2026 Pi Day River Rotation

Experience the 2026 Pi Day River Rotation on March 14, 2026, in Lawrence, Kansas, as runners gather on the Lawrence River Trails to celebrate Pi Day with a unique blend of trail running and mathematical fun. The event offers a variety of distances, from the Pi Miler to the Pi Slam, all set on relatively flat singletrack trails that are accessible to both trail running experts and beginners. The weather in Lawrence on this date is expected to be mild, with temperatures ranging between 45°F and 60°F and mostly sunny conditions, making for ideal trail running conditions.

What distances are available for this event?

• →Pi Miler - 3.14 miles
• →River Rotation Half Marathon - ~13.1 miles
• →Pi Slam - 16.24 miles (combines the Pi Miler and River Rotation Half Marathon)

What are the start times for each race?

• →Pi Miler: 7:30 AM
• →River Rotation Half Marathon: 8:30 AM
• →Pi Slam: Starts with the Pi Miler at 7:30 AM, must return to starting line by 8:30 AM to join the Half Marathon portion

What is the course like for each race?

• →Pi Miler: One loop following the 5K Loop route
• →River Rotation Half Marathon: Three loops on the trails:

• Race Loop counterclockwise (just under 5 miles)

• Race Loop clockwise (just under 5 miles)

• 4 Corners Loop (just over 3 miles)

• →Pi Slam: Combines the Pi Miler and River Rotation Half Marathon

What is the terrain like for the event?

The terrain consists of relatively flat singletrack with a few short hills. The trails are flowy and not too technical, with minimal roots or rocks, making the course suitable for runners of all skill levels.

What is the start location for the event?

The start is at the Levee gate, which leads through the parking lot and into the River Trails on the south (right-hand) side.

What is the alternate course if the trails are unsafe?

If the Lawrence River Trails are unsafe or muddy, the race will move to the packed-gravel Lawrence Levee Trail.

What aid stations are provided during the event?

• →Smaller aid station: Near the 5K Loop turnaround (~halfway for Pi Milers; ~1.5 miles from trailhead for Half Marathoners)
• →Larger aid station: At the trailhead (Half Marathoners pass twice at ~5 mile intervals)

Aid stations provide water, electrolytes, energy snacks, and fruit.

What is the hydration policy for the event?

Participants are encouraged to use reusable bottles or cups, following the "Kindness to Life and Land" motto. Limited cups are available if needed.

What awards and finisher perks are included?

• →All finishers receive a finisher's fork to enjoy post-race pie at the finish line
• →Place awards: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place in each gender overall for Pi Miler and Half Marathon
• →Pi Slam participants receive a special swag item and are eligible for place awards in both component races

What are the cutoff times for the event?

• →Race End Time: 1:00 PM (all participants)
• →Half Marathon Cutoff: 4.5 hours total (~20:35/mile pace)
• →Final Loop Deadline: Must leave the aid station to begin the final loop by 11:45 AM

Participants starting loops after 11:45 AM continue on public trails at their own risk, without race support

How much does registration cost?

• →Pi Miler: $50.00 ($57.37 total)
• →River Rotation Half Marathon: $80.00 ($94.08 total)
• →Pi Slam (16.24 Miler): $95.00 ($112.51 total)
• →Pi Miler price remains $50 after March 14

Where can participants pick up their race packets?

• →Location: Fleet Feet Lawrence, 839 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS
• →Friday, March 13: 12:00 PM - 6:45 PM
• →Race Day: From 6:00 AM for out-of-town runners

What is the deferral and transfer policy for the event?

• →Distance changes: Allowed through February 28 via Race Director or UltraSignup edit; pro-rata charge for upgrades, no credit for downgrades
• →No bib transfers: Entries cannot be sold, transferred, or given to another participant
• →Deferral to next year: Available by notifying Race Director on or before February 28
• →DNS Notification: If unable to attend and not deferring, notify Race Director at least 7 days prior to be removed from starters list

What are the rules and safety guidelines for the event?

• →Trail etiquette: Announce passes, go around on the left when safe; stay alert on narrow singletrack
• →Youth participants: Under 12 must be accompanied by an adult throughout the race; under 16 requires an adult present at the event
• →Strollers: Not permitted (terrain unsuitable)
• →Dogs: Leashed, well-behaved dogs allowed; owners line up at the back, must pick up waste
• →Audio: Personal music devices discouraged; no speakers; if using headphones, keep volume low, use one earbud, or bone conduction
• →Leave No Trace: Follow "Kindness to Life and Land" – pack out all waste
• →Inclusivity policy: Discriminatory language or behavior will result in disqualification and potential ban from future events

What discounts and volunteer opportunities are available?

• →Lawrence Trail Hawks Discount: Dues-paying members eligible; contact RD Kate Becker for code or membership info Visit Website ↗
• →Volunteer Sign-up: Available via UltraSignup or contact RD Kate Becker

What is the race cancellation policy?

No refunds if the race is postponed or canceled due to weather, emergency, or conditions beyond the organizers' control. Race packets may be available for later pickup or mail (not guaranteed). An alternate course (Lawrence Levee Trail) may be implemented if the River Trails are unsafe.