25th Anniversary
I love this race and want to make the 25th edition, extra special. Special awards for the 25th Anniversary. Not just to be in it, but to be a part of it. Runner, volunteer, staff, supporter, spectator.
Description
An out and back course on backcountry gravel roads with less than one mile of paved surface for the 100-mile race. The 125-mile race starts Friday Oct 10, 2025 at 10:00 pm. Beginning on the original Heartland 100 course with a 30 mile loop out to Eureka, KS beginning at mile 15. The 100K is an out and back on a portion of the Heartland 100 course, to Texaco Hill aid station and back. TETER ROCK 100K! An out and back on the Heartland 100 course with a detour at Teterville rd aid station, (the 25 mile aid station.) Runners will run to Teter Rock and back. Then back to Cassoday. The 50-mile is an out and back on a portion of the Heartland 100 course to Teterville rd aid station and back. The Cassoday marathon is a point to point course with a 1.2 mile loop in Cassoday, then out to Teterville rd aid station. The Teter Rock 1/2 Marathon is an out and back course from Teterville rd aid station to Teter Rock and back. Much of the course meanders through open range with stunning views of the vast expanse of the Flint Hills tallgrass prairie. The 100-mile course has rolling hills and 6,000 feet of climb. 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).
25th Anniversary Awards
We were looking to do something special for our 25th Anniversary races, and decided on something a bit different than the traditional buckle for 2025. We have custom finisher rings designed for this year's finisher awards. There are four different rings. The 125 mile ring has red accent stones. The 100 mile ring has sapphire blue accent stones. The 100K & 50 mile, (ultra distance), ring has emerald green accent stones. The Marathon & 1/2 Marathon ring has light violet accent stones. See our race pictures above for pictures of the ring samples.
We will also have our usual, overall awards for first male and female finishers in each distance.
We are partnering with HELL CREEK RACES. Finish the PURE HELL 140 MILE September 26, 2025 AND HEARTLAND 125 MILE October 10, 2025 earn the SOFA KING AWESOME 265 MILE Buckle!
RACE PICTURES - Mile 90 photography will be on course and at the finish line providing the usual stunning race pictures we have come to expect!
Additional Information
AID:22 aid stations for the 100-mile. The 125 mile will have an additional roving/mobile aid station Friday night/Saturday morning. 14 aid stations for the 100K, 12 for the 50-mile, and 6 for the Marathon. Crew access is available at 9 locations for the 100-mile run, 13 for the 125 mile run, 4 for the 100K and 50-mile, 2 for the Marathon. 14 of the aid station can be used for drop bags in the 125 mile and 100 mile run, 7 for the 100K, 6 for the 50-mile and 2 for the Marathon.
FOR 2025 EARN THE - SOFA KING AWESOME 265 MILE CHALLENGE: Complete the PURE HELL 140 MILE AND HEARTLAND 125 MILE earn this awesome buckle. It's not just Awesome its SOFA KING AWESOME!
HEARTLAND CHALLENGE: Complete the Heartland 50 mile Or Heartland 50K May 3 2025. http://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=119417 AND complete Heartland 100 Spirit of the Prairie 100 mile ultra or 125 mile October 10 - 12 2025 Earn the Heartland Challenge buckle. 50K/100-mile buckle will be a bronze finish. 50-mile/100-mile buckle will be silver & gold finish.
HEARTLAND 50 MILE DOUBLE DOWN: Complete the spring 50-mile/50K and complete any other distance at Heartland in October, earn the Double Down award. Also complete Heartland fall races and complete Heartland Spring races CONSECUTIVELY, ie Spring/Fall or Fall/Spring and you will earn the Heartland Double Down award.
HEARTLAND 39.3: Complete the Cassoday Marathon and the Teter Rock 1/2 Marathon earn an extra 39.3 mile award.
2023 KANSAS GRAND SLAM OF ULTRA RUNNING: The third required leg of the Kansas Grand Slam of Ultrarunning, or Kansas Super Slam of Ultrarunning. Finish - 4 of; Prairie Spirit Trail 100, Honey Badger 100-required, Hawk Hundred-required, Heartland 100-required and/or Hell Creek 100 mile and/or Rails to Trails Fall Extravaganza 100, or Ultrapalooza 100 mile or all 6 Kansas 100 mile races in the calendar year.
