Flat Branch Ultra — A USATF-Certified 50K Rails-to-Trails Course

Flat Branch Ultra (50K) – Start in Columbia, MO, home to the approximately 400-year-old Bur Oak. Race along the Missouri River and beneath towering bluffs while watching for soaring eagles. This rails-to-trails adventure kicks off at 8 a.m. on the third Saturday in February.

Start/Finish Line: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at 800 West Stadium Blvd, Columbia, Missouri 65203.

Only 125 spots are available, and we anticipate a sellout.

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 Bur Oak that can be seen about 8.5 miles into the race. At the start, 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 Halfway Home aid station is located just east of Rocheport–past the I-70 bridge. This course is an out and back.

Route Map: https://www.strava.com/activities/12519245012

The race debuted in 2022 as a November event, starting and ending at Flat Branch City Park in Columbia, Missouri. In 2024, the race moved to February. In 2025, the start/finish line was relocated to MLK Memorial Park in Columbia, Missouri. In 2026, the Flat Branch Ultra course will become USATF-certified — your chance to chase a 50K state record! Along the course, participants pass the iconic, approximately 400-year-old Bur Oak — a living landmark and the inspiration for our logo.

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 a.m. race start.

All competitors are required to sign a USATF waiver at packet pickup.

Cutoff

Competitors must reach the Halfway Home Aid Station by noon. All competitors must be off the course before dark.

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. Bur Oak Aid Station (miles 8.5 and 20.5)
4. Halfway Home Aid Station (mile 15.5)

Look for the drop bag sign at the start/finish line. Drop bags will be transported to the Halfway Home Aid Station and brought back to the start/finish line once all runners complete the turnaround. All runners must be checked in at the Halfway Home Aid Station by noon. All runners must check in with the Halfway Home Aid Station captain. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.

Awards | Photographs

Finisher awards and top 3 overall male/female awards

Mile 90 Photography will be taking photos on the course and at the start/finish line. All images 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

Please note that Ha Ha Racing Events does not provide refunds in the event of a cancellation or postponement due to circumstances outside of our control. Thank you for your understanding.

Title & Certification 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.

Sponsorships

The Flat Branch Ultra is looking for sponsors! We’re looking for community-minded businesses who want to support endurance athletes and be part of this exciting event. Sponsorship opportunities start at just $50 and include logo placement, shoutouts, and chances to connect directly with runners and fans.

If your business (or one you know!) would like to get involved, check out our website, haharacingevents.com or email us at HaHaRacingEvents@gmail.com. Let’s showcase the best of Columbia together!

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: 5:17 AM CT