Joplin Memorial Run

The Joplin Memorial Run was created to honor the 161 people that lost thier lives as a result of the May 22, 2011 EF-5 tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri. The event started in 2003 and was known as the Boomtown Run until the name was changed in 2011. 

The race takes runners along a course with plenty of hills and long, steady ascents through the streets of Joplin, Mo. The race previously was part of this southwestern Missouri town’s annual Boomtown Days festival, which draws an estimated 40,000 attendees each year for live music concerts, fireworks, a car, truck and motorcycle show and more.

Since 2009 the event event includes a half-marathon along with our traditional 5k. Both courses are USATF-certified.