Heartland 50
Cassoday, United States • 2 May 2026
Event details
The Heartland 50 takes place in Cassoday, KS on May 2, 2026. Distances offered include:
- 50 miles
- 50K
- 25K
The course is an out-and-back on backcountry gravel roads with less than one mile of paved surface. Much of the route passes through open range and Flint Hills tallgrass prairie. The course will be marked on the road with metal washers tied with ribbon; on dry days some turns will also have flour markings. The organizer describes the course as challenging but not technical and sets a 15 hour cutoff for all distances. For the 50 mile, runners must reach the 25 mile turnaround within 7 hours; there will be additional intermediate cutoffs on the return leg that are to be announced. Registration closes on April 26 at 11:59 PM CT. No deferrals after April 20.
Aid stations, crew and support
The 50 mile field will have five manned aid stations plus several unmanned water-only stations. Crews have access at three points and runners can access drop bags at manned aid stations five times. The 50K has three manned aid stations with three drop bag opportunities; the 25K has one manned halfway turnaround aid station with one drop bag opportunity and no crew access at that station. Drop bags must be clearly marked with runner name and bib number and delivered to the start/finish staging area before the race start. Free race day photos will be available and finishers receive a tri-blend shirt and a finisher award.
Rules and safety
Numbers must be worn on the front and outside of clothing. Runners must check in at each aid station with the volunteer on clipboard. No littering, no crew vehicles on the course except as noted, no pacers, and no dogs allowed on the course. Runners are responsible for their crew’s actions. Any runner who stops must notify the nearest aid station or race management. Accepting a ride ends a runner’s race and re-entry is not allowed. Participants should run facing oncoming traffic and exercise caution around livestock; walking through a herd is advised. Decisions of race management are final. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.