Starting Location
The race starts at the Kimberly Drive Trailhead.Map to location
* Notice - FYI Detour. Starting Sept.5 the bridge on hwy 237 between Hwy 24 and the bike trail will be closed until spring of "25". Coming from the west take K-4 to Meridian then east. From the east you will have to go north on either Hwy 92, or Ferguson road (at Perry) to hwy 92 around the lake through Ozwakie, then Westlake road back south to the trails.
* There is a five dollar state park fee department near the start/finish area. Per State Park we have plenty of envelopes for the Park fee.
* Park tightly on the grass or along the adjacent dirt road along the golf course. Only Volunteers can park in the trailhead parking lot.
* All distances start at 8 AM.
* Check in and pack a pick up or one hour prior to your event. Always wear your bib number on the front of your body.
Information
Swag
T-shirt and logo mug for all registered participants that register prior to October 2nd.
All finishers receive distance-specific hardware. Also: Distance-specific finisher caps for 40 mile finishers.
Timing
Manual Timing will be used, so wear your bib number visibly on the FRONT of your body.
Finisher place awards for male & female 1st through 3rd place in each distance.
There will also be 3 awards for silliest costume, at your prerogative.
Entry Fees
2024 Entry Fees
40-Miler: $80
Marathon: $50
1/2-marathon: $40
1/4-marathon (6.5-miles): $30
/>Packet Pickup
Packet Pickup is on the day of the race at the race location, starting at 7:30 AM.
Check-in and packet pickup 1/2 hour prior to your event.?Wear your bib number visibly on the Front of your body.
Aid Stations
The only staffed aid station (at the start/finish area) will be stocked with sports-drink and water, and Coke and Ginger Ale. There WILL BE FOOD ITEMS also at the start/finish aid station.
The remote (unstaffed) aid station at MILE 3 will only have water, so please plan accordingly.
It’s advisable that you carry a hydration device.
Drop Bags
One drop bag is allowed for all distances (except 1/4-Marathon), if needed. At the morning check-in you will be given the opportunity to leave your drop bag at an area near the start/finish area. Write your name, and bib number onto your drop bag. You will pass this area multiple times during your run.
40-Milers (and slow-paced marathoners) must have a flashlight and/or headlamp included in your drop bag.
Any bags left at the race will be discarded, or the items contained within will be given to charity.
Pacers
(Human) Pacers are allowed solely as a safety consideration for runners in the 40-mile distance race in this event, and ONLY for the LAST 2 loops of the 40-mile for the runner that they are pacing. Only one pacer is allowed per runner. No "muling" is allowed. Pacers need to sign a waiver on the day of the race and receive a PACER bib.
Canine pacers are allowed for distances up to 1/2 marathon. There is a form for you to fill out with the rules for your well-behaved and “fit to run” dog on-leash.
Cut-Off Times
Cut-off Times are in the interest of your safety and will be strictly enforced.
Last 40-mile loop needs to be started by 6:30 PM. All 40-milers MUST carry a working headlamp or flashlight after 4:30 PM to not be pulled out of the race.
2024 Free State Trail run photos
Course
The course is run completely on 100% single-track trails in a hardwood forest, with not much elevation gain or loss. This trail is very rocky and technical! There are occasional views of Lake Perry, during the race.
Start Location:
Delaware TrailHead of Perry MTB Trails
237 Highway & Kimberly Drive
Ozawkie, KS
Hydration device or water bottle is absolutely required on this course, since there will be no cups at the remote water-aid stations. The furthest distance between water aid will be 3+Miles.
Full aid and porta-potties at the start/finish area, only.
The course is a 6.75 Mile Loop (for severe weather safety reasons). In the event of severe weather, we want to be able to get runners off the course as quickly as possible.
Also, this eliminates the tallest hills of the trail system.
1/4-Marathon: 1 Loop (6.75-miles)
Half Marathon: 2 Loops
Full Marathon: 4 Loops
40-Mile: 6 Loops
For all runners, there will be a drop bag area near the Start / Finish area that you can access on each pass-by.
Course Marking: There will be directional (reflective) arrow signs and (usually) wrong-way signs at every trail intersection.
Elevation change per 6.75-mile loop: 752-ft ascent, 752-ft descent
Event's current local time: 6:16 AM CT