KANSAS CITY, MO — More than 6,000 runners hit the pavement to participate in the 17th annual Burns & McDonnell Rock the Parkway half-marathon and 5K. In partnership with KC Running Company, the race started and finished along Kansas City, Missouri’s scenic Ward Parkway and benefits Children’s Mercy Kansas City, which provides health care, programs, and resources to improve the lives of children and their families.
“It’s inspiring to see the Kansas City community come together each year in support of Children’s Mercy,” said Julee Koncak, Vice President, Community Relations at Burns & McDonnell. “Every runner, volunteer, and supporter helps strengthen the care Children’s Mercy provides to keep families strong and healthy.”
In 2025, participants raised nearly $38,000 to help bring hope and healing to children like Olivia Robinson, who has received care at Children’s Mercy since being diagnosed with a brain tumor at age three. After surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, she is now nearing two years in remission and recently overcame a rare inflammatory condition.
“From playtime to personalized support, Children’s Mercy made a difficult place feel safe, even joyful,” said Brianna Robinson, Olivia’s mother. “Because of that care, and the generosity of donors who make it possible, Olivia continues to defy the odds.”
One in three children in the Kansas City region visit Children’s Mercy each year, and the nonprofit health care system relies on philanthropic giving and community support to fund its services. This is the ninth year Burns & McDonnell and KC Running Company have designated Children’s Mercy as the race beneficiary.
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“The support we feel at Rock the Parkway empowers our teams to deliver exceptional, family‑centered care and to pursue new breakthroughs that improve the lives of children across our region,” said Molly Biscari, Philanthropic Community Engagement Manager at Children’s Mercy.
Post-race festivities included live entertainment, as well as food and drinks from Kansas City restaurant vendors, including Fiorella’s Jack Stack, Nick the Greek, and Chicken Salad Chick.
