KANSAS CITY, Missouri — More than 5,000 athletes laced up their running shoes to participate in the 13th annual Burns & McDonnell Rock the Parkway Half Marathon and 5K. Athletes raced along scenic Ward Parkway to support Children’s Mercy Kansas City, designated by Burns & McDonnell and KC Running Company as the race’s beneficiary for the fifth consecutive year.

“People across our city and country owe a great deal of gratitude to Children’s Mercy,” says Julee Koncak, director of the Burns & McDonnell Foundation. “The medical team and staff provide the highest level of care to every child who comes through their doors, and many of the runners in today’s race chose to participate to show how thankful we are to have Children’s Mercy in our backyard.”

Children’s Mercy provides care for children from every county in Missouri and Kansas as well as more than 46 states and 17 countries, with almost 500,000 patient visits each year. The hospital relies on philanthropic giving and community support to fund its services.

“We believe love will create a healthier world for kids, and we’re blown away by the love we feel from people in the community who support our mission, like the runners and fundraisers at Rock the Parkway,” says Jenea Oliver, Ph.D., senior vice president and chief development officer at Children’s Mercy. “Our world-class, child-first approach and family-centered care comes to life in everything we do. We’re thankful for a city that invests in us as we relentlessly pursue new and innovative ways to improve the well-being of children and families.”

Hosted by Burns & McDonnell since 2010, Rock the Parkway has been consistently voted by runners as a best racecourse in Kansas City. In addition to being lined by some of the area’s most beautiful and historic homes, the course features fairly level terrain and a long downhill finish that make it one of the fastest half-marathons in the Midwest. At the end of the course, vendors greeted runners with prepackaged food from some of the area’s favorite restaurants.

To promote race safety, police were stationed throughout the race to monitor traffic. Drivers were allowed to cross the route during the race, but were asked to yield to runners on the course. Volunteers also helped coordinate parking and directions to the start/finish line.

“Events like today really shine a light on the strength of the Kansas City community,” says Troy Fitzgerald, owner of KC Running Company. “From the volunteers and on-site medical providers to the athletes rallying around Children’s Mercy to our host, Burns & McDonnell, the people in this city show up when it comes to creating a healthier, vibrant future for everyone.”

Since 2010, more than 78,000 runners have participated in Rock the Parkway. In addition to funds raised through individual racers on behalf of Rock the Parkway beneficiaries, Burns & McDonnell has donated more than $165,000 to Rock the Parkway beneficiaries in Kansas City, including Children’s Mercy, Girls on the Run and Science City at Union Station.

To learn more about Burns & McDonnell Rock the Parkway and how to participate in future races, visit www.rocktheparkway.com.

About Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 10,000 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 more than 60 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned. Learn how we are designed to build.

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.

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 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 children who passes through its doors. Visit Children’s Mercy to learn more, and follow on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest news and videos.