loop turnaround, about halfway through the race for 5K runners. 10K runners will pass the turnaround aid station during each of your loops and will also have access to an aid station at the trailhead at the start of your second loop. We encourage runners to bring your own reusable hydration bottles or cups, in keeping with the Trail Hawks motto "Kindness to Life and Land". We will provide a few cups by the water coolers at the aid stations if you are in need.

Awards and Swag

All finishers will receive a wooden finishers medal. Awards will be given for 1st place overall and 1st place masters in each gender for the 5K and 10K races. Participants registered by October 10 will receive a Haunted Jaunt t-shirt. Extra shirts may be available on raceday for anyone who registers after October 10 on a first come, first served basis but are not guaranteed. Participants will receive a custom race bib.

Cutoff Time

The Haunted Jaunt 5K and 10K races will have an end time of 9:30 PM. Runners and walkers are welcome to take advantage for up to 3 hours to complete either distance. To ensure you make the cutoff time, 10K runners/walkers must leave the trailhead aid station to begin their final loop of the course by 8:00 PM. Participants who choose to continue on the public trails past 9:30 pm do so at their own risk, without support from the race.

Discounts and Registration

Lawrence Trail Hawk Discount: Dues paying members of the Lawrence Trail Hawks are eligible for a $10 discount off either race. The discount will be automatically applied when using your Runsignup account associated to their Trail Hawks Membership.

Packet Pickup: Details will be announced soon.

Parking: Parking is limited near the start/finish. We recommend parking on the street while following all Lawrence parking rules and regulations and respecting our North Lawrence neighbors. You may consider parking in the public lot near the Kansas River bridge at the corner of N. 2nd Street and Locust St and take advantage of an approximately 1 mile warm-up and cool-down on the river levee.

Deferral and Transfer Policy

• Changing Distance: Runners may contact the Race Director and transfer to a lower or a higher distance on or before October 10. If moving to a higher distance, a pro-rata charge will apply. No credit or refund can be given for transfers to a lower-distance race.
• No Bib Transfers: The Haunted Jaunt does not allow refunds or for the runners to transfer entries to other participants.
• Deferral: Runners may defer their race entries to the following year by notifying the Race Director on or before October 10.
• Did Not Start (DNS): If you can’t attend, and haven’t deferred, please let the Race Director know at least seven days before the race.

Rules and Safety

Runner safety is a top priority. Respect all participants and volunteers. Be courteous when passing. Announce when you plan to pass someone, and go around them on the left when it is safe to do so. Single track trails are tight, so stay alert.

Age Requirements: Participants must be at least 12 years old. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Children 14-15 must have an adult present at the event. The River Trails are not suitable terrain for strollers.

Light Source: Mandatory for all runners.

Litter Policy: Follow the Trail Hawks motto "Kindness to Life and Land" and pick up any wrappers, tissues, bottles, or food waste.

Dogs: Not allowed due to trail conditions, nighttime race, and "haunt cast".

Music Devices: Strongly discouraged. No speakers. If wearing headphones, use low volume, one earbud, or bone conduction models.

Inclusivity: Discriminatory language and behavior will not be tolerated and may result in disqualification or being barred from future events.

Race Cancellation or Postponement

In the event the race should be postponed or canceled for reasons beyond the control of the Lawrence Trail Hawks (inclement weather, emergency), refunds will not be made. Race packets will be available at a location to be determined or possibly by mail.

Alternate Course

If local authorities or Lawrence River Trail stewards deem the trails unsafe due to muddy conditions, an alternative course will be provided, likely on the Lawrence Levee Trail.

Volunteers

Help is needed for packet pickup and race day. Opportunities include general assistance, or joining the "haunt cast". Donations and loans of Halloween decorations are also welcome.

Questions? Contact [email protected]