BETSY FARRIS RUN

April 17, 2027 - NEW SEASON - SAME RUNNING TRADITION
Flat Branch Park - 300 S Providence Rd
Columbia, MO 65203

Attention runners!

We're moving the event to April 17, 2027. This new date gives runners the chance to kick off spring with a run on some of Columbia's most beautiful trails. Starting and finishing at Flat Branch Park, you'll enjoy the same favorite 5K and 10K routes that wind through Columbia's neighborhoods and scenic trail system. Our Half Marathon gets a fresh route with a beautiful route along the MKT Trail and Perche Creek Trail, creating a faster and easier running experience.

Run Together. Celebrate Together. Make Memories That Last.

Some races are about the finish line. The Betsy Farris Run is about the people and friends who help along the journey to you get there.For years, this event has brought Mid-Missouri together to celebrate running, friendship, music, and community while honoring the incredible legacy of Betsy Farris and the Roots N Blues Festival. Betsy believed every runner belonged, whether it was someone’s very first 5K or half marathon. She encouraged thousands of runners to lace up, chase new goals, and discover just how far they could go.

Although the Roots N Blues Festival has taken its final bow, the tradition of the Betsy Farris Run continues stronger than ever. We're excited to take Betsy's spirit into a brand new chapter.

Whether you're chasing a personal best or simply enjoying miles with friends, there's a distance waiting for you!

READY FOR SOMETHING EPIC?

Gather your favorite running buddies, friends, family members, or that group that's always been talking about doing something fun together. Then turn one race into a shared running adventure!

The Mighty Missouri Relay is a 33-mile team journey from Columbia to Boonville that blends endurance, teamwork, laughter, and plenty of unforgettable moments. Inspired by the Pedaler's Jamboree Bicycle Music Festival, the Mighty Missouri Relay isn't just a relay...it's a full-fledged adventure!

Teams of 2 to 8 runners take turns covering 8 scenic relay legs ranging from approximately 2 to 7.4 miles while following the beautiful MKT and Katy Trails through McBaine, Rocheport, Franklin, and Boonville. Not interested in sharing the miles? Brave runners can take on the entire 33 miles solo. Along the way you'll find relay zones filled with music, food and teammates cheering you on. Then everyone reunites for the finish line party in Boonville.

Both the Betsy Farris Run and the Mighty Missouri Relay will take place on April 17 at the same starting location… Choose your distance and your event!

So gather your team and challenge your friends. Or simply show up and discover what you're capable of. The best memories aren't made by taking it easy…they're made one mile, one high-five, and one finish line at a time.

Click here to learn more about the Mighty Missouri Relay

Our race honors the legacy of Betsy Farris, Roots N Blues Festival director from 2009-2016. Betsy trained, inspired, and mentored many people on their journeys to get fit and stay healthy.

Come be a part of Mid-Missouri's premiere running event that celebrates music, healthy living, and the legacy of Betsy Farris! The event offers scenic, challenging, and entertaining courses for beginner to advanced runners. 
Choose your route: 5k, 10k or half marathon! 

RUN PERKS

Racers will receive the following:

  • Race Shirt

  • Finisher Socks (instead of medals this year)

  • Post race food & drinks

PACKET PICK-UP - TBA

Pick up your pre-run packet at the following dates and locations: TBA

RACE DAY PARKING OPTIONS

Downtown street and garage parking is free after 6 pm on Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday. More information about downtown parking can be found here.

MORE RESOURCES

Click here for up to date race info - Updates coming soon.

Click here for the past race results

Click here for past race photos

FAQ

Q: DO I NEED TO RETURN MY TIMING CHIP?



A: The timing chips in the race bibs are disposable, once you cross the finish line you do not need to return them.



Q: WHERE CAN I FIND MY TIMES?
A: After you cross the finish line you will get a text or email updates on results. There will also be results posted live on a link on the run website.

START TIMES

  • 7 am - Mighty Missouri Relay & Half Marathon Starts

  • 7:30 am - 5k & 10k Starts

  • 8 am - Post-Race Food, Beverages and Live Music

  • 12 pm - End of Betsy Farris Memorial Run

COURSE MAPS

  • 33.5 mile Route Map - Let’s share a running adventure on the MKT & Katy Trail! Columbia to Boonville! - The Mighty Missouri Relay Course

  • ½ Marathon Route Map - Out and back on the MKT with a little Perche Creek Trail section - The Betsy Farris 1/2 Marathon Course

  • 10k Route Map - MKT and the 3M Wetlands Trail with some Columbia neighborhood streets and side trails - The Betsy Farris 10k Course

  • 5k Route Map - MKT and through some stellar Columbia neighborhoods - Heads up… There is one bad ass hill! - The Betsy Farris 5k Course

Betsy Farris Run - EARLY BIRD RATE UNTIL JANUARY 1

Mighty Missouri Relay - 33 Miles - Every additional team member drops the cost of entry down per runner! 8 member teams cost less than $33 per runner! EARLY BIRD RATE UNTIL JANUARY 1

2025 Race Results:

Click here for the 2025 race times and results

2025 photos from Chris Kendrick & Notley Hawkins! - Click here for photos

For more information, contact Mike Denehy via email at offtrackevents@gmail.com

2024 Race Results:

Click here for the 2024 race times and results

2024 photos from Chris Kendrick & Notley Hawkins! - Click here for photos

For more information, contact Mike Denehy via email at offtrackevents@gmail.com

Thanks to our photographers Notley Hawkins and Chris Kendrick we were able to capture some really fantastic moments from the event! We have posted a gallery of these photos on-line. Feel free to download any photos that you like!