Flat Branch 50K | The Course
This is a rails-to-trails out-and-back course starting from the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Columbia, Missouri, at 800 West Blvd. The race is named after Flat Branch Creek, a vital water source for early settlers. More on the history of the area can be found here.
The tree in our logo represents the nearly 400-year-old Burr Oak that can be seen about 8.5 miles into the race. “It stands alone—no other tree is within 1,000 feet. As the largest burr oak tree in Missouri, it shares the title of national champion (largest) of the species, Quercus macrocarpa, with another in Kentucky.” (Source: NPS.gov)
Competitors will head southwest on the MKT (Missouri-Kansas-Texas) Trail for about 7.5 miles before intersecting the Katy Trail just west of McBaine. From there, they will head west on the Katy Trail. The turnaround is located just east of Rocheport, just past the I-70 bridge. The complete Strava route will be posted soon. The course will showcase the Missouri River, bluffs, and other spectacular natural and man-made features.
Cutoff: Competitors must reach the turnaround aid station by noon.
Packet Pickup
Packet pickup will be race day only, beginning at 7:00 AM at the start/finish line, located at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at 800 West Stadium Blvd, Columbia, Missouri 65203. There is an open-air parking lot right at the start/finish line. Please allow plenty of time to park, pick up your packet, and be ready for the 8:00 AM race start.
Aid Stations | Drop Bags
1. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Start/Finish Line Aid Station (mile 0 and mile 31)
2. Scott Aid Station (miles 3.25 and 25.5)
3. McBaine Aid Station (miles 7.5 and 21.5)
4. Turnaround Aid Station (mile 15.5)
Look for the drop bag sign at the start/finish line. Drop bags will be transported to the turnaround aid station and brought back to the start/finish line once all runners complete the turnaround.
Awards | Professional Photographs
Finisher awards and top 3 overall male/female awards
Professional photographs will be taken on the course and at the start/finish line. These will be posted and made available to you at no charge.
Post-Race
Water, electrolytes, and typical aid station food will be available at the finish line. All awards will be presented there.
You’re welcome to bring your camping chair and your own post-race food and refreshments, so you can relax, kick back, and cheer on your fellow competitors as they cross the finish line.
No Refunds
Ha Ha Racing Events does not issue refunds in the event of cancellation or postponement. Thank you.
Ha Ha Racing Events
Flat Branch Ultra is one of several events in the Ha Ha Racing Events portfolio. Check out our website for details on all our races: LOZ Traverse (32 miles of running, 3 miles of paddling), Trail of Four Winds 25K, and Wandering Bobcat 5 Miler. More details at HaHaRacingEvents.com.
Event's current local time: 6:23 PM CT
