Race Description
On Saturday, August 24th, wake up early and beat the heat on Northeast Missouri’s finest trail system! Starting and ending at the Royal Oaks Trailhead in the Big Creek Conservation Area, with every last inch of the race off road, this scenic race winds south on Royal Oaks Ridge and then--for 10k racers--continues COUNTER-clockwise on the Rainbow Basin Loop in Thousand Hills State Park. Participants will be rewarded with a stunning view of the sunrise along Forest Lake.
This is a low-tech, high-reward event--and a serious steal at only $15 for the 10k Run or 3 Mile Walk. We're keeping the cost low to encourage more people to hit the trail, so an additional donation to FLATS (Forest Lake Area Trails System) would be awesome. Trucker hats are also available for purchase, and ALL proceeds from this race benefit FLATS.
All racers are encouraged to CARPOOL to the race as parking at the Royal Oaks Trailhead is limited!
Awards
The overall male and female 10k winners will be awarded a free entry into this year's FLATS Trail Half Marathon. Age division 10k winners will receive FLATS trucker hats. All race finishers will receive a commemorative Royal Oaks Sunrise Trail Race car sticker. Fabulous door prizes from area businesses will be drawn at the conclusion of the race from the pool of all registered runners.
Course Records
Men: Dalton Rolland 42:06
Women: Aimee Hancock 44:19
[Note: 2022 event was held on an alternate course]
Runner Support
There will be one aid station located at 1.5 miles and 4.5 miles (at the turnaround for walkers).
Packet Pick-up
There is NOT a packet pick-up for this race. Runners check-in on race day at the start/finish line between 5:30-6:15 am to get a race bib. The race starts at 6:30 a.m.
Trail Etiquette
Be thoughtful about sharing the trail with other runners. Regarding passing: when approaching a slower runner on a narrow section of trail, yell out, "on your left," and then wait for the person to move to the right before attempting to pass safely. If you have runners approaching from behind, please look for a spot to safely pull to the right, to let them pass.
Because it can be difficult and even dangerous to pass runners when they can't hear you we ask that you don't wear earbuds or, if you do, keep the volume low and/or only wear one. Trust us, your fellow runners will appreciate your courtesy!
Carpooling to the Starting Line
All racers are encouraged to carpool as parking is limited at the Royal Oaks Trailhead! The race will start at 6:30 a.m.
Inclement Weather Policy
We run rain or shine! In case of inclement weather, management reserves the right to delay the start or cancel/alter/modify the race/course for the safety of runners or volunteers. Please monitor the weather and any communications sent out from the race director and make sure you are prepared. For additional info please review your race waiver.
Registration Policy
This is a fundraiser for the Forest Lake Area Trail System. There will be NO refunds under any circumstances. If entrants can no longer run, they have the opportunity to transfer their entry to another runner. All transfers must be processed through your ultrasignup.com by August 22.
To transfer your entry log into the UltraSignup account you registered under, click on the Account Info button in the upper right, select Registration History, click the Edit button next to the Royal Oaks Sunrise Trail Race, and click the Transfer Registration button on the lower left. This will cancel your registration and send an email to the person you're transferring with instructions on how to register. Doing this makes sure we know who is on the course, who is in what age group, etc.
Event's current local time: 4:10 AM CT