WEATHER: Normal high near 70 and a normal low near 40’s. This is Kansas, be prepared for all extremes as the record highs have been around 90 and record lows in the upper 20’s.
CHECK IN: Check-in from 4:30AM to 5:45AM on Saturday October 11, 2025 at Cassoday Community Center.
PARKING: There is limited parking at the Cassoday Community Center. You may park along the street. Please be courteous and considerate, do not block driveways, do not park in people's yards. There is ample parking at the starting line, (old high school). Please use this area on race morning.
Cutoff & Time Limit
Heartland 125 mile: 38 hour time limit. Heartland 100 mile and 100K: 30-hour time limit and a 14-hour cut-off for the 50-mile turnaround. 50-mile: 15-hour time limit and a 7- hour cut-off for the 25-mile turnaround. The Marathon cutoff is 10 hours, must reach Teterville rd aid station by 5:00 pm Saturday. The 1/2 marathon cutoff, must be back to Teterville rd aid station by 5:00 pm Saturday.
100-MILE - TWO EARLY START OPTIONS - Grand Master, 50+ years old, 100 Mile Early Start 10:00pm Friday, October 10, 2025 & 4:00am Saturday, October 11, 2025. YOU MUST GET APPROVAL FROM THE RACE DIRECTOR BEFORE THE RACE IN WRITING, (emgcrazyrunner@yahoo.com), and CHECK IN with the race director before the early start, no later than 9:30pm Friday October 10, 2025 Or 3:45 am October 11, 2025. Runners who start early are not eligible for overall awards. The first 2 unmanned aid stations may not be set up and the first manned aid station may not be set up, before you get to them so plan accordingly. If you are using the Grand Master, 50+ years old, Early Start Option - 10:00pm Friday it is not required, but highly recommended that you have a crew to assist you through Friday night/Saturday morning. The course will be marked but the markings will not have been checked for tampering until the supply truck passes you. So it is your responsibility to study the course maps up through the 2nd manned aid station, (lapland aid station), and make sure you can get there without the assistance of course markings and/or aid station volunteers. Runners utilizing the early start will be eligible for an official finish time and buckle. They must finish by noon Sunday October 12, 2025. All intermediate cutoff times apply equally to all runners regardless of start time. Grandmaster 50+ years old, cutoff time is 2:00 pm Sunday. With updated intermediate cutoff times starting at Teterville rd aid station. (See aid stations info.)
Special Instructions For 125 mile Runners
Please pick-up your packet by 9:30 Friday. A short pre-race briefing will be held at 9:30, just before the race start.
Starting at 10:00 pm Friday, October 10, 2025. There will be water only set up at Battle Creek aid station mile 8.2, (inside the tent.) There will be a Roving/mobile aid station thru the first night, (at Lapland and on the Eureka loop approximately every 8 miles.) Participants will be required to wear reflective gear the first night along this portion of the route. The course runs on rural roads in parts of Butler, Greenwood and Chase counties. Much of the course meanders through open range with stunning views of the vast expanse of the Flint Hills tallgrass prairie. Runners will be on the historic Heartland 100 course, with a 30 mile detour loop. Turn right at Lapland, (260th & River rd.) This is Check point #1 of 5 crew accessible aid/check points on this loop. Check point #2 is in 7 miles at approximately 23 miles. Runners turn left here. Follow the winding road. At approximately mile 30 you may be able to see the golf course and will be on paved road. Continue following the road. At approximately mile 31.4 is the intersection of 13th st and Main. Turn right onto Main st. Run south on Main st to 3rd st. Turn left on 3rd st. Check point #3 is just ahead at
(Cake Batter Batter bakery - 110 E 3rd st.) Runners MUST SIGN IN at this check point! Look for the clipboard and sign in. You will be DISQUALIFIED if you do not sign in here. Unfortunately the bakery is CLOSED. They have allowed us to use the store front as a landmark and set up a checkpoint in front of the store. This is the 3rd crew accessible aid/check point. There will be water set up. Also a port-a-pottie across the street. From the checkpoint, run east on 3rd to Maple st, run north on maple to 7th st, turn right on 7th st. Then a quick left on state street, run north on state street. This turns into Eureka lake rd. Run north to aid station checkpoint #4 at Eureka lake. NOTE THIS SECTION ABOUT 3 - 4 MILES IS A NARROW ROAD WITH VERY LITTLE SHOULDER. THOUGH THERE IS NOT MUCH TRAFFIC THE SPEED LIMIT IS 55 MPH. SO BE AWARE AND ALERT ON THIS SECTION! BE SURE TO WEAR SOMETHING REFLECTIVE AT NIGHT. From check point #4, Eureka lake, continue north. Once past the lake, the road is gravel and speed is lessened. Run north to the T in the road at 255th rd this is checkpoint #5. Turn left, run west on 255th, follow the road, you will turn right on N rd then turn left on 270th st. Run west. At Thrall rd turn right. You are now on the Heartland 100 course, the course will be well marked from here on. Thrall is an unmanned, water only, aid station that is at the intersection of 270th st and M50 rd. Continue north on Thrall rd, the original Heartland 100 route. When you reach Teterville rd aid station you will be at 50 miles. The cutoff times apply as noted at each aid station. Including the finish line at 12:00 noon Sunday. Giving runners 38 hours to complete the 125 miles.
