Description
An out and back course on backcountry gravel roads with less than one mile of paved surface. Much of the course meanders through open range with stunning views of the vast expanse of the Flint Hills tallgrass prairie.
This is a great course for a first timer to take on the 25K, 50K or 50 mile, with a challenging but not technical course, and generous 15 hour cutoff (all distances) to complete this race.
***NEW FOR THIS YEAR*** The Heavy 25K - This 25K (16.8 miles) is an out and back starting with the other distances and having a turnaround at Battle Creek aid station.
No matter which distance you choose, this is an excellent course for an experienced ultrarunner to PR on.
Aid Stations
50 MILE- There will be 5 manned aid stations, along with several unmanned stations with water only. Crews will have access at 3 points on the course, and all 3 of the manned aid stations can be used as drop bag locations (which gives you access 5 times to your drop bags)
50K - There will be 3 manned aid stations, along with unmanned water only stations. You will have access to drop bags 3 times at the manned aid stations. Crews will have access to you at the turnaround aid station as well.
The Heavy 25K - There will be 1 manned aid station(halfway point/turnaround), along with unmanned water only stations. You will have access to your drop bag at the halfway point/turnaround aid station, as there is no crew access at this aid station.
Even if you are feeling good and don't need anything, you need to find the volunteer with the clipboard, and make sure your bib number is recorded before running on. IT IS THE RUNNER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE YOU GET CHECKED IN AND YOUR BIB NUMBER WRITTEN DOWN. IF YOU JUST RUN ON BY SHOUTING OUT YOUR NUMBER DON'T ASSUME YOU WERE HEARD. IF YOU GET MISSED IT'S YOUR FAULT, NOT THE VOLUNTEERS, IF YOU GET DISQUALIFIED.
Additional Information
SHIRTS/AWARDS: All finishers will be receive a tri blend shirt (these tend to run small, so consider ordering a size up) and a finisher's award.
FREE RACE DAY PICTURES: Photos will be available for free download by runners shortly after the event.
WEATHER: Average lows are in the 50's and average highs are in the 60's and 70's this time of year, but this is Kansas in the spring, so be prepared for anything!
CUTOFF: 6am start time. 15 hour cutoff for all distances. 50 Mile runners must reach the 25 mile turnaround in 7 hours. There will be intermediate cutoffs on the return 25 mile leg TBA.
PACKET PICKUP/CHECK IN: Packet pickup will be available RACE DAY ONLY at the Cassoday Community Center from 4:30-5:30 am on Saturday 4/27, with a race briefing at 5:45 and 6am sharp start time.
DROP BAGS: Drop bag service is available at all the manned aid stations. All drop bags must be clearly marked with runners name, and bib # and dropped at the start/finish staging area by 5:30 am on race day.
CREW ACCESS: Crew access is available at Lapland and Teterville Aid Stations. There is *NO* crew access at Battle Creek aid station.
Cassoday is located off Interstate 35 and is 34 miles south of Emporia and 22 miles north of El Dorado. The two nearest commercial airports are in Wichita (55 miles southwest) and Kansas City (146 miles northeast).
***NO DEFFERALS AFTER APRIL 13th***
***NO PACERS ALLOWED***
***NO DOGS ALLOWED*** Sorry but dogs are not allowed on the Heartland course. Parts of the course are open range with Cattle grazing loose, with the uncertainty of reactions between cattle and dogs we have to be cautious and prohibit dogs on the course. Your crew can have your dog at aid stations, (leashed), but not out on the course.
Schedule Of Events
SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024
Cassoday Community Building
Packet Pick-up/Check-In 4:30 – 5:30am
Old High School, south edge of Cassoday
50 Mile & 50K & 25K Start - 6:00 am
Directions To Meet Runners
CREW VEHICLES are NOT ALLOWED ON ANY PORTION OF THE HEARTLAND 50 COURSE DURING THE RACE. Except as noted here in these directions. All of the recommended crew roads consist of paved or good gravel roads.
START/FINISH TO LAPLAND – Proceed north through Cassoday on 177. Make a right turn on Sunbarger and proceed east on the last blacktop road on the north edge of Cassoday for approximately 12.75 miles. Make a right turn on G50 Rd (at the transformer) and proceed south for 3.3 miles to the Lapland Aid Station.
LAPLAND TO TETERVILLE ROAD – Turnaround and proceed north 3.3 miles back to the Teterville Road intersection. Make a right turn and proceed east 5 miles to the aid station.
Lodging
Limited camping space is available at the Cassoday City Park. Facilities are limited to drinking water and outdoor toilets. They are free of charge for the runners. Additional camping facilities are available at El Dorado State Park, which is approximately 20 miles south of Cassoday for a small fee. A KOA campground is also located in Emporia. The following are a list of some lodging options:
Cassoday Lodging
Cassoday Motel and RV Hookup
302 E Main
Cassoday, KS
Ph:620 735-4317
Very limited number of rooms
Campgrounds
El Dorado State Park
618 NE Bluestem Rd
El Dorado Kansas 67042
Ph:(316) 321-7180
KOA Campground
W Highway 50
Emporia, KS
Ph:(316) 342-2236
Motels
Emporia (34 miles north on I-35)
El Dorado (22 miles south on I-35)
Motels – Wichita (40 miles south on I-35)
Event's current local time: 7:40 PM CT