Heartland 50

Course Information

The Heartland 50 is held in Cassoday, Kansas. The event features three distances: 50 Miler, 50K, and 25K.

The route is an out-and-back course primarily on backcountry gravel roads, with less than one mile of paved surface. It runs through open range areas in the Flint Hills tallgrass prairie. The course is described as challenging but not technical.

Event Details

All finishers receive a tri-blend shirt and a finisher's award. Race-day photos are available for free download after the event. Packet pickup is only available on race day at the Cassoday Community Center from 4:30 AM to 5:30 AM, with a race briefing at 5:45 AM. The race starts at 6:00 AM.

There is a 15-hour cutoff time for all distances. For the 50-mile distance, runners must reach the 25-mile turnaround point within 7 hours (by 1:00 PM). Intermediate cutoffs for the return leg will be announced later.

Aid stations are provided. The 50-mile distance has 5 manned aid stations and several unmanned water-only stations. Crew access is allowed at Lapland and Teterville aid stations but not at Battle Creek. Drop bag service is available at all manned aid stations.

Rules and Conditions

The event has several important rules:

• Numbers must be worn on the front and outside of clothing.
• Runners must check in at each aid station.
• No littering is allowed.
• No deferrals are allowed after April 20th.
• No pacers are allowed.
• No dogs are allowed on the course. Dogs may be leashed at aid stations with a crew.
• Crew vehicles are not allowed on any portion of the course during the race.
• Runners may encounter grazing cattle on the course and are advised to walk calmly through any herds.

Logistics

Limited free camping is available at the Cassoday City Park. Other lodging options include motels in Emporia, El Dorado, and Wichita, as well as campgrounds at El Dorado State Park and a KOA in Emporia. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.