Hit The Road, Jack! 2026 — Carthage, MO

Date
November 21, 2026
Location
Carthage, MO
Venue
2113 West Old 66 Blvd
Start Time
8:00 AM
Sunrise
7:01 AM
Entry Fee
$25.00 – $60.00
Events
5K, 10K, 25K, 50K
Includes
T-Shirt
Register NowRegistration Open

Hit The Road, Jack! takes place at 2113 West Old 66 Blvd in Carthage, Missouri on November 21, 2026. The event offers three running distances: 5K, 10K, and 50K ultra. The race begins at 8:00 AM and entry fees range from $25 to $60 depending on the distance selected. If you can't make it to Carthage in person, a virtual participation option is available, allowing you to complete your chosen distance on your own schedule and location. This gives traveling athletes flexibility in how they engage with the event while preparing for their race weekend in Missouri.

From the Race Organizer
!!!Certified long-distance races are here!!! Hit the Road, Jack! Saturday November 21, 2026 Ruby Jack Trail Head – Carthage, MO Net Proceeds towards JRR charities and JTC embellishment of Ruby Jack Trail and expansion 50K is RRCA MO State Championship with cash prizes!!! All distances are out-and-back and entirely on the flat, fast and shady Ruby Jack Trail; All distances are USATF-Certified; electronic chip-timing 5K turns around at the 2.5K marker; 10K turns around at the 5K marker; 25 and 50K turn around at the 12.5K marker (50K runners run the 25K course twice and receive a certified time for 25 and 50K) Half-way cut-off time for 50K is 3hrs (missing the cut-off makes you a 25K runner) 5K, 10K, 25K and 50K prizes: trophy to top male/female; 10-year age group awards, age-graded award, finisher’s awards and USATF certified time. Age groups for 5K: -12, 13-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70+ Age groups for 10K, 25K and 50K: -19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70+ Age-Graded Performance ranking is based on a US Masters handicap system, creating a level-playing field for all participants, regardless of gender, age or race distance. For details, please check usatfmasters.org/age-grading All participants will receive a USATF-certified time for any distance or split they complete 50K RRCA Championship medals and cash prices for M/F Open Class ($100), 40yr+ ($50), 50yr+ ($50) and 60yr+ age groups ($50) Any MO age record set in the 5, 10, 25, or 50K receives a special MO-record award, an online MO-record certificate and a MO age record listing on MO staterunningrecords.com and on KCRunning.org . Award ceremony for 5K will be around 10:00am; award ceremony for the 10K around 11am. Other than the top awards, the 25K and 50K runners receive their awards upon arrival. Age-graded awards will be announced after final runners in that race have finished and their ranking has been calculated. Gift certificates, BBQ vendor, Coffee and snack vendors, music and free race photos! Bring Your Own Chair!

Course & Travel Notes

Hit The Road, Jack! takes place in Carthage, Missouri on November 21, 2026, with an 8:00 AM start time, giving you just under an hour between sunrise at 7:02 AM and the race beginning at the venue's 971-foot elevation. Joplin Regional Airport (JLN) is the nearest airport option, located 8.4 miles from the race site. Plan for typical late-November conditions in the area, with highs around 59°F and lows near 37°F, so bring layers and be prepared for possible rain.

⛰️ 971 ft elevation☀️ Typically 59°F / 37°F✈️ Joplin Regional Airport (JLN) — 8.4 mi

Hotels Near This Race

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Hit The Road, Jack! 2026 — Carthage, MO

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Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for November 21.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to Carthage, MO. A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing. Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it, and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run 5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no additional coverage needed.

  • Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
  • Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
  • Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support
Get a Quote — Faye Travel Insurance

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Coverage terms vary by state and plan. Review policy details before purchase.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is Hit The Road, Jack! 2026 — Carthage, MO?

Hit The Road, Jack! 2026 — Carthage, MO takes place on November 21, 2026. The race is held in Carthage, Missouri.

Where is Hit The Road, Jack! 2026 — Carthage, MO held?

Hit The Road, Jack! 2026 — Carthage, MO is held at 2113 West Old 66 Blvd in Carthage, Missouri.

Where can I find hotels near Hit The Road, Jack! 2026 — Carthage, MO?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Carthage. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.