FlatRock
About the race
FlatRock is the first and oldest trail ultra in Kansas. Epic races such as the 2017 flood year have become the stuff of legend and lore.
This unique trail offers a view of Kansas you have never experienced before.
Aid stations
50K
- 7 aid stations: 5 fully stocked with water, electrolyte drink and snack-type foods, including soup and sandwiches; 2 water only
- Approximately 3.5 to 5 miles between aid stations
25K
- 3 aid stations: 2 fully stocked with water, electrolyte drink and snack-type foods, including soup and sandwiches; 1 water only (turn-around)
- Approximately 3.5 miles between aid stations
12K
- 1 fully stocked aid station
- Approximately 3.5 miles between aid stations
5K
- No aid stations
Triple Crown series
The FlatRock Triple Crown returns for runners looking for a real challenge on this legendary course.
Pre-race dinner
A pre-race dinner is held at the Friday evening packet pickup from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. The dinner is spaghetti, with a vegetarian and gluten-free option available.
Packet pickup and race headquarters
There are two opportunities for packet pickup.
- Friday, September 25th, 5:00-8:00pm, with the pre-race spaghetti dinner (vegetarian and gluten-free options available)
- Saturday, September 26th, from 5:30am until the race start. Earlier is better.
Race headquarters is at the Outlet Channel Group Shelter (Staging Area, north side of the Elk City Lake dam).
There are several ways to reach the Outlet Channel Shelterhouse, depending on your direction of travel. If you have never been to FlatRock, allow extra drive time, especially if you drive in the morning of the race.
Race photos
Complimentary race photos are provided by Mile 90 Photography.
Race schedule and cut-offs
50K
- Start: 7:00am
- Time limit: 12 hours
- Cut-offs at approximate distances: 5 hours at the turn-around, 12 hours at the finish line
25K
- Start: 7:00am
- Time limit: 12 hours
12K
- Start: 7:15am
- Time limit: 5 hours
5K
- Start: 7:15am
- Time limit: 2 hours
Drop bags
Drop bags are only allowed for the 50K and can be left at OakRidge and the Turn-around.
- Keep bags to about shoe box size.
- Leave bags in the designated areas at the Outlet Channel Group Shelter. They will be transported to the aid stations you marked.
- Mark bags clearly with your NAME, BIB NUMBER and DESIGNATED AID STATION.
- Make sure bags are secure and waterproof.
- Do not put anything valuable or fragile in your bags. They are transported for you but remain your responsibility.
- Bags are returned to the Outlet Channel Group Shelter as aid stations close. Pick them up before you leave. Any bags remaining will be donated or disposed of.
Crew access
Crew access is only allowed for the 50K, at OakRidge and the Turnaround.
The course
50K
25K
12K
5K
This technical, primarily single-track trail goes out and back along the Elk River Hiking Trail. It is an accurately measured forest trail winding through unique limestone bluffs, rock formations, and picturesque vistas.
Location
City insight: Independence
Independence is a city and the county seat of Montgomery County, Kansas, with a population of 8,548 at the 2020 census. It was named in commemoration of the Declaration of Independence, and Independence Community College is located there. Summers are hot and humid and winters can be cold and windy, so spring and autumn are the best seasons to race.
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