This is a graduate level option. The loop to Eureka will have few, if any course markings. Runners will be provided a map and these instructions. Runners should familiarize themselves with the route and pay attention to where you are going. This is your responsibility, it is an added degree of difficulty to master.
Crews are allowed to stop at the designated checkpoint stops. Roving aid station will have all supplies you'll need. Runners may also leave a drop bag on the roving aid station.
Schedule of Events
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2025
CASSODAY COMMUNITY BUILDING
Packet Pick-up 3:00 – 8:00 PM
Race Briefing - we will not have our traditional briefing. You will receive an update on race week via email.
Packet Pick-up and check-in for 125 MILE RACE thru 9:30 PM
START OF 125 MILE RACE 10:00 PM
Grand Master 100 Mile Early Start Option 10:00 PM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2025
CASSODAY COMMUNITY BUILDING
Late Packet Pick-up. 4:30 AM - 5:45 AM
Racer Check-In (MANDATORY) 4:30 AM – 5:45 AM
OLD HIGH SCHOOL, SOUTH EDGE OF CASSODAY
Early Start Option- 100 mile ONLY. 4:00 AM
Start of 100 mile, 100K, 50 mile Race 6:00 AM
CASSODAY COMMUNITY BUILDING
Late Packet Pick-up continues for Marathon 6:15 AM - 6:45 AM
Start of Cassoday Marathon 7:00 AM
Late Packet Pick-up continues for 1/2 Marathon 7:15 AM - 10:00 AM
Shuttle leaves for Teterville RD aid station 10:00 AM
50-mile Cutoff 9:00PM
TETERVILLE RD AID STATION
Late Packet Pick-up continues for 1/2 Marathon 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Start of Teter Rock 1/2 Marathon 12 noon
Marathon Cutoff 4:00PM
MARATHON SHUTTLE - Shuttle for Marathon participants from Teterville rd aid station back to start in Cassoday, runs approximately 10:30 am - 4:30 pm. If you have a crew, you may make your way back to Cassoday at your convenience
1/2 Marathon Cutoff 5:00PM
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2025
CASSODAY COMMUNITY BUILDING
Cutoff time for all 125 mile, 100-mile and 100K runners Noon (Grandmaster Cutoff 2:00PM)
Awards Handed out soon after you finish your race
Race Rules For Runners
1. 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. Especially Note: RIDGELINE AID STATION, you MUST run off the road approximately 40 - 50 yards to the aid station and check-in. Even if you don't need anything, DO NOT yell from the road and keep on going. Entries are non-transferable.
2. 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.
3. RUNNERS are RESPONSIBLE for the actions of their CREWS.
4. You may not stash supplies along the course.
5. You may have as many pacers as you wish, but only one pacer at a time.
6. Any runner dropping out shall immediately notify the nearest aid station or race management at the
start/finish area.
7. 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.
8. Runners accepting a ride for any reason are deemed out of the race and may not re-enter.
9. Cutoff times are nonnegotiable. Runners must DEPART the aid station by the listed cutoff time
10. All runners will abide by the directions of race management.
11. Please run facing oncoming traffic.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. In the case of a tie, runners will be placed alphabetically.
