Joplin Memorial Run takes final bow with nearly 2,500 runners

NOTE : At the 8.6 mile marker KOAM hosts and staffs a Hydration Station with Joplin Church of Christ at 26th and Connecticut Ave. I believe we have hosted one since the inception of the Joplin Memorial Run.

As 1/2 Marathon runners travel south on Connecticut they turn west onto 26th. There they are first greeted by KOAM staff with CARBS. A banana paste/gel pack if they like, then a few steps further gatorade and/or water. We also have some energetic music playing for runners as they will have 4.5 miles to the finish line.

JOPLIN, Mo. (KOAM) — This is the 13th and final year of the Joplin Memorial Run. The run has changed over the years some, it was a Marathon for a short time. Now a 10K/Half-Marathon as the top distances.

Another way it has changed is the lack of participation. Officials say that's one reason they are ending, also the costs to put on such a massive event.

All 13 years the premiere sponsor has been Freeman Health System .

KOAM RELATED >> The US BANK Walk of Silence at the final Joplin Memorial Run; more

Active Lifestyle Events Inc now operate the Joplin Memorial Run. President Audie Dennis shared thoughts on wrapping up the run this year with participants:

It is with bittersweet emotions we stage this final Joplin Memorial Run. We are now 13 years removed from May 22nd, 2011, when an EF-5 tornado tore through our city, taking the lives of 161 of our citizens. Near the start line [one can see] the 17-foot-tall permanent memorial [on the Cornell Center for the Arts and Entertainment grounds]. This memorial, funded by proceeds from this event, ensures our community will forever remember the 161 lives taken that day. The goal of this run had always been summarized by our tag line: Run, Remember, Rebuild. I would be remiss if I did not say thank you one last time.

After the run events family  who have made arrangements can pick up the banner of their family member that has been used these past years. Begin the process to request a banner by filling out this form .

SATURDAY, MAY 18

• 5:45 - 6:30 AM: Amcor Packet Pickup
• 6:30 AM: Freeman Half Marathon / Sparklight 10K
• 6:45 AM: Liberty 5K
• 10:30 AM: Course Closed for all races
• 11:00 AM: Sign Designs Kids Run - 1 Mile
• 11:30 AM: 161 Banner distributions to Family

The Joplin Memorial Run is a project of Active Lifestyle Events and Produced by Rufus Racing, LLC .

Here are details on traffic patterns for Saturday morning from Joplin Police .

Additionally the March for Jesus 2024 will be held Downtown Joplin just as the run events are finishing up.