Heartland 50

Heartland Ultramarathon: A Gravel Road Adventure Through the Flint Hills Prairie
Set against the backdrop of Kansas's stunning Flint Hills tallgrass prairie, the Heartland Ultramarathon offers runners an unforgettable out-and-back course on backcountry gravel roads. This race is a unique blend of challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery, making it perfect for both first-time ultrarunners and seasoned competitors looking to set new personal records.
The event features three distances: 25K (15.5 miles), 50K (31 miles), and the full marathon-length 50-mile course. All runners will experience less than a mile of paved surface, with most of the route winding through open range areas where cattle graze freely amidst vast stretches of prairie grasslands.
The race begins at the Cassoday Community Center on Saturday morning, May 1st, 2027 (note: corrected from May 2nd in source). Participants will enjoy a generous 15-hour cutoff time for all distances. For those tackling the full marathon-length route, reaching the turnaround point by 1 PM is essential to adhere to strict intermediate checkpoints.
Aid stations are strategically placed along the course, providing crucial support with water and other essentials at unmanned stops and manned stations where crew access is allowed. Runners can also utilize drop bag services at these aid points for additional supplies throughout their journey.
The event promises a mix of natural beauty and technical challenges, with runners encountering cattle on parts of the route requiring calmness and patience to navigate safely through herds that may be curious or approachable along the way.
All finishers will receive a commemorative Sport-Tek tank top and a finishing award. Free race day pictures will also be available for download shortly after the event concludes, capturing memorable moments from this unique adventure.
Heartland Ultramarathon is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of Kansas’s natural beauty while pushing your limits on challenging but rewarding terrain. Whether you're aiming to conquer new distances or simply enjoy a scenic run through some of America's most stunning landscapes, Heartland offers something special for every runner who dares to take part.
Registration and packet pickup will be available at Cassoday Community Center from 4:30-5:30am on race day. Be prepared for variable spring weather conditions with average lows in the mid-50s and highs ranging between the 60s and low 70s, though always pack for unexpected changes.
For those planning to stay overnight before or after the event, limited camping is available at Cassoday City Park free of charge. Additional lodging options include El Dorado State Park and KOA Campground in Emporia, as well as various motels along I-35 near Cassoday.
Join us on May 1st for a day filled with adventure, camaraderie, and the stunning beauty of Kansas’s Flint Hills prairie.