The 24 Hour Lions Roar

About the Event

The 24 Hour Lions Roar 2026 is a high-energy endurance event taking place from April 17 to April 18, 2026, at the Gans Creek Recreation Area in Columbia, Missouri. The race is held on a premier 2.5-mile loop that incorporates a D1 NCAA Cross Country Championship course, offering a well-groomed surface suitable for both elite pacing and beginner ultra-running. The event emphasizes community and purpose, featuring a range of timed options from 6 hours to a full day of running, as well as a specialized youth event.

Race Event	Start Time	Unique Awards
24hr Solo / Tag Team	Fri, April 17 @ 6:00 PM	100-Mile Buckle / Championship Belts
12 Hour	Sat, April 18 @ 6:00 AM	Top 2 Male & Female Finishers
6 Hour	Sat, April 18 @ 12:00 PM	Top 2 Male & Female Finishers
1 Hour Cub Run	Fri, April 17 @ 4:30 PM	Youth-specific 0.25-mile loop

Columbia is a growing city in central Missouri with a population of approximately 128,500 residents. As the home of the University of Missouri, the city has a youthful demographic and a strong focus on education and healthcare. The racial composition of Columbia is approximately 73.5% White, 11.1% Black or African American, 6.5% Asian, and 4.1% Hispanic or Latino. The median annual household income for the city is roughly $57,500. Geographically, the Gans Creek area offers rolling hills and meadow views. The climate in mid-April is typically mild but variable; average temperatures range from a low of 8°C (46°F) to a high of 19°C (66°F). Over a 24-hour period, runners must prepare for significant shifts in humidity and light, as the course remains active through the night.

The 2026 event introduces the 24 Hour Tag Team Championship, where winning team members are awarded custom championship belts. Individual runners who surpass the 100-mile mark within the 24-hour window receive a commemorative belt buckle. Registration for all distances closed on April 10, 2026. Beyond individual accolades, the race tracks "All-Time Mileage" to honor athletes with the most cumulative miles in the event's history. With an awards ceremony scheduled for Saturday at 6:30 PM, the Lions Roar serves as a celebratory gathering for the Missouri trail community. For logistical inquiries or detailed course maps, participants can visit the official race website or the UltraSignup portal.

Races Offered

1 Hour Cub Run

Apr 17, 2026

straighten

Distance — 1 Hour

terrain

Type — Running

timer

16:30

sell

$30.00

24hrs

Apr 17, 2026

straighten

Distance — 24 Hours

terrain

Type — Running

timer

18:00

sell

$175.00

12hrs

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 12 Hours

terrain

Type — Running

timer

06:00

sell

$120.00

6hrs Saturday

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 6 Hours

terrain

Type — Running

timer

12:00

sell

$95.00

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Columbia.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 8.5° / 20.5°

wb_sunny 4.9° / 17.4°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 13.9 /

water_drop 62.4%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 8.5° / 20.5°

wb_sunny 4.9° / 17.4°

air 13.9 km/h

water_drop 62.4%

About Columbia

Learn more about the host city, Columbia.

Columbia is a bustling college town in Missouri, halfway between St. Louis and Kansas City. It is home of the University of Missouri as well as two other post-secondary institutions Stephens College and Columbia College.