This was not only the inaugural running of the Mile 0 Flint Hills Trail Run, but was the first race done on the newly constructed east end of the trail. … MORE
This was not only the inaugural running of the Mile 0 Flint Hills Trail Run, but was the first race done on the newly constructed east end of the trail. The trailhead was impressive with a depot-style kiosk with historical information about the area and a nice iron archway in a local style. There was some loose gravel right at the start, but most of the rest of the trail was nicely groomed and smooth with a crushed limestone surface. One of the prettiest sections of the trail were between about mile 5 and 6 where it bordered the Marais Des Cygnes River. Even where the trail wasn’t right next to the river, it went alongside the wooded bluffs of the river valley made up of chert (flint) embedded limestone, the namesake of the “Flint Hills.” About a mile before the trail reaches the small town of Ratoul, the land opens up into open grassland, but most of the rest of the trail is bordered by shade-bearing trees.
The race was very well organized with police monitoring the places where the trail crossed public roads and a system where runners were checked in and out of the aid stations which were spaced a maximum of about 5 miles apart. Aid stations were typical of most ultras with PB&J sandwiches, fruit chews, pretzels, chips, cookies, donuts, and a good selection of soft drinks. I must have looked like I was in bad shape at one of the last aid stations as I was even offered some Fireball whiskey, which I declined. Finisher awards were made of wood, and we were offered soft drinks, pork sliders, breakfast burritos, and chips at the finish. Professional photographers were also seen along the trail.
All in all, the race was professionally run and was organized like a well-polished machine. It’s too bad that this is so far away from where I live as I would like to do it again and spend a little more time in the area.
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Where's the hills?
This was not only the inaugural running of the Mile 0 Flint Hills Trail Run, but was the first race done on the newly constructed east end of the trail. … MORE
This was not only the inaugural running of the Mile 0 Flint Hills Trail Run, but was the first race done on the newly constructed east end of the trail. The trailhead was impressive with a depot-style kiosk with historical information about the area and a nice iron archway in a local style. There was some loose gravel right at the start, but most of the rest of the trail was nicely groomed and smooth with a crushed limestone surface. One of the prettiest sections of the trail were between about mile 5 and 6 where it bordered the Marais Des Cygnes River. Even where the trail wasn’t right next to the river, it went alongside the wooded bluffs of the river valley made up of chert (flint) embedded limestone, the namesake of the “Flint Hills.” About a mile before the trail reaches the small town of Ratoul, the land opens up into open grassland, but most of the rest of the trail is bordered by shade-bearing trees.
The race was very well organized with police monitoring the places where the trail crossed public roads and a system where runners were checked in and out of the aid stations which were spaced a maximum of about 5 miles apart. Aid stations were typical of most ultras with PB&J sandwiches, fruit chews, pretzels, chips, cookies, donuts, and a good selection of soft drinks. I must have looked like I was in bad shape at one of the last aid stations as I was even offered some Fireball whiskey, which I declined. Finisher awards were made of wood, and we were offered soft drinks, pork sliders, breakfast burritos, and chips at the finish. Professional photographers were also seen along the trail.
All in all, the race was professionally run and was organized like a well-polished machine. It’s too bad that this is so far away from where I live as I would like to do it again and spend a little more time in the area.
Fantastic 1st time event
The mile 0 Flint hills trail run had 3 distances, all along a mostly flat reclaimed rail line. A few well guarded road crossings, well stocked aid stations, and some … MORE
The mile 0 Flint hills trail run had 3 distances, all along a mostly flat reclaimed rail line. A few well guarded road crossings, well stocked aid stations, and some VERY unique scenery made this one of my top races this year. I recommend this race for all skill levels. I would do this race again. The swag is excellent, the medal is the logo burned on wood (very cool). The volunteers rock! The port-o-johns are clean. You can tell this is a race planned by runners.