If you just moved to Kansas City, you are probably still taking in all of the city’s natural beauty. Even in the winter, parks and the downtown skyline make for the perfect running route…and the residents of Kansas City love to run. Last year, more than 160,000 people participated in 72 organized races in the city. Your Kansas City moving company knows that races are a great way to get to know the people in your community, but some residents find that races can be disruptive.

The Kansas City Council has received a lot of complaints from residents about the excessive amount of races held in town and how they affect day-to-day activities. To accommodate race participants, roads are often closed, which can make it hard to get around town. So city council recently voted to substantially increase permit fees for race organizers.

The current permit fee is just $100, regardless of how many people are participating or the race’s distance. The new vote raises Kansas City race fees from $300 to $4,000. That’s a big increase! The city will consider the number of participants and the length of the race, because these two factors will have a direct correlation on how many roads will be forced to close. The vote will go into effect in January 2016. The Kansas City race fees are expected to generate up to $65,000.

If you are a runner who has recently moved to Kansas City, look into some of the community races. It is a great way to meet people who have the same passion as you, and you will learn your way around town much faster!