Welcome to the 2024 Gobbler Grind Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K—an enduring tradition in the heart of Johnson County, Kansas for nearly three decades.
This historic road race, held on the Sunday before Thanksgiving each year, is one of Kansas’ oldest marathons, drawing runners and fitness enthusiasts from all corners.
Already interested? Click that beautiful red button below and you’ll be on your turkey way.
Looking to learn more about GG? Check out one of our three distance options.
OUR STORY
Over the years, the Gobbler Grind Marathon has grown, offering various distances to suit every participant’s preferences and abilities. From the iconic Boston Qualifying Marathon to the scenic Half Marathon and spirited 5K, there’s a race for everyone, from seasoned runners to novices.
Now in it’s 31st year, the Gobbler Grind Marathon’s fascinating origin story dates back to 1994, when a group of passionate individuals, led by individual staff members at Garry Gribble’s Running Sports, envisioned a race connecting two of their stores. The scenic paved running trails between the Ward Parkway and Overland Park locations laid the perfect groundwork for this extraordinary event. Over the years, the course migrated to Corporate Woods and the Indian Creek Trail.
Aptly named the Gobbler Grind, this race stands out among fall events, paying homage to Thanksgiving while evoking the image of determined runners, akin to gobbling turkeys, surging forward. From its first year, the race gained popularity, showcasing the true spirit of the running community in Kansas City and beyond.
The legacy of the Gobbler Grind is in the capable hands of Runners Edge Racing, who acquired the rights in 2021. They have continued the tradition, producing a high-quality road running race that remains one of the top marathons in Kansas. With renewed energy and vision, Runners Edge Racing ensures the Gobbler Grind’s enduring legacy, uniting runners and the Kansas City running community for an unforgettable racing experience.
DATE AND TIME:
Sunday, November 24, 2024
All Races start at 8:00am
RACE LOCATION:
Overland Park, Kansas
Paved trails & roads in Corporate Woods, Founder’s Park across from Building 40, 9401 Indian Creek Parkway, Overland Park, KS 66210
PLEASE NOTE, DUE TO CONSTRUCTION ON HWY69 CONTINUING UNTIL EARLY 2025, WE HAVE MADE THE DIFFICULT DECISION TO POSTPONE THE MARATHON DISTANCE (ONLY!) UNTIL 2025.
DISTANCES FOR 2024 ARE THE HALF MARATHON, 10K, and 5K. THE MARATHON WILL RESUME IN 2025.
ADDITIONAL RACE DETAILS:
- Pre-race Packet Pick Up: Fleet Feet Overland Park (11908 W 119th St, Overland Park, KS 66213) from 11am to 4pm on November 23rd. For additional packet pick up details or request for day of pick up click here. Must contact us by November 21st at 9pm if you cannot pick up during at Pre-race Packet Pick Up time/date/location.
- Course Maps: You can find the course maps here.
- Results: You can find your 2024 Results here.
- Parking: There is plenty of it but the roads close down at 7:50am so please arrive by at least 7:30am! Parking is available in the adjacent parking lots at Corporate Woods.
- Stollers/Dogs/Bikes: For your safety we do not allow dogs, skateboards, inline skates, or bicycles. Walkers with strollers must start at the back of the start coral.
- Spectators: Gobbler Grind recommends these locations for great viewing of the event.
- Weather: The event will not be cancelled because of rain, snow or extreme temperature. If there is lightning, the event will be postponed for a minimum of 10 minutes until no signs of the storm are present. Participants should seek shelter in their vehicles or a nearby building if available. If lightning continues 30 minutes after the scheduled event start, the race will be subject to cancellation. The race will be canceled in the event of a tornado warning.
- Refund Policy: Click here to view our refund policy
- Hotel: Gobbler Grind is partnered with the Double Tree Hilton – Kansas City/Overland Park. Click here for a discounted rate. Rates are $159 per night.
- Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter) for all real time race updates!
- Post Race/Finish Line Festival: Stick around Corporate Woods and Founder’s Park for a great post race party from our partners! Runner’s Edge KC will have a pink tent to chat with pacers and members. There will be food and beverage options for purchase from Brew Haha Coffee House, and Wake and Bacon KC. Award Ceremony, Music, and other booths from our sponsors.
- Marathon: Due to construction on HWY69 in Kansas, the marathon will resume in 2025.