Flat Branch Ultra

Flat Branch Ultra : Columbia, Missouri

Flat Branch Ultra is a rails-to-trails out-and-back 50K held in Columbia, Missouri. The start/finish is at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 800 West Stadium Blvd. The route runs from Columbia to Rocheport along the MKT and Katy Trail corridors and passes the Missouri River, river bluffs, and an approximately 400-year-old Bur Oak near mile 8.5. The event debuted in 2022, moved to February in 2024, and relocated its start/finish to MLK Memorial Park in 2025. The course will be USATF certified in 2026 and is eligible for official state records. Entry is limited to 125 spots.

Course, support and rules

The course route begins on the MKT Trail for about 7.5 miles, then joins the Katy Trail west of McBaine for the out-and-back to Rocheport. Aid stations and drop bag handling are provided as follows:

• Start/Finish Aid Station - mile 0 and mile 31
• Scott Blvd Aid Station - miles 3.25 and 25.5
• Bur Oak Aid Station - miles 8.5 and 20.5
• Halfway Home Aid Station - mile 15.5

Drop bags are moved to the Halfway Home Aid Station and returned to the start/finish after the turnaround. All competitors must check in at the Halfway Home Aid Station by noon. Competitors must be off the course before dark. Packet pickup is at the start/finish on race day; signing a USATF waiver at pickup is required. Finisher awards and top three overall male and female awards are presented in person. Photography will be provided and posted at no charge. No refunds are offered for cancellations outside the organizer's control. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.