Royal Oaks Sunrise Trail Race

Royal Oaks Sunrise Trail Race

Scheduled for August 22, 2026 in Kirksville, Missouri, this off road trail event starts and ends at the Royal Oaks Trailhead in the Big Creek Conservation Area and uses sections of Thousand Hills State Park. The course follows Royal Oaks Ridge and passes near Forest Lake, where runners see the sunrise.

Distances

• 10K
• 5K

The 10K course continues counter-clockwise on the Rainbow Basin Loop. The 5K is an out-and-back along Royal Oaks Ridge. All sections of both courses are off road.

Runner support includes one aid station located at 1.5 miles and at 4.5 miles, the latter serving as the turnaround for 5K participants. There is no packet pick-up; participants check in on race day at the start/finish line to receive their race bibs.

The event is a fundraiser for the Forest Lake Area Trail System. Trucker hats are available for purchase and all race proceeds benefit FLATS. Awards include free entry into the FLATS Trail Half Marathon for the overall 10K male and female winners, trucker hats for age division winners and overall 5K winners, and a commemorative car sticker for all finishers. Course records are Men 38:27 and Women 44:19.

Organizers note that parking at the Royal Oaks Trailhead is limited and encourage carpooling. The race is held rain or shine; management may delay, cancel, or alter the course for safety. Registration is nonrefundable; entries may be transferred through the event registration system by August 20. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.