OVERVIEW
FlatRock 101 is BACK!!!
The history behind these races is immense with FlatRock being 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 is a must run trail series. Come see this unique aspect of Kansas like you have never experienced it before!
FLATROCK TRIPLE CROWN SERIES
The FlatRock Triple Crown will once again be held for those runners looking for some real punishment on this legendary course! For those willing and able to finish all three races (WinterRock 25K, FlatRock101K, and the FlatRock 50K) you will receive a special unique award at the end of your 176K journey that will definitely be worth all of the punishment.
WinterRock 25K - January 4th, 2025
FlatRock 101K - April 19th, 2025
FlatRock 50K - September 27th, 2025
COURSE DESCRIPTION
A double out & back on the gorgeous Elk River Hiking Trail, just outside of Independence, KS. Accurately measured forest trail winding through unique limestone bluffs, rock formations & picturesque vistas. Mostly single-track, very rocky, no long hills.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
There will be a pre-race dinner at the Friday evening packet pickup from 5:00pm-8:00pm. The dinner will be spaghetti, and there will be vegetarian and gluten free options.
The first 11 signups, no matter the distance, will receive a complimentary FlatRock tumbler.
START TIMES & CUTOFFS
101K - Start time 6:00am - 24 hour time limit; Cutoffs at approximate distances; 5 hours at 25K, 11 hours at 50K, 17 hours at 75K and 24 hours at 101K
50K - Start time 6:00am - 24 hour time limit(the 50K and 25K cutoffs will be extended for the spring race to coincide with the final cutoff of the 101K time)
25K - Start time 6:30am - 23.5 hour time limit(the 50K and 25K cutoffs will be extended for the spring race to coincide with the final cutoff of the 101K time)
12K - Start time 6:30am - 5 hour time limit
5K - Start time 7:00am - 2 hour time limit
These cutoffs will allow some runners to experience the full course without extending volunteer times.
AID STATIONS
101K - 19 Aid Stations; 11 fully-stocked with water, electrolyte drink, & snack-type foods, including soup and sandwiches; 8 water only aid stations
50K - 9 Aid Stations; 5 fully-stocked with water, electrolyte drink, & snack-type foods, including soup and sandwiches; 4 water only aid stations
25K - 3 Aid Stations; 2 fully-stocked with water, electrolyte drink, & snack-type foods, including soup and sandwiches; 1 water only aid station(turn-around)
12K - 1 fully stocked aid station
5K - no aid stations
Approximate distance between aid stations is 3.5 miles with no distance greater than 4 miles between aid stations
PACKET PICKUP
There will be 2 opportunities for packet pickup.
Friday, April 18th from 5:00-8:00pm; with a pre-race dinner of spaghetti, which will have vegetarian and gluten free options available.
Saturday, April 19th from 4:30am and lasts until the race start, obviously earlier is better.
Race headquarters will be located at the Outlet Channel Group Shelter (Staging Area, north side of the Elk City Lake dam).
There are several different ways to get to the Outlet Channel Shelterhouse depending upon which direction you are coming from. If you have never been to FlatRock before we highly recommend allowing a little extra drive time, especially if you plan on driving in the morning of the race. Map to the staging area can be found by clicking the Directions link above.
PHOTOS
Complimentary race photos by Mile 90 Photography
DROPDOWNS/DNFs/DQs
DNF: Runners starting a race, but not finishing the intended distance or not finishing within the listed Cutoffs, will be listed as a DNF at the bottom of the results for their registered distance.
DQ: Runners must complete the course in its intended order, as marked by race officials. Any deviation from or cutting of the course may result in a timing penalty or even disqualification. Additionally, runners who are found to be excessively rude to race personnel, volunteers, or others may also be considered for disqualification. We believe in fostering a respectful and supportive race environment, and these rules are in place to uphold that.
DROPDOWNS: Runners may switch distances before the start of their race and will be eligible as a finisher in that event. Dropdowns will be accepted up to the day prior to race start. In this instance, there will be no refund for difference of price between the distance. Runners may not be “dropped down” to a shorter distance once they have started a race and will not appear as finishers of the shorter distance.
CANCELLATIONS: Cancellation will only be in the event of extreme circumstances (global pandemics, inclement weather; local, state, or national emergency) and is at the race directors discretion. If for any reason the event has to be shut down due to extreme weather, natural disaster, etc… you will be pulled from the course or held at an aid station until you can be removed from the course. Please, no arguing if this should happen. It is for your own safety. If the race has to be cancelled, no refunds will be issued. Under no circumstance will refunds be issued.
DEFERRAL/TRANSFER CREDIT(to a different race)
If you can no longer run the event you registered for, we offer the below-sliding scale prior to the originally schedule race date for receiving credit to a different FlatRock event. We do not offer refunds, deferrals, or transfers - only future race credit. The credit will only be useable by the original registered participant and only for FlatRock events. Unless otherwise stated, credits will be valid for two years from the original event date. Credit will be the amount paid minus taxes and fees. Transfers are a one-time opportunity. You cannot re-transfer a previously transferred race. Once credits have been issued, they are gone. This includes any credits used from volunteering, race credits, previous credits, or credits transferred. The submission date will be used to calculate the credit amount.
90-days out (or more): 100% credit
30-89 days out: 75% credit
Less than 30 days: No credit
DISCOUNTS/BENEFITS
Volunteer Benefits
Along with a T-shirt and the normal fun of volunteering, we would like to do more. It takes a community to put on quality races, but volunteers also need to be appreciated. The program will be as follows: Shifts are in 4-8 hour increments and you must sign up. If you volunteer for one shift at any of our races you will get 25% off registration for any of our future races. Distance is not a factor. So 4 shifts will be a free race.
Military Discount
If you are currently active duty Military or a Veteran, we'd like to give our thanks by extending a 10% discount for your entry fee. Please reach out via email to FlatRock50K@gmail.com for the coupon code.
AWARDS
We work hard on our swag because we know you work hard for our swag!!!
TRAIL WORKDAYS
Please visit our Facebook event page for information on trail workdays.
MISCELLANEOUS
Medical Risks
Each runner is responsible or their own actions. It is crucial that you are physically and mentally prepared for the stresses of the race. We will utilize the local EMS services in case of a medical emergency. It is important for the runner to recognize the potential physical and mental stresses that may evolve from participation in this race. Each participant must continuously monitor his/herself and understand their limitations. Remember that you are responsible for your own well-being during this race.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are trekking poles allowed?
Yes.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, all dogs must be on a leash.
Race Rules For Runners
1 Absolutely no littering!
2. You may not stash supplies along the course.
3. Any runner dropping out shall immediately notify the nearest aid station or race management at the start/finish area.
4. Runners accepting a ride for any reason are deemed out of the race and may not re-enter.
5. All runners will abide by the directions of race management.
6. Violations of any rule will be grounds for disqualification. Race Management reserves the right to bar any runner from competing in this and any future FlatRock events.
7. In the case of a tie, runners will be placed alphabetically.
8. All animals must be leashed at all times.
9. Decisions of Race Management are final.
Please email any additional questions/concerns to FlatRock50K@gmail.com.
LODGING
Campsites (with & without electricity) & showers are available near starting line (Army Corps of Engineers/620-336-2741). Motels in Independence are approximately 7 miles away (Independence Chamber of Commerce 620-331-1890).
COURSES
FlatRock 5K course coming soon
Event's current local time: 10:19 PM CT
