Heartland 50

Event overview

The Heartland 50 is a trail ultrarunning event in Cassoday, KS, held on May 2, 2026. Distances offered:

• 50 Mile
• 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 runs through open range across the Flint Hills tallgrass prairie. Average seasonal temperatures are listed in the 50s to 70s Fahrenheit, with variable spring weather noted.

Course, aid stations and rules

Course markings include metal washers tied with ribbon on the road; some turns may have flour markings if conditions allow. Aid station setup:

• 50 Mile: five manned aid stations plus unmanned water stations; crews access at three points; drop bags available at the manned stations.
• 50K: three manned aid stations plus unmanned water stations; drop bag access at manned stations; crew access at the turnaround.
• 25K: one manned halfway turnaround aid station; unmanned water stations; no crew access at the turnaround.

Cutoff rules apply: a 15 hour overall cutoff for all distances and a required 25-mile turnaround time of seven hours for 50 mile entrants. Race rules prohibit littering, pacers, dogs on course, and unauthorized crew vehicles on course. Drop bags must be clearly labeled with runner name and bib number and handled through race staging. Shirts and finisher awards are provided to finishers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.