Hell Creek Half & 50K
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Overview
The Hell Creek Half & 50K takes place on the Switchgrass Mountain Bike Trail at Wilson State Park near Sylvan Grove, Kansas (GPS N38°54.965 W98°30.549). The single-track trail is exposed with few trees and runs alongside Wilson Lake. The course is described as rugged but runnable and is marked with ribbons, flags, and wrong-way signs.
Distances
- Half marathon - one loop of about 13 miles; includes an initial 1/3 mile on pavement.
- 50k - a 19-mile loop plus the half-marathon loop, totaling about 32 miles.
Course and aid
Elevation gain/loss: about 3000 ft for the 50k and about 1300 ft for the half marathon. There are two manned aid stations at the start/finish and at "Hell Hill." An unmanned water and Proxima C station is at mile 5, with another around mile 13 on the Hell Creek Loop (50k only). Proxima C Endurance Fuel is the electrolyte/carbohydrate drink provided. Volunteers are stationed at Hell Hill and the course is heavily marked.
Logistics and rules
Cutoff for both races is 5:00 PM. Crew access is limited to the start/finish; pacers are not allowed. Drop bags are permitted at Hell Hill and the start/finish. Minimum age is 16; under-18 runners need a guardian waiver. Runners must carry a means to hold water. State park day passes may be required. Swag: dri-fit tank top for all, half marathon finishers receive a medal, 50k finishers receive a buckle. Awards are given to the top three men and women in each distance. Refunds and bib transfers are not permitted; credit for cancellations is available on a staged schedule. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
