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Race profile

MedZou Ophthalmology Annual 5K

5K · Walk

Apr 18, 2026 · Columbia, Missouri, US

Listed Nov 11, 2024

Cause DrivenMissouri5KFunScenicEasygoing

The read

Run Vibes summary

AI-assisted

At a glance (AI-assisted text)

Join the MedZou Ophthalmology 5K, a family-friendly run/walk through scenic trails, supporting free healthcare for underserved patients in Columbia, MO. Expect games, food trucks, and good vibes!

The vibe (AI-assisted text)

This event is all about community and giving back, with the primary goal of raising funds for MedZou Community Health Clinic. It's designed to be incredibly welcoming, encouraging families, kids, and even pets to come out and enjoy the day. The atmosphere promises to be lighthearted and supportive, perfect for those who want to contribute to a great cause while enjoying some outdoor activity. You'll find a mix of casual runners, walkers, and community members simply looking to have a good time.

Best for (AI-assisted text)

This 5K is ideal for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities who want to support a vital community health clinic. It's perfect for families looking for a fun, active outing, or anyone who enjoys a scenic course with a relaxed, celebratory finish line experience.

Race day (AI-assisted text)

Race day kicks off with check-in around 9:30 am, giving you a chance to pick up your shirt if you missed the early pickup. The 10:00 am start time allows for a relaxed morning. After crossing the finish line, the fun continues with refreshments, games, and local food trucks, creating a festive post-race atmosphere. Expect a friendly crowd, with many participants enjoying the course at a comfortable pace, making it a truly inclusive experience.

Personality (AI-assisted text)

The MedZou Ophthalmology 5K has a warm, community-focused personality, emphasizing health, support, and enjoyment over intense competition. It feels like a joyful gathering where everyone is united by a common goal: helping others. The event's social texture is inclusive and friendly, making it easy to connect with fellow participants and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Weather snapshot (AI-assisted text)

Taking place in mid-April in Columbia, Missouri, you can generally expect mild and pleasant spring weather. Temperatures are often comfortable for running, though it's wise to be prepared for anything from cool mornings to potentially warmer, sunny conditions. A light jacket might be handy for pre-race, but the running weather should be quite enjoyable.

Terrain & course feel (AI-assisted text)

The course is described as scenic, starting at County House Trail and winding alongside Twin Lakes Fishing Lake and Hinkson Creek. It includes a loop around the 3M Flat Branch-Hinkson Creek Wetlands and a section of the MKT Trail. This suggests a varied terrain, likely a mix of paved and unpaved trails, with generally flat to gently rolling sections, given the lake and creek-side setting.

Signals we noticed (from listing text, AI-assisted)

  • support MedZou’s free clinic
  • raise funds for MedZou Community Health Clinic
  • Kids, pets, families are encouraged to attend!
  • There will be games, food trucks, and more!
  • scenic course
  • Twin Lakes Recreation Area
  • reserve an official race t-shirt
  • refreshments

This section is produced with AI from the listing we have on file—think of it as a quick orientation, not a rulebook. Organizers can update start times, courses, policies, and perks at any time, so when something really matters, please lean on their official race page for the latest. We don’t independently verify every detail against live organizer updates; we’re here to help you get a feel for the event and decide if you want to dig deeper.

Original listingFull description from sourceExpand the official listing text (unchanged)

The Annual Mizzou Ophthalmology 5K Run/Walk will be hosted by the University of Missouri’s Ophthalmology Department to support MedZou’s free clinic for underserved patients in Columbia, Missouri. The event is set to take place at Twin Lakes Recreation Area at the Twin Lakes Shelter on Sunday, April 18th, at 10:00 am. Participants are encouraged to arrive by 9:30 am for check-in. Following the race, participants are invited to stay for refreshments. Kids, pets, families are encouraged to attend! There will be games, food trucks, and more!

Event Purpose: To raise funds for MedZou Community Health Clinic, which provides essential care to underserved populations in the Columbia area. 

Registration Details:
Please register online by March 31st to reserve an official race t-shirt for the event. After this date, registration will still be available, but will not guarantee a race t-shirt. 

T-Shirt Pickup:
Friday, April 10th, from 2:00-5:00 pm at the PCCLC Health Science Library. 
Or on the day of the race, April 18th, from 9:30-9:45 am. 

Donations:
If you are unable to participate in the Run/Walk but would like to contribute, please click the "Donate" tab at the top of the website to make your contribution to Mizzou Ophthalmology’s MedZou fundraiser!

Course Information:
This scenic course will begin at County House Trail, along side Twin Lakes Fishing Lake and Hinkson Creek. At the ~1.5-mile marker, there will be a water station followed by a loop around the 3M Flat Branch-Hinkson Creek Wetlands. This will return to the water station with the final stretch across a section of MKT Trail and back around the lake. 

 

Thank you for your support in helping us bring care to those who need it most!

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