Rock-On, Lake Perry! Trail Run

The Rock-On, Lake Perry! Trail Run is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Perry State Park in Meriden, Kansas. This family-friendly event features technical, rocky, and hilly single-track trails through hardwood forests. Participants can choose between a 50K ultra-marathon, a half-marathon, or a quarter-marathon distance. Notably, because the race falls on the day before Mother's Day, all participating mothers receive an extra swag item.

The course utilizes the Perry State Park MTB Trails, starting at the Kimberly Drive Trailhead. A single staffed aid station at the start/finish provides hydration and food, while remote stations at mile 2.25 and 4.1 offer water only. The event has a total time limit of 9 hours for the 50K and Half-Marathon distances, with a specific 50K cutoff of 2:30 PM for starting the final loop. Finishers of all distances receive medals, and 50K finishers also receive a custom trucker cap.

Meriden is located in Jefferson County, Kansas, approximately 20 miles from Topeka. The town has a population of approximately 790 residents. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the demographic profile of Meriden is roughly 94.5% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Two or More Races, 0.6% American Indian, and 0.2% Black or African American. The median household income in the village is approximately $62,500. The surrounding Perry State Park covers 11,000 acres of land and water, providing a significant recreational resource for the residents of Northeast Kansas.

Trail running participation in the United States shows distinct demographic patterns compared to traditional road racing. According to the 2024 Outdoor Participation Trends Report, trail running is one of the faster-growing outdoor activities, yet it retains a specific profile: approximately 76% of trail runners identify as White, 10% as Hispanic, 7% as Asian, and 4% as Black. The gender split is roughly 58% male and 42% female. Events like Rock-On, Lake Perry! emphasize a "low-key" atmosphere to encourage broader community participation. For technical queries regarding the course or manual timing, the event is managed by the Trail Nerds organization.