Hosted by Ozark Mountain Ridge Runners (OMRR), Run for the Ranch returns on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Missouri State University’s Lot #22. Started in 1999 to benefit the Good Samaritan Boys Ranch and other local nonprofits, this event marks its 25th anniversary, becoming a beloved year‑end tradition in the Ozarks.
Offering a wide range of distances—6‑Hour endurance run, marathon (with relay option), half marathon, 5K, and a 1‑mile fun run—Run for the Ranch caters to seasoned competitors, casual runners, and families alike. Marathoners can even chase a Boston‑qualifier on the certified course, while endurance runners aim for maximum mileage in six hours.
All events begin promptly at 10:00 AM CST (except the 1‑mile at 9:15 AM). The multi‑loop course passes through campus grounds with frequent aid stations, volunteers, and toilets—crucial support for late‑year weather conditions.
Post‑race, participants celebrate with free food, drinks, and camaraderie under the OMRR tent. Awards honor top finishers overall and in age divisions, and finishers across most distances receive commemorative shirts and medals. OMRR membership offers discounted entry, and slots are limited to the first 200 registrants for shirt guarantee.
What makes this event unique is its blend of community spirit, year‑end celebration, and challenge for all levels. Whether you’re closing out the year with a marathon or joining loved ones for the fun mile, the event fuses athletic achievement with meaningful giving.
