Join us to put children first. The scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs, and leaders of tomorrow are getting their start today. But not all children begin the race on equal footing. We can change this. Jumpstart helps to close the gap that children living in poverty face when entering school. We serve preschool children living with limited resources - those who need a "jumpstart" the most - teaching them the vital language and literacy and social-emotional skills they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.

Registration begins at 9:30. The race begins at 10:00. Everyone must register when they arrive. At registration there is an opportunity to enter raffles for a few prizes valued at $200 or more! Bring cash to buy raffle tickets.

Register by April 9th to receive a free t-shirt (ages 13+)! Participants ages 13+ also receive cool swag and entry to win a wide variety of prizes!

This is a traditional 5K event for anyone who would like to run/walk the race route.

This is also a family event including fun activities such as face painting, balloon animals, and an interactive 'wonder walk' as an alternative to walking the 5K.

All children 5 and under participate for free but will not receive a t-shirt. Simply fill out a waiver form for them the morning of the event. If you would like for your child to have a t-shirt then a registration fee must be paid for them.

Participants can also register at the event--cash or check only.

Event starts at Flat Branch Park and continues onto the MKT Trail, Old Southwest Neighborhood, University of Missouri Campus, ending at Flat Branch Park; Columbia, Missouri

* In the event the race is cancelled due to inclement weather, participant registration fee is non-refundable.

For event-related questions, please click on the Contact the Organizers button on the left-hand side of this page.