Heartland 50
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About the race
The Heartland 50 is an ultrarunning event in Cassoday, KS, scheduled for May 1, 2027. It offers multiple distance options on a largely gravel, out and back course that runs through the Flint Hills tallgrass prairie.
Distances
- 50 mile
- 50K
- 25K
The course follows backcountry gravel roads with less than one mile of paved surface and passes open range with wide prairie views. The race uses metal washers and ribbon for road markings and may use flour markings on turns when conditions permit.
Cutoffs and rules include a 15 hour overall cutoff for all distances and a 7 hour requirement to reach the 25 mile turnaround for 50 mile entrants. Pacers are not allowed. Dogs are not permitted on the course, though crews may have leashed dogs at aid stations. Entries are non transferable and runners must wear numbers on the front and check in at each manned aid station.
Aid station support varies by distance: the 50 mile has five manned aid stations plus unmanned water stations and crew access at three points; the 50K has three manned aid stations; the 25K has one manned halfway aid station. Drop bags are supported at manned aid stations and must be clearly marked with runner name and bib number and left at the start/finish staging area before race start.
All finishers receive a Sport-Tek tank top and a finisher award. Weather can be variable in spring; average lows are in the 50s and highs in the 60s and 70s. Registration closes April 19 and no deferrals are allowed after that date. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.