Slough and Steady

Slough & Steady

Slough & Steady is a multi-distance trail event near Apple Valley in Ozawkie, KS, held on the Perry Lake trail system. The event offers these distances:

• 125 Mile
• 100K
• 50K
• 25K

The Perry Lake trail is divided into five sections. The 50K loop includes about 3,300 feet of elevation gain. Trail route marking is blue paint on trees and posts, with occasional reflective blue arrows; a double blue mark signals a distinct right or left turn. Markers should be visible in December.

The course starts and finishes at Apple Valley. The first section runs north through Longview Park, along woodlands and Lake Perry shorelines, and includes several high bluffs. An unmanned water drop sits 4.7 miles into that section, and 3.5 miles later runners reach the Old Military Trail trailhead and the first fully stocked manned aid station. That aid station is the turnaround for the 25K, which returns to the start via the same route. Bald eagles can sometimes be seen in this area.

Subsequent sections travel northeast along Little Slough Creek, then south on runnable gravel via Kiowa Road and 82nd Street, followed by a remote wooded and field section with additional manned aid at Slough Creek boat ramp and campground. The final section runs north for about 6 miles back to Apple Valley and includes open fields, woodlands, lake views, and a creek crossing that may involve wet feet depending on conditions. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.