KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Five thousand runners took advantage of Saturday’s nice weather to participate in the 15th annual Burns & McDonnell Rock the Parkway half-marathon and 5K. In partnership with KC Running Company, the race started and finished along Kansas City’s scenic Ward Parkway and benefits Children’s Mercy Kansas City, which provides healthcare, programs and resources to improve the lives of children and their families.

“We were thrilled to bring Rock the Parkway back for another year in support of Children’s Mercy Kansas City because we all benefit when children and families are strong and healthy and feel supported by the KC community,” said Julee Koncak, community relations director at Burns & McDonnell.

In 2023, Rock the Parkway raised $47,000 in donations to help bring hope and healing to children like Beau Burkett who was diagnosed with hydrocephalus — a brain condition — and other health-related issues as an infant. Now at age 2, doctors say Beau has made tremendous strides in his development.

“My family has benefited firsthand from the care that Children’s Mercy provides,” said Jonathan Burkett, who participated in the half-marathon and was greeted by his family at the finish line. “We will forever be grateful for the support as we’ve navigated the ups and downs of Beau’s treatment.”

One in three children in the Kansas City region visit Children’s Mercy each year and the nonprofit healthcare system relies on philanthropic giving and community support to fund its services. This is the seventh year Burns & McDonnell and KC Running Company have designated Children’s Mercy as the race beneficiary.

“Every step taken and every dollar raised makes a huge difference in the lives of families across the Kansas City region and beyond,” said Jenea Oliver, chief development officer at Children’s Mercy. “Rock the Parkway is more than just a race; it’s a powerful way for our community to come together to support families in need.”

Post-race festivities included live entertainment, as well as food and drinks from some of Kansas City’s favorite restaurant vendors. Runners looking to register for next year’s event will be able to sign up at rocktheparkway.com in the fall.

About Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of more than 14,500 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists, and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned. Learn how we are designed to build.

About Children’s Mercy Kansas City

Founded in 1897, Children’s Mercy is a leading independent children’s health organization dedicated to holistic care, translational research, educating caregivers and breakthrough innovation to create a world of well-being for all children. With not-for-profit hospitals in Missouri and Kansas, and numerous specialty clinics in both states, Children’s Mercy provides the highest level of care for children from birth through the age of 21. U.S. News & World Report has repeatedly ranked Children’s Mercy as one of “America’s Best Children’s Hospitals.” Thanks to generous philanthropic and volunteer support, Children’s Mercy provides hope, comfort and the prospect of brighter tomorrows to every child who passes through its doors. Visit Children’s Mercy to learn more, and follow on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube for the latest news and videos.

About KC Running Company

KC Running Company is the Midwest’s largest race management company, working with charitable organizations on more than 100 running events each year and producing more than a dozen company-owned running events in the Kansas City area. Rock the Parkway is its largest event and the largest half-marathon in the area.