Heartland 50

Heartland 50 : event overview

The event in Cassoday, KS offers the following distances:

• 50 miles
• 50K
• 25K

The course is out-and-back on backcountry gravel roads with less than one mile of paved surface. Much of the route runs through open range and Flint Hills tallgrass prairie. There is a 15 hour cutoff for all distances. 50-mile runners must reach the 25-mile turnaround within 7 hours. Finishers receive a tri-blend shirt and a finisher's award. Race photos will be available for free download after the event. Pacers and dogs are not allowed.

Course support, crew and rules

Course markings use metal washers tied with ribbon on the road; some turns may have flour markings when conditions allow. Aid station support:

• 50 mile: five manned aid stations plus unmanned water stations; crews have access at three points.
• 50K: three manned aid stations and unmanned water stations; drop bag access three times.
• 25K: one manned midway turnaround aid station; unmanned water stations.

Drop bags are accepted at manned aid stations and must be clearly marked with runner name and bib number. Crew vehicles are not allowed on the course; crew access is limited to specified aid stations and some aid stations have no crew access. Runners must wear numbers on the front, check in at each aid station, avoid littering, and follow race management directions. Violations may result in disqualification. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.