Meet The Race Director

Lisa Drake, recognized for her success in the Kansas City Zoo Run’s growth, returned as the Hospital Hill Run Race Director in 2019. Lisa brings a wealth of experience to the position as she was the Hospital Hill Run race director from 2002 to 2006.

In her time with Hospital Hill Run, Lisa was vital in making the event such a community-driven and charitable success. Her favorite part of the run is the grand finish and seeing participants enjoy the downhill finish into Crown Center so they can say they Conquered the Hill!

It was very important to Lisa to bid on winning the National Half Marathon Championships, and Lisa’s efforts won the bid to secure 3 Men’s USATF Half Marathon National Championships and one Women’s USATF Half Marathon National Championship, starting in 2002.

In 2019, Lisa’s goal was to really focus on the tradition of the Hospital Hill Run. She introduced all-new Hospital Hill Run logos and branding to commemorate both the history and the iconic racecourse.

The new logo is both modern and classic, featuring the skyline of downtown Kansas City and integrating Kansas City landmarks that are along the racecourse and the foundation of the Hospital Hill Run’s roots.

During the 2020 pandemic year, Lisa successfully transitioned from an in-person event to an all Virtual Hospital Hill Run experience. Thousands of runners joined virtually, stayed connected online with other online participants, and successfully completed their virtual distance.

Following the mission of the Hospital Hill Run of promoting health and wellness, Lisa is very excited to partner with a strong pillar in Kansas City in Children’s Mercy, as the Official Charity Partner of the Hospital Hill Run. Portions of proceeds will be going to the “I Love Children’s Mercy Fund.” Since the Hospital Hill Run started has partnered with Children’s Mercy Hospital, our wonderful participants, donors and fundraisers have raised nearly $50,000 for Children’s Mercy Hospital. 

Lisa looks to build new partnerships at both the local and national levels to aid the Hospital Hill Run’s growth and impact on its community to help build community around health and fitness. 

To meet the Hospital Hill Run leadership team, click here.