15. Decisions of Race Management are final.
Support Crews
Rules for Support Crews
1. RUNNERS are RESPONSIBLE for the ACTIONS of their CREW and PACERS.
2. CREWS are NOT ALLOWED on ANY SECTION of the COURSE DURING THE RACE.
3. No Littering.
4. All pets/animals must be leashed at all times.
5. If your runner drops from the race, double check they have followed the proper procedures.
6. 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.
Directions To Meet Runners
CREW VEHICLES are NOT ALLOWED ON ANY PORTION OF THE HEARTLAND 100 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 3/4 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. Please drive slowly as the last
1 1/2 miles of the road is on the course the runners will be using.
TETERVILLE ROAD TO RIDGE LINE – Turnaround and proceed approximately 17 3/4 miles back to
Cassoday. Make a right turn on 177 and proceed north 10 3/4 miles to the town of Matfield Green.
Make a right turn at the sign, BOCOOK St, and proceed 1/4 mile into town to the intersection by the old school. Take a
right at the sign ROGLER St, for the Ridge Line aid station and proceed 10 3/4 miles to the aid station.
RIDGE LINE TO MATFIELD GREEN – Turnaround and proceed back to the town of Matfield Green.
At the intersection by the old school, turn right at the sign BOCOOK St, for the Matfield Green aid station and proceed
3 miles to the aid station.
MATFIELD GREEN TO RIDGE LINE – Turnaround and proceed back to the town of Matfield Green.
At the intersection by the old school, turn left ROGLER St, and proceed 10 3/4 miles to the Ridge Line aid station.
RIDGE LINE TO TETERVILLE ROAD – Turnaround and proceed back to Matfield Green. Make a left
turn at the old school house BOCOOK St, and go 1/4 mile west to 177. Turn left on 177 and head south 10 3/4 miles
to Cassoday. Make a left turn on the blacktop road on the north edge of Cassoday SUNBARGER ST, and proceed east
17 3/4 miles to the Teterville Road aid station. Be careful on the last 1 1/2 miles as you will be on the road
with the runners and it will most likely be at night.
TETERVILLE ROAD TO LAPLAND – Turnaround and proceed west 5 miles. Turn left at the signs G50 Rd, and
proceed south 3.3 miles to the Lapland aid station.
LAPLAND TO FINISH – turnaround and proceed north 3.3 miles to the signs. Turn left and proceed
12 3/4 miles back to Cassoday. Turn left on 177 and proceed back to the Cassoday community building.
Parking will be limited around the community building. There will be additional parking in the downtown
area of Cassoday that is just west of the community building or at the elementary school that is north of
the community building.
Flat Tire Warning – Some of the sharp rocks on the roads on which you will be traveling can cause flat
tires. Historically the volunteers have averaged a couple of flat tires a year. It is best if your crew vehicle
has a good set of tires, a good spare and you know how to change them. The best way to avoid a flat is
to drive slowly. You will have plenty of time to get between aid stations to meet your runner and driving
slowly will improve your odds of avoiding a flat.
Aid Stations
Unmanned (NE 135th) - 4.6 miles - 3.6 miles to next AS
Battle Creek - 8.2 miles - 4.4 miles to next AS - 8:20AM Cutoff - No Crew Access - Yes Drop Bags
Unmanned (Lapland Rd) - 12.6 miles - 4.2 miles to next AS
Lapland - 16.8 miles - 4.3 miles to next AS - 10:45AM Cutoff - Yes Crew Access - Yes Drop Bags
Unmanned (Thrall) - 21.1 miles - 3.9 miles to next AS
Teterville Road - 25 miles - 6.2 miles to next AS - 1:00PM Cutoff - Yes Crew Access - Yes Drop Bags
Texaco Hill - 31.2 miles - 5.3 miles to next AS - 2:45PM Cutoff - No Crew Access - Yes Drop Bags
Ridge Line - 36.5 miles - 6.0 miles to next AS - 4:15PM Cutoff - Yes Crew Access - Yes Drop Bags
Matfield Green - 42.5 miles - 5.0 miles to next AS - 6:00PM Cutoff - Yes Crew Access - Yes Drop Bags
Unmanned (Towers) - 47.5 - 2.4 miles to next AS
Lone Tree - 49.9 miles - 2.4 miles to next AS - 8:00PM Cutoff - No Crew Access - Yes Drop Bags
Unmanned (Towers) - 52.3 miles - 5.0 miles to next AS
Matfield Green - 57.3 miles - 6.0 miles to next AS - 10:25PM Cutoff - Yes Crew Access - Yes Drop Bags
Ridge Line - 63.3 miles - 5.3 miles to next AS - 12:20AM Cutoff - Yes Crew Access - Yes Drop Bags
Texaco Hill - 68.6 miles - 6.2 miles to next AS - 2:00AM Cutoff - No Crew Access - Yes Drop Bags
