Heartland - Cassoday, KS

Heartland : Cassoday, KS

Heartland is a multi-distance ultrarunning event held in Cassoday, Kansas, on rural roads through the Flint Hills tallgrass prairie. The courses are primarily backcountry gravel and dirt roads with about 1% paved surface through Cassoday. The 100-mile course includes rolling hills and about 6,000 feet of climb. Much of the route passes open range with wide prairie views.

Distances offered include:

• 125 mile
• 100 mile
• 100 kilometer
• Teter Rock 100 kilometer
• 50 mile
• Marathon (point to point with a 1.2 mile loop in Cassoday)
• Half marathon (Teter Rock out and back)

Aid and crew support is detailed by distance: 22 aid stations for the 100 mile with an additional roving/mobile aid station for the 125 mile, 14 aid stations for the 100K, 12 for the 50 mile, and 6 for the marathon. Crew access and drop bag locations vary by distance. Pacers are permitted from Matfield Green aid station to the finish; only one pacer may accompany a runner at a time and pacers must meet the event requirements. Time limits apply by distance (for example, the 125 mile has a 38 hour limit; 100 mile and 100K have 30 hour limits).

The 125 mile option is described as a graduate level route with minimal markings on the extra miles; participants on that course receive maps and must use reflective gear for the first night. Standard race rules cover numbering, littering, crew conduct, and safety around livestock. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.