The 34th annual Run Thru the Jungle features a 5K Run, 1.2 Mile Walk, and a Tot Trot event. This event will take place on Saturday, September 5, 2026 in downtown La Plata, MO as part of the beloved Soybean Festival in the city park. Runners are chip timed.

The 5000 meter race will begin at 9 a.m. and be run on 1.2 miles of relatively flat city streets and 1.9 miles on the golf course in La Plata, MO. The 1.9 miles on the golf course will consist of rolling hills and will take you over bridges and through wooded areas. This is a challenging course, but a beautiful one. The course will be marked with flags and a single chalk line.

The walk will be over city streets and will also begin at 9 a.m. The Tot Trot will be on the street on the west side of the city park and starts immediately following the runner/walker awards ceremony.
Packet Pickup will be from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. under the La Plata State Bank awning located at 139 S. Gex Street in La Plata.

$125 Gift Card to Hibbett Sports will be awarded to each the top female and male 5K runner. Medals will be awarded to top male and female finishers in the 5K run in each age group for male and female runners. The registration fee is $20 prior to August 15, 2023 and $25 after that date until 1 hour before the race start. Tot Trot participants are free for their special race following the 5k and 1.2 mile walk. Each registered participant will receive a race t-shirt with their entry fee, a fun atmosphere that includes a live band and refreshments after the race, and a chance at several door prizes.

Event results will be immediately announced following the Tot Trot. Door prizes will be drawn following the race in raffle style on the main stage at the park during the awards ceremony. Refreshments provided at the finish line. Water stations and volunteers available along the the run and walk route. Lodging available at the beautiful Depot Inn & Suites in La Plata, MO. Call 660-332-4669 or visit www.depotinn.com for reservation information.

Questions, call 660-341-0064 or e-mail runthrujungle@gmail.com. Always visit our race FB page for updates at https://www.facebook.com/runthruthejunglelaplatamo

We would like to sincerely thank our race sponsors: Long-standing sponsor Northeast Missouri State Bank. Sponsors will be updated as we receive them.

We also accept donations for the ongoing expenses of this event and a scholarship that is given to a LaPlata R-II graduating senior who has been involved in cross country, track and field and/or has run or volunteered with us. After registering for the event, feel welcome to use to the Donate button on this form to give any amount towards the organization of this effort.

In the event of inclement weather where it is not safe to start or complete the race, participants will not receive a race refund but will still receive their race t-shirt and a chance at the door prizes.