Teterville Road - 74.8 miles - 3.9 miles to next AS - 4:00AM Cutoff (Grandmaster Cutoff 4:30AM) - Yes Crew Access - Yes Drop Bags
Unmanned (Thrall) - 78.7 - 4.3 miles to next AS
Lapland - 83.0 miles - 4.2 miles to next AS - 6:40AM Cutoff (Grandmaster Cutoff 7:40AM) - Yes Crew access - Yes Drop Bags
Unmanned (Lapland Rd) - 87.2 miles - 4.4 miles to next AS
Battle Creek - 91.6 miles - 3.6 miles to next AS - 9:20 AM Cutoff (Grandmaster Cutoff 10:50AM) - No Crew Access - Yes Drop Bags
Unmanned (NE 135th) - 95.2 miles - 4.8 miles to Finish Line
Finish Line - Community Building - 100 miles - 12:00 Noon Cutoff (Grandmaster Cutoff 2:00PM) - Yes Crew access - Yes Drop Bags
Pacers
Pacers will be allowed for all runners from the Matfield Green aid station (42.5 miles for 100 milers/67.5 miles for 125 milers) to the finish. Each
runner may have as many pacers as they like, however only one pacer at a time can accompany the runner.
Pacers need to be a human without a bike, scooter, horse, dogsled or anything other than their leg power.
Pacers will be required to follow the same set of rules as the racer. Pacers must be over 18 years of age
or have the signed permission from a parent or legal guardian. Runners age 60 and older may have a pacer
for the entire 100-mile distance. Each pacer must clearly identify themselves when passing through the aid
stations.
Kansas Weather Risks
We have chosen to hold the race in October to minimize the impact of the Kansas weather. In August the
temperatures could be over 100 degrees, with 30 mile per hour winds, which would make this a very tough
100-mile race. We could also have held the race in the springtime when the prairie is the greenest. However,
the likely hood of thunderstorms is greater which would have made this a more dangerous race. While
October is normally a very mild month, this is Kansas so come prepared for all possible conditions. The
following are the historical weather statistics.
Normal High – 70
Normal Low – 44
Record high of 89
Record low of 30
Sunrise – 7:35 AM
Sunset – 6:54 PM
Severe storms do not normally occur in the fall; however they are possible at any time in Kansas. Tornadoes
and blizzards have both occurred in the month of October. There are very few locations on the Heartland 100
course where there is shelter from the elements. Whatever the conditions, you will feel them. Be prepared
for them. While tornadoes get a lot of publicity, lightning is the greatest danger. Lightning often strikes the
highest object and on the course, you will often be the highest object. In the unlikely event of a severe
thunderstorm the best course of action is to take whatever shelter is available at the lowest location.
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.
While the course is on roads, the remoteness of the area and the distance between towns will result in a
substantial amount of time before they arrive to provide assistance.
It is important for the runner to recognize the potential physical and mental stresses that may evolve from
participation in this race. These include, but are not limited to, extreme temperatures of heat and cold,
hypothermia, dehydration, heat stroke, renal failures, seizures, hypoglycemia, disorientation and total mental
and physical exhaustion. Each participant must continuously monitor his/herself and understand their limitations.
Remember that you are responsible for your own well being during this race.
Drop Bags
All manned aid stations will also serve as supply drop bag locations for runners. NOTE TO 125 MILE RUNNERS - Drop bags at TEXACO HILL MAY NOT ARRIVE UNTIL 9:00 AM, Please plan accordingly. Drop bags must be no less in strength than double thick plastic bags and securely tied. Please keep all drop bags at a reasonable size, (approx. shoe box size). Each bag must contain the runner’s name, race number and aid station. Placing wide white tape on the bag and then writing on the tape with a black felt tip marker is preferable. If you place any liquids in your bags, make sure they are in leak proof containers. Drop bags can be left at the Cassoday community center on Friday and can also be brought to the Cassoday community center on Saturday morning, as long as they arrive before 5:30 AM. All drop bags will be available for runners to pick up at the Cassoday community center by 12:00 PM noon on Sunday. It is each runner’s responsibility to pick up their drop bags on Sunday. Any drop bags remaining will be donated or disposed of.
