Description
A Midwest single-track trail classic showcasing hidden gem Thousand Hills State Park! The point-to-point course takes runners 13.1 gorgeous and challenging miles from the Thousand Hills State Park Marina along the shores of Forest Lake to the finish line, and post-race celebration, at beautiful Jackson Stables.
All proceeds from the FLATS Trail Half Marathon are donated to the Forest Lake Area Trail System (FLATS) for the construction and maintenance of trails in Adair County, Missouri.
Runner Reviews
"Came out from Tucson to run and this race exceeded my expectations. The organizers were welcoming and enthusiastic, the aid station volunteers wonderful and supportive, and the course was perfectly marked. Beautiful, mostly single track with just enough roots, rocks and water crossing to make it interesting and require attentive running. Gorgeous fall foliage in this forested trail alongside the lake almost made me want to stop a few times to take in the views. I would have run faster if I had known [Jackson Stables] at the finish was going to pamper us so well. Just loved this event."
-Bobbie Whiteside
"Beautiful course, well-marked, awesome race directors, best post-race celebration I've ever seen! Run this race!"
-Laura Tarantino
"I have ran many races throughout my running career ranging from 5k to one hundred miles on the trails. This event was world class. The work that is put into maintaining the trails by the volunteers alone adds up into hundreds of hours! The park is beautiful with the lake as a focal point. There are so many things about this race that make it one to put it on your list of races to do. From the Race Directors who treat you like family to the volunteers that man the hard to get to aid stations. I truly recommend this!"
-Raymond Rolling
"Beautiful, moderately challenging course maintained with painstaking care, manned by enthusiastic volunteers and raced by a series of individuals with just a hint of crazy. All in all, a perfect trail race. So glad I made the drive, even as a back-of-the pack runner! (And the swag was awesome too)."
-Andrew McGlothlen
"My first time running this event and sorry I missed out not running it sooner. Well-marked, challenging and beautiful trail. First 1.5 miles on road to spread out the runners. Although I carried my own bottle, there were plenty of aid stations for runners that need them. Awesome post race event with live music, food (pizza, fruit, all kinds of drinks, etc.), and stretching clinic (very helpful). Nice mug and soft and lightweight finisher's shirt. I left feeling like I got more than my money's worth! The people that put this on really care about the finer details and the runners."
-Andy Emerson
Registration Policy
This is a fundraiser for the Forest Lake Area Trail System. If you can't run you have two options. Up until two weeks before the race entrants may receive a 50% credit towards next year's event and up until October 4, 2024 entrants may transfer their entry to another runner. All transfers and refunds must be processed through ultrasignup.com and entries may not be "rolled over" into the next year's race.
To transfer your entry just log into the UltraSignup account you registered under, click on the Account Info button in the upper right, select Registration History, click the Edit button next to the FLATS Trail Half Marathon, and click the Transfer Registration button on the lower left. When you transfer your registration UltraSignup will send an email to the person you're transferring with instructions on how to register.
Awards
First-place female and male finishers win $150 each, second-place $75 each, third-place $25 each. If you both win AND set a new course record total prize money is $500 ($150 for first place and a $350 course record bonus)!
The top three female and male finishers in each age group will receive a commemorative FLATS Trail Half Marathon pint glass.
Course Records
Women (2017): Laura Tarantino - 1:31:19
Men (2022): Ethan Kossover - 1:20:51
Runner Support
There will be 7 aid stations on the course, at slightly irregular intervals.
#1) Mile 1.5 #5) Mile 9.6
#2) Mile 3.2 #6) Mile 11.3
#3) Mile 5.2 #7) Mile 12.5
#4) Mile 7.7
All runners are encouraged to carry some calories and/or a hydration system or bottles which can be refilled at each stop. Water, sports drink, snacks, and gels will be provided along the course.
The finish line will have water, sports drink, soft drinks, pizza, and snacks.
The cutoff for an official finish time will be 12:30 p.m., but all athletes will be allowed to complete the course if they so choose.
Age Groups
19 and under
20 to 29
30 to 39
40 to 49
50 to 59
60 to 69
70 and over
Packet Pick-up
Pre-race packet pickup will be held on Friday, October 4th at the ATSU Thompson Campus Center (210 S. Osteopathy, Kirksville, MO, 63501) from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m and again race morning at the Marina beginning at 7:00 a.m.
The race starts Saturday, October 5th at 8:30 a.m. Race day packet pickup will begin at 7:00 a.m. AT THE STARTING LINE!!!
Trail Etiquette
When passing a slower runner on a narrow section of trail, yell out, "on your left," and then wait for the person to move to the right, to pass safely. If you have runners approaching from behind, please look for a spot to safely pull to the right, to let them pass.
Because it can be difficult and even dangerous to pass runners when they can't hear you we ask that you don't wear earbuds or, if you do, keep the volume low and/or only wear one. Trust us, your fellow runners will appreciate your courtesy!
Gear Drop
For warm ups and personal belongings–we will deliver one bag per person from the starting line to the finish line. We discourage placing valuables in your bag–just what you need to warm-up/eat/drink, etc. before and after the race. Racers are welcome (and encouraged) to use their numbered packet pickup bag as their gear-drop bag.
Shuttle
Since this is a point-to-point race there will be a shuttle bus to take runners from the finish line at Jackson Stables to the start at the Thousand Hills State Park Marina. Racers taking the shuttle should park at the finish line race morning.
We have two buses so do not panic if you see one leaving as you drive into the parking lot. All runners are guaranteed a spot on the shuttle is they are ready to board by 7:10 a.m.
If you still need to pick up your packet AND you need to ride the shuttle, please be aware that your packet will be waiting for you at the starting line when the shuttle drops you off.
Many runners carpool to the start line and make individual arrangements pick up their car post-race instead of riding the shuttle. That works! The starting line is at the Marina at Thousand Hills State Park. The race will start at 8:30 am.
Carpooling to the Start
Many runners carpool to the start line and make individual arrangements pick up their car post-race instead of riding the shuttle. That works! The starting line is at the Marina at Thousand Hills State Park. The race will start at 8:30 am.
Inclement Weather Policy
We run rain or shine! In case of inclement weather, management reserves the right to delay the start or cancel/alter/modify the race/course for the safety of runners or volunteers. Please monitor the weather and any communications sent out from the race director to make sure you are prepared and remember that each runner needs to make their own independent determination of whether to run given race day conditions based on their health, training, and personal comfort level. For additional info please review your race waiver.
Event's current local time: 5:52 PM CT
