Flat Branch Ultra History
The race debuted in 2022 as a November event, starting from Flat Branch City Park in Columbia, Missouri. In 2024, the race was moved to February. In 2025, the start/finish line was relocated to MLK Memorial Park in Columbia, Missouri.
Title Sponsor: Fleet Feet Columbia and Fleet Feet Jefferson City
Fleet Feet Columbia and Fleet Feet Jefferson City are the title sponsors of all Ha Ha Racing Events: Flat Branch Ultra and Lake of the Ozarks Endurance Runs. Check out their stores:
Fleet Feet Columbia
10 W Nifong Blvd #113, Columbia, MO 65203
573-777-6955
https://www.fleetfeet.com/s/columbiamo/
Fleet Feet Jefferson City
2701 W Edgewood Dr Ste 104, Jefferson City, MO 65109
573-691-5582
https://www.fleetfeet.com/s/jeffersoncity/
If you can't visit their store in person, no problem—you can purchase online and have it delivered.
Flat Branch Ultra | The Course
Flat Branch Ultra (50K) – Start in Columbia, MO, home to the nearly 400-year-old Burr Oak. Race along the Missouri River and beneath towering bluffs while watching for soaring eagles. This rails-to-trails adventure kicks off at 8 AM on the third Saturday in February.
Start/Finish Line: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at 800 West Stadium Blvd, Columbia, Missouri 65203.
The race is named after Flat Branch Creek, a vital water source for early settlers. The tree in our logo represents the nearly 400-year-old Burr Oak that can be seen about 8.5 miles into the race. 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–past the I-70 bridge.
Route Map: https://www.strava.com/activities/12519245012
Cutoff
Competitors must reach the Turnaround Aid Station by noon.
Packet Pickup | USATF Waiver
Packet pickup will be race day only, beginning at 6:30 AM at the start/finish line, located at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at 800 West Stadium Blvd, Columbia, Missouri 65203. There is an open-air parking lot and portable restroom a short walk to 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.
All competitors are required to sign a USATF waiver at packet pickup.
Aid Stations | Drop Bags
1. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park Start/Finish Line Aid Station (mile 0 and mile 31)
2. Scott Blvd Aid Station (miles 3.25 and 25.5)
3. Burr Oak Aid Station (miles 8.5 and 20.5)
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. All runners must be checked in at the Turnaround Aid Station by noon.
Awards | Photographs
Finisher awards and top 3 overall male/female awards
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.
Awards must be accepted in person; they will not be mailed.
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: 12:46 AM CT