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
620 735-4317
Very limited number of rooms
Campgrounds
El Dorado State Park
618 NE Bluestem Rd.
El Dorado Kansas 67042
(316) 321-7180
KOA Campground
W Highway 50
Emporia, KS
(316) 342-2236
Motels – Emporia (34 miles north on I-35)
Motels – El Dorado (22 miles south on I-35)
Motels – Wichita (40 miles south on I-35)
Race Cancellation
Possibility of Race Cancellation - In the unlikely event the race is canceled, these are the protocols we will follow.
1) Our first responsibility is for the safety of all involved. Runners and their crews, race staff, volunteers, aid station workers and radio communication personel and spectators.
2) Though cancellation of the race is highly unlikely, there is the possibility. This would only occur if severe thunder storms are present with lightning also present at the start location and national weather service and local observation shows this is continuing for the duration of the event along the race course and vicinity.
3) A more likely situation would be to delay the start until the severe weather has passed. Then everyone as responsible adults, proceed at your own risk. As runners ourselves we know the work you put into getting ready for this day. If it were just us runners we would run regardless. But in a race setting there are others to consider besides ourselves. We hope you can appreciate this policy and not try and "wing it" if we do indeed make the decision to cancel the race.
4) To summarize, possibility of cancellation is near zero, and the decision to do so would only be possible at the start at the scheduled start time. For you folks traveling a fair distance to get to the race, I'm sorry we can't be more precise.
5) Due to Covid-19: The possibility we may be forced to cancel is NOT ZERO! Please be aware, we will do everything possible to have an enjoyable event for all.
Refund Policy
No Refund, no transfer of your entry to another runner. We will carryover your registration for one year if notified BEFORE registration closes and bib numbers are assigned. No refund or carryover AFTER online registration closes/bib numbers are assigned. No refund or carryover if no show. When notifying us that you need to defer your entry, we will confirm your request. Please make sure you get confirmation from us. If you don't receive timely confirmation, send us another message. Any late, misdirected, lost communication will result in your request for deferred entry to be denied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are trekking poles allowed?
Yes, trekking poles are allowable equipment for our races.
Is there a course map?
Yes, there is a course map with elevation profile in the pictures section. There is also a map for crew directions to the crew accessible aid stations. Just click on the thumbnail picture to bring up a full size view.
Is there an athlete tracker?
We do not have "Live Tracking" of the runners. We track runners thru each manned aid station, and communicate via Hamm radio. So while we do know the approximate location of each runner, we do not have live reporting for spectators to follow.
Are dogs allowed on the course?
Sorry but dogs are not allowed on the Heartland course. Much of the land is 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, (leashed), but not out on the course.
Why 14 hr cutoff at 50 mile turn around. Why not 15 hr?
If you cannot reach 50 miles in 14 hours, it is unlikely you can make the return trip (2nd 50 miles) in 16 hours.
Can you drop down from 100 mile to 100K or 50 mile during the race?
Due to the out and back nature of this race, there is not a drop down option. If you start the 100 mile race and do not finish 100 miles before the cutoff time, (noon Sunday,) you are listed as DNF. You do not receive credit for a 100K or 50 mile finish, even if you run 100K or 50 miles or more.
Is it all gravel and road or is some of it trail?
The Heartland 100 course is 99% back country gravel/dirt roads. With 1% Paved Road in the town of Cassoday.
How do we get back to Cassoday from the Marathon finish at Teterville rd aid station?
MARATHON SHUTTLE - Shuttle for Marathon participants back to start in Cassoday, runs approximately 10:30 am - 4:30 pm. If you have a crew, you may make your way back to Cassoday at your convenience
How do we get to the 1/2 Marathon start at Teterville rd aid station?
Most runners will drive to and park at Teterville rd aid station. You may also ride the Marathon shuttle from Cassoday to Teterville rd aid station, although there could be varying wait times to and from Teterville rd aid station.
Event's current local time: 6:21 AM CT
