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.
No matter which distance you choose, this is an excellent course for an experienced ultrarunner to PR on.
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.
******THIS IS THE 10TH RUNNING YEAR FOR THE 50 MILE. THIS MEANS THERE WILL BE SWAG FOR THE 50 MILE FINISHERS TO COMMEMORATE THE 10TH YEAR. WE ARE STILL WORKING OUT THE DETAILS FOR THE SWAG. UPDATES SOON SHOWING WHAT WE HAVE.******
HEARTLAND 50 MILE DOUBLE: Complete the spring 50-mile/50K and complete any other distance at Heartland in October, earn the doubler 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(1PM). There will be intermediate cutoffs on the return 25 mile leg TBA.
COURSE MARKINGS: The course will be marked on the road itself with metal washers tied with ribbon. As long as there is no rain there will be some turns that will have flour markings, again on the road itself.
PACKET PICKUP/CHECK IN: Packet pickup will be available RACE DAY ONLY at the Cassoday Community Center from 4:30-5:30am on Saturday, May 3rd, 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 5:30am 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 21st***
***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.
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.
Race Rules For Runners
Numbers must be worn on the front and outside of what you are wearing. It is the runner’s responsibility to make sure their number has been checked in at each aid station. Do not run by any aid station without checking in. Entries are non-transferable.
Absolutely no littering! This entire course is run on county roads and through private property and we do not want to jeopardize our ability to utilize this land.
RUNNERS are RESPONSIBLE for the actions of their CREWS.
You may not stash supplies along the course.
Any runner dropping out shall immediately notify the nearest aid station or race management at the start/finish area.
Runners should avoid dropping at Texaco Hill aid station. Texaco Hill aid station is remote and difficult to get to. Runners dropping here will have an extensive wait before a ride back can be available. If at all possible, runners are encouraged to continue to the next manned aid station.
Runners accepting a ride for any reason are deemed out of the race and may not re-enter.
Cutoff times are nonnegotiable. Runners must DEPART the aid station by the listed cutoff time
All runners will abide by the directions of race management.
Please run facing oncoming traffic.
Do not chase the cattle. At various sections of the course you may encounter livestock on the road.
They will be curious, may gather around you, or even run toward you from a distance. REMAIN CALM,
they are gentle animals. The safest way to proceed is to walk through the herd when you encounter them
as they will move out of your way. Running and shouting will cause the animals to scatter quickly and
there is always the possibility you will be in each other’s path.
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 KUS races.
In the case of a tie, runners will be placed alphabetically.
Decisions of Race Management are final.
Strava GPX Files (reference only)
Crew Support Information
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.
RUNNERS are RESPONSIBLE for the ACTIONS of their CREW and PACERS.
CREWS are NOT ALLOWED on ANY SECTION of the COURSE DURING THE RACE.
No Littering.
All pets/animals must be leashed at all times.
If your runner drops from the race, double check they have followed the proper procedures.
Due to the normal dry condition of the grass in the fall and the fire dangers, we request that there be “No Smoking” on the course.
Schedule Of Events
SATURDAY, MAY 3rd, 2024
Cassoday Community Building
133 S Washington St, Cassoday, KS 66842
Packet Pick-up/Check-In 4:30 – 5:30am
Old High School, south edge of Cassoday
50 Mile & 50K & 25K Start - 6:00 am
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: 6:34 AM CT
