Flats Trail Half Marathon

FLATS Trail Half Marathon - Kirksville, MO

The FLATS Trail 1/2 Marathon is a point to point trail race held in Kirksville, Missouri on October 3, 2026. The course follows mostly single-track trails alongside a lake and includes roots, rocks, water crossings, hills, and forested scenery. The course is carefully marked and supported by enthusiastic volunteers.

There are seven aid stations located at approximately mile 1.5, 3.2, 5.2, 7.9, 9.85, 11.3, and 12.5. Aid stations provide water, sports drink, snacks, and gels; the finish area supplies water, sports drink, soft drinks, pizza, and snacks. All runners are encouraged to carry calories and a hydration system or bottles to refill along the course. The finish-line cutoff for an official time is 12:30 p.m., though athletes may complete the course after that time.

Logistics include a shuttle from the finish at Jackson Stables to the start at the Thousand Hills State Park Marina, pre-race packet pickup at ATSU Thompson Campus Center on October 2 (noon to 7:00 p.m.), and race-morning packet pickup at the Marina. One gear bag per person will be transported from the start to the finish.

Awards include cash prizes for overall top finishers and commemorative pint glasses for top three in each age group. Course records stand at 1:31:19 for women (2017) and 1:20:51 for men (2022). The event directs proceeds to the Forest Lake Area Trail System and maintains inclusive policies, nonbinary registration with equal podiums and prize money, and support through the Trail Mix Fund and Trail Sisters standards. Race management may alter or cancel the event for safety in inclement weather. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.