Prepare for an unforgettable challenge at the 24 Hour Lions Roar, where runners of all levels gather for a high-energy ultrarunning event with purpose. Taking place at Columbia, Missouri’s beautiful Gans Creek Recreation Area, this event features a mix of individual and team-based races that range from 6 hours to a full 24 hours. Whether you’re chasing 100 miles or teaming up to dominate the new 24 Hour Tag Team Championship, this is the kind of race that fuels the soul on a national renowned cross country course.
The main event unfolds on a 2.5-mile loop that blends the prestigious D1 NCAA Cross Country Championship Course with adjacent soccer fields, creating a smooth, runner-friendly route with just enough elevation to keep things interesting. Well-groomed and easy to navigate, the loop supports consistent pacing through day and night. For the younger crowd, the 1 Hour Cub Run offers a fun and safe 0.25-mile loop, encouraging the next generation of trail enthusiasts.
Starting time for 1 hour Cub Run - 4:30pm, April 16, 2027. Starting time for 24 hour and Tag Team - 6pm, April 16, 2027 Starting time for 12 hour - 6am, April 17, 2027 Starting time for 6 hour - 12pm, April 17, 2027 Ending time for all events - 6pm, April 17, 2027 Awards Ceremony will be at 6:30pm, April 17, 2027
Expect an atmosphere that blends competition with community. The 24 Hour Lions Roar is known for its positive, high-energy vibe, where solo runners and relay teams cheer each other on lap after lap. Friends and family can easily spectate and support from the course loop and start/finish area. Whether you're chasing mileage goals or just out to enjoy the journey, this event delivers an unforgettable runner experience from first stride to finish line.
Whether you're racing solo or with a team, there are plenty of ways to be recognized for your effort: Solo Awards: Top 2 male and female finishers in the 6, 12, and 24-hour solo events All-Time Mileage Awards: Top 10 Overall participating leaders in All-time miles Tag Team Champions: Each member of the winning 24 Hour Tag Team will receive a custom championship belt Mileage Milestone Swag: Custom belt buckle for completing 100 miles in 24 hours Commemorative t-shirt for all participants
To guarantee a t-shirt in your size the deadline to register is April 1st. Any registrations after that will be a first come, first serve with any left over sizes.
Apr 16, 2027
Distance — 1 Hours
Type — Running
16:30
$30.00
Apr 16, 2027
Distance — 24 Hours
Type — Running
18:00
$240.00
Apr 16, 2027
Distance — 24 Hours
Type — Running
18:00
$160.00
Apr 17, 2027
Distance — 12 Hours
Type — Running
06:00
$90.00
Apr 17, 2027
Distance — 6 Hours
Type — Running
12:00
$70.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Columbia.
Learn more about the host city, Columbia.
Columbia is a city in Boone County, Missouri, United States, and its county seat. It was founded in 1821 and had a population of 126,254 as recorded in the 2020 United States census, making it the fourth-most populous city in Missouri. Columbia is a Midwestern college town, home to the University of Missouri, a major research institution also known as MU or Mizzou. In addition to the university and surrounding Downtown Columbia are Stephens College and Columbia College, giving the city its educational focus and nearly 40,000 college students. It is the principal city of the Columbia metropolitan area, population 215,811, and the central city of the nine-county Columbia–Jefferson City–Moberly combined statistical area with 415,747 residents. The city is the fastest-growing municipality in Missouri, with a growth of almost 40% since 2000, and a population estimated at 130,900 in 2024. Columbia is among the most-educated cities in the United States with about half of citizens being college graduates and about a quarter holding advanced degrees.
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location_on Columbia, Missouri, US
calendar_today Sep 26, 2026
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