Tale Of Two Trails

Tale of Two Trails

Tale of Two Trails is a trail running event in Shawnee Mission Park, Shawnee, Kansas, organized by Team Sparkle on October 3, 2026. The event offers multiple distances:

• 50 Miler
• 40 Mile
• 20 Mile
• 10 Mile

The courses combine two separate trail systems in the park. The 20M, 40M, and 50M use both the North and South shore trail systems with a short paved connector; the 10M runs on a single trail system. Terrain includes smooth runnable sections, technical sections with roots and rocks, rolling hills, tree canopy, and some exposed areas. Course markings use flags, ribbons, and additional signage; participants are responsible for following the marked route.

A backup course is available if trails are closed; it is approximately 10 miles and mixes cross country, gravel, power line corridors, and paved trail with one central aid station. Aid stations are cupless; runners must bring a reusable cup. Stations are stocked with Tailwind, sodas, fruit, sandwiches and wraps, salty items, sweets, and soup later in the day. First aid kits are available but organizers do not provide NSAIDs.

Drop bags are allowed for 40M and 50M at designated locations and will be transported to Red Crossing. Cutoff time for the course is 10:00 pm based on park hours. Pacers are permitted for the 50M with restrictions and must check in and sign a waiver. Crew access and race conduct rules are specified; key rules include no littering, no hiking poles without exemption, no alcohol, no dogs, and adherence to the marked course.

Awards include overall podiums for each distance by men, women, and non-binary categories, and medals for all finishers. The event partners with the Trail Mix Fund to offer fee assistance for underrepresented communities. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.