Cactus Roulette Endurance Event
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Event Overview
Cactus Roulette is a duration-based trail running event offering four time-based formats: 24 hour, 12 hour Owl, 12 hour Lark, and 6 hour. It is organized by the Lawrence Trail Hawks and takes place at Coneflower Campground within Clinton Lake State Park in Lawrence, Kansas. The unique format involves runners spinning a roulette wheel prior to each loop to determine which of three color-coded trail loops they will run next.
Course Details
The event uses three distinct loops that each begin and end at the central base camp. All loops are run counter-clockwise. Each loop has its own starting mat. The loops are:
- Swim Beach (Blue): A 3.6-mile technical trail with 253 feet of elevation gain.
- Cactus Ridge (Green): A 2.6-mile technical trail with 239 feet of elevation gain.
- Bunker Hill (Red): A 1.9-mile cross-country style loop with 150 feet of elevation gain over two steep climbs.
Base Camp & Amenities
The base camp at Coneflower Campground provides food, water, portable toilets, heaters, and access to personal drop bags. Live results are displayed on monitors at camp. There is space for participants to set up personal tents near base camp, with priority given to 24-hour runners.
Awards & Recognition
Every participant who starts the race receives a completion award. Awards are given for top placements in male, female, and nonbinary categories for all four time formats. First-place finishers in the 24-hour event receive a $250 cash prize, provided they complete at least 100 miles. All 24-hour runners completing 100 or more miles receive a custom belt buckle. Event swag is provided per time block and is guaranteed for registrations completed by January 9, 2027. A Cactus Roulette blanket is available for separate purchase.
Rules & Logistics
Participants are not allowed to have pacers, except for 24-hour runners who may have one pacer at a time starting at 2:00 AM on Sunday. The event does not permit dogs. All vehicles entering Clinton Lake State Park must display a valid park permit. Each time block is limited to 50 runners. Participants may choose to run as a "linked" team of up to five people, spinning the wheel together and running every loop as a group. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
