FlatRock

FlatRock — the oldest trail ultra in Kansas — takes place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM CDT at Elk City Lake / Outlet Channel Shelter in Independence, Kansas. Choose 50K, 25K, 12K, or 5K on the technical, single‑track Elk River Hiking Trail (out‑and‑back, limestone bluffs, rock formations, picturesque vistas). Part of the FlatRock Triple Crown Series (WinterRock 25K, FlatRock 101K, FlatRock 50K). Pre‑race dinner (spaghetti, vegetarian/gluten‑free options). Dogs allowed on leash. No refunds — future race credit on sliding scale. Drop bags only for 50K. Complimentary race photos by Mile 90 Photography. Military discount (10%).

Location — Elk City Lake / Outlet Channel Shelter, Independence, Kansas:

• Elk City Lake is a reservoir in Montgomery County, southeast Kansas, about 2.5 hours east of Wichita, 2 hours north of Tulsa, OK
• The Elk River Hiking Trail is a technical, rocky, rooty, single‑track trail with limestone bluffs, rock formations, and beautiful forest scenery
• Race headquarters at the Outlet Channel Group Shelter (staging area, north side of the Elk City Lake dam)
• Allow extra drive time if you've never been to FlatRock before — especially if driving the morning of the race

FlatRock Triple Crown Series — 176K Journey, Special Award:

• WinterRock 25K — January 3, 2026
• FlatRock 101K — April 18, 2026
• FlatRock 50K — September 26, 2026
• Finish all three to receive a special unique award

Course Description — Technical, Single‑Track, Out‑and‑Back:

• Accurately measured forest trail winding through unique limestone bluffs, rock formations, and picturesque vistas
• Out‑and‑back along the Elk River Hiking Trail
• 50K and 25K start together; 12K and 5K start 15 minutes later
• Cutoffs: 50K — 5 hours at turnaround, 12 hours finish; 25K — 12 hours; 12K — 5 hours; 5K — 2 hours
• Crew allowed only for 50K, and only at OakRidge and Turnaround aid stations

Aid Stations — Fully Stocked with Water, Electrolyte, Snacks, Soup, Sandwiches:

• 50K: 7 aid stations (5 fully stocked, 2 water only) — distances between stations 3.5‑5 miles
• 25K: 3 aid stations (2 fully stocked, 1 water only) — distances approx 3.5 miles
• 12K: 1 fully stocked aid station — approx 3.5 miles
• 5K: no aid stations

Drop Bags — Only for 50K, Only at OakRidge and Turnaround:

• Drop bags must be shoe‑box size, clearly marked with NAME, BIB NUMBER, and DESIGNATED AID STATION
• Waterproof and secure — no valuables or fragile items
• Bags will be transported back to Outlet Channel Shelter as aid stations close; pick them up before leaving home

Pre‑Race Dinner — Friday, September 25, 5:00‑8:00 PM:

• Spaghetti dinner with vegetarian and gluten‑free options
• Held during packet pickup

Packet Pickup — Two Opportunities:

• Friday, September 25 — 5:00‑8:00 PM (pre‑race dinner)
• Saturday, September 26 (race day) — starting at 5:30 AM

What's Included:

• Chip timing
• Finisher medal (custom bling)
• Event shirt (included with registration)
• Complimentary race photos by Mile 90 Photography
• Aid stations with water, electrolyte, snacks, soup, sandwiches
• Medical support (local EMS on standby)
• Parking at Outlet Channel Shelter
• Camping available nearby (Army Corps of Engineers — 620‑336‑2741; campsites with/without electricity, showers)

Discounts — Military and Volunteer:

• Military discount: 10% off for active duty or veterans — email [email protected] for coupon code
• Volunteer discount: 25% off future race for one 4‑8 hour shift; 4 shifts = free race

Refund/Credit Policy — No Refunds, Only Future Race Credit:

• No refunds, no deferrals — only future race credit for FlatRock events (valid 2 years)
• 90+ days out: 100% credit
• 30‑89 days out: 75% credit
• Less than 30 days: no credit
• Credit is one‑time use, cannot be re‑transferred, and only useable by original registrant

Dogs — Allowed on Leash:

• Dogs are allowed at FlatRock, but must be on a leash at all times
• Owners are responsible for their dog's behavior and waste

Trekking Poles — Allowed:

• Trekking poles are permitted

Lodging — Camping and Motels:

• Camping at Elk City Lake (Army Corps of Engineers) — campsites with/without electricity, showers — 620‑336‑2741
• Motels in Independence (approx 7 miles away) — contact Independence Chamber of Commerce — 620‑331‑1890

Course Records (50K Men):

• Makai Clemons — 4:03:05 (2021)
• Cody Jones — 4:08:12 (2018)
• Iain Ridgway — 4:12:58 (2011)

Nearby Attractions (post‑race — make a weekend of it in Independence, KS):

• Elk City Lake — fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing
• Independence — William Inge Birthplace (playwright), Riverside Park, and the Independence Historical Museum
• Little House on the Prairie — replica of the Ingalls cabin (south of Independence)

Contact: [email protected].