Flats Trail Half Marathon

Event overview

The FLATS Trail Half Marathon in Kirksville, Missouri is a point-to-point trail race covering a 1/2 Marathon distance on the Forest Lake Area Trail System. The course uses maintained single-track and other trails and includes rocky sections, hills, roots, water crossings, and views alongside a lake. The race features seven aid stations located at approximately miles 1.5, 3.2, 5.2, 7.9, 9.85, 11.3, and 12.5. Water, sports drink, snacks, and gels are provided on course; the finish area will have beverages, pizza, and snacks.

Support, awards, and policies

The event provides a shuttle from the finish at Jackson Stables to the start at the Thousand Hills State Park Marina and offers one gear-drop bag per participant to be transported from start to finish. Packet pickup is available at the ATSU Thompson Campus Center (210 S. Osteopathy, Kirksville, MO) the day before the race and at the marina on race morning. The race is a fundraiser; proceeds support trail building and maintenance in Adair County.

Prize structure awards equal podium money for female, male, and nonbinary first-, second-, and third-place finishers ($150, $75, $25 respectively) and a course-record bonus structure that increases first-place total prize money when a record is set. Top three finishers in each age group receive commemorative pint glasses. The event offers nonbinary registration, equal podiums and awards, a pregnancy and postpartum deferral option, and participation in a fund to help cover entry fees for underrepresented runners. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.