FlatRock 101

About the Event

The FlatRock 101 is an iconic trail running event held at Elk City Lake, near Independence, Kansas. Scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, it is recognized as the first and oldest trail ultramarathon in the state. The race is part of the FlatRock Triple Crown Series, which includes WinterRock in January and the FlatRock 50K in September. The course utilizes the Elk River Hiking Trail, a double out-and-back route that navigates through unique limestone bluffs, dense forest, and rocky single-track paths. Participants can choose from several distances, including a premier 101K ultra, a 50K, and shorter 25K, 12K, and 5K options, all of which offer a firsthand look at the rugged rock formations and vistas of the Kansas landscape.

Race Distance	Start Time	Cutoff Time
101K Ultra	7:00 AM	24 Hours
50K Trail	7:00 AM	24 Hours
25K Trail	7:15 AM	23.75 Hours

Independence is the county seat of Montgomery County, Kansas, with a population of approximately 8,500 residents. The demographic profile of Independence is approximately 75.3% White (Non-Hispanic), 12.2% Hispanic or Latino, 5.7% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 4.8% from two or more races. The median annual household income in the city is roughly $44,500. Geographically, the race takes place within the Chautauqua Hills, a region characterized by cross-timbers vegetation and rocky, sandstone-capped ridges. The climate in mid-April typically features average lows of 8°C (46°F) and highs of 21°C (70°F). However, the region is prone to volatile spring weather, including heavy rains and high humidity, which can turn the technical trails and limestone surfaces slick and muddy for runners.

The 2026 event includes a pre-race spaghetti dinner on Friday night at the Outlet Channel Group Shelter, which serves as the race headquarters. Packet pickup is available on Friday evening and early Saturday morning. For the longer distances, 11 fully stocked aid stations provide water, electrolytes, and hot food like soup and sandwiches, while the 101K allows for pacers and crew access at designated points. Organizers emphasize a supportive environment, offering military discounts and a volunteer credit program where four shifts earn a free race entry. Accommodations include on-site camping at Elk City State Park and various hotels in nearby Independence. The current men's top performance for the 101K is held by David Box, who completed the course in 11:02:33 in 2018.

Races Offered

101K

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 101K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:00

sell

$250.00

50K

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 50K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:00

sell

$180.00

12K

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 12K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:15

sell

$110.00

25K

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 25K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:15

sell

$155.00

5K

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:15

sell

$70.00

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Independence.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 10.6° / 22.0°

wb_sunny 7.0° / 18.7°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 16.1 /

water_drop 60.7%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 10.6° / 22.0°

wb_sunny 7.0° / 18.7°

air 16.1 km/h

water_drop 60.7%

About Independence

Learn more about the host city, Independence.

Independence is a small city in Southeastern Kansas with rustic rural charm, a delightfully small downtown, a large WalMart Supercenter and pretty much nothing else.