2026 KU Vets Day 5K
2026 KU Vets Day 5K is a running race on November 15, 2026 in Lawrence, KS, with an entry fee of $30.
- Date
- November 15, 2026 (106 days to go)
- Price
- $30
- Sport
- Running
From the Organizer
Join us on Sunday, November 15, for the annual KU Vets Day 5K, a community event honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans while celebrating the important role military-affiliated students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members play at the University of Kansas and beyond.
This year's race holds special significance as we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the University of Kansas Vietnam War Memorial, dedicated in 1986 as the first on-campus Vietnam memorial in the United States. The memorial stands as a lasting tribute to Jayhawks who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War and reflects KU's longstanding commitment to honoring veterans and preserving their legacy for future generations.
The race will begin and end at the Jayhawk Welcome Center, bringing together runners, walkers, veterans, military families, students, alumni, and community supporters for a morning of remembrance and camaraderie.
Proceeds from the event support veteran-focused programs and initiatives that strengthen the military-affiliated community at KU.
The KU Vets Day 5K is proudly presented by the KU Veterans Alumni Network and the KU Alumni Association and supports veteran programs provided by KU Veterans Alumni Network and KU Student Veterans of America.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
54°
Typical Low
34°
Chance of Rain
19%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Lawrence.
Host City
About Lawrence, KS
Population
95,459
as of 2023
City Elevation
938 ft
Nearest Airport
MCI
Kansas City International Airport · 37 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at 2026 KU Vets Day 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
106
Days to train
- Race
- 2026 KU Vets Day 5K
- Date
- November 15, 2026
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From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
More Running races near Lawrence, KS
Rexy Run/Walk
5K · 10K · From $40 · Broken Arrow Park
2 miles away
Maranatha Christian's: It’s a great day to run! 5k
5K · From $29 · 32001 W 127th St
16 miles away
Tiblow Trot 5 Mile/5K/2K
5K · 8K / 5 Mile · From $31 · 3rd and Oak Street
21 miles away
De Soto Days 5K-9 and Family Fun Run
8850 Sunflower Road
13 miles away
Plan your trip
Make it a Racecation
Coming from out of town? There's more to Lawrence than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to LawrenceFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the 2026 KU Vets Day 5K?+
When and where is the 2026 KU Vets Day 5K?+
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2026 KU Vets Day 5K
Nov 15, 2026