The weather outside is still frightful but running in a cave is so delightful. Subtropolis at Hunt Midwest, where NextPage is located, has hosted the annual Groundhog Run since it began in 1982.

The event is a 5k-10k run on the weekend before Groundhog Day that benefits Ability KC, a charity for children and adults with special needs. The race is believed to be the only one in the country completely underground. Subtropolis is a climate-controlled cave with a consistent temperature in the 60’s, so the winter weather isn’t a problem. The run has raised over $4 million since its inception with more than 4,000 participants a year.

Ability KC formed in 1947 as a merger between the Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City and the Children’s Therapeutic Learning Center. It offers services to over 2700 individuals in medical rehabilitation, psychology, applied behavior analysis, and much more. Thousands of lives have been changed thanks to the generosity of the Kansas City community.

The 2018 Groundhog Run is scheduled for Sunday, January 28. The 5K run starts at 8:00 a.m. and the 10k follows at 10:00. Registration closes on January 24. You can also make a donation or sign up to volunteer. Hurry, there aren’t many spots left.

Just try not to see your shadow as you run. We hope spring will be here soon.