Wade Cherms's Staging Area

Packet pick-up is super easy. There are a lot of runners doing this race so getting your bib early is key because the store and event pick-up can get crowded.
The course is always nice because it has no loops and no repeats. There were a lot more spectators than usual (at least to me) which was super cool to see.
The weather was nice and it was actually pretty warm to start, and it didn’t get too hot as the day went on. As one that has allergies, I can’t say that the weather didn’t do much for me there. I was a mess at mile 10.
This year the finishers had a Bill Snyder bobblehead which I found to be a fantastic alternative to a medal. AND I’M A KU FAN.
The events at the finish line were super great. Seeing yourself on the stadium big screen as you finish on the 50-yard line on the football field is always fun.

Packet pickup was easy (I did mine the day prior). The race HQ was at a community center which served as the halfway aid station. This was nice as it kept the drop bags dry from the drizzling rain.
The pre-race instructions were great and left no confusion. And even more so was I could feel the pride of those that put the race on.
With the course being on mostly rural roads, there wasn’t any spectators (except a bunch of cattle and two donkeys, which I appreciated) but there was so much support from the rad volunteers at each aid station.
The course starts on a paved road for a short stretch before it turns into hard packed gravel. The hills aren’t too steep but there are plenty of them so it ads up. The course isn’t winding but there are plenty of 90 degree turns to keep it from