Flat Branch Ultra

Event overview

Flat Branch Ultra is a USATF-certified 50K rails-to-trails race held in Columbia, Missouri. The course is certified through December 31, 2035, and the event uses the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at 800 West Stadium Blvd as the start/finish location. Entry is limited to 125 spots. The event is organized by Ha Ha Racing Events with title and certification sponsorship from Fleet Feet Columbia and Fleet Feet Jefferson City.

Course and logistics

The out-and-back course follows the MKT (Missouri-Kansas-Texas) Trail for about 7.5 miles before joining the Katy Trail west of McBaine and continuing toward Rocheport. Runners pass the nearly 400-year-old Bur Oak at about 8.5 miles. Aid stations are staffed at the start/finish and at multiple points on course: Scott Blvd (miles 3.25 and 25.5), Bur Oak (miles 8.5 and 20.5), and Halfway Home (mile 15.5). Drop bags are transported to the Halfway Home aid station and returned to the start/finish after the turnaround. All competitors must sign a USATF waiver at packet pickup and must check in at the Halfway Home aid station; there is a cutoff requirement at that station and all participants must be off course before dark. No refunds are provided in cases of cancellation or postponement due to circumstances outside the organizer’s control. Photographers will post race images at no charge. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.