Free State Trail Run

Free State Trail Run - October 11, 2026

The event is organized by Trail Nerds in the Meriden/Ozawkie, KS area near Lake Perry. It is staged on single-track trails through hardwood forest and follows a looped course designed for multiple distance options.

• 40 Mile - six loops of 6.75 miles
• Marathon - four loops of 6.75 miles
• Half Marathon - two loops of 6.75 miles
• Quarter Marathon (6.5 miles) - one loop

The course is 100% single-track, rocky and technical, with occasional views of Lake Perry. Each loop is 6.75 miles with about 752 ft of ascent and 752 ft of descent. Directional reflective arrow signs and wrong-way signs are placed at trail intersections.

Aid support includes a staffed start/finish aid station with water, sports drink, Coke, ginger ale and food items. Remote unstaffed water stations are located at mile 2.6 and mile 4.3 and provide water only; runners should carry a hydration device since cups are not provided at remote stations. Full aid and porta-potties are available only at the start/finish area.

Timing is manual; bibs must be worn visibly on the front of the body. All finishers receive distance-specific hardware; 40 mile finishers also receive finisher caps. T-shirt and logo mug are provided to participants who register before October 2. Finish place awards are given to the top three male and female finishers per distance, plus awards for silliest costume.

One drop bag is permitted for all distances except the quarter marathon; drop bags must be labeled and left near the start/finish area. Human pacers are allowed only for the 40 mile distance and only for the final two loops, with one pacer per runner and a waiver required. Canine pacers are permitted up to the half marathon with a completed rules form. A small state park fee applies near the start/finish and parking is limited to grass or adjacent dirt road unless designated as volunteer parking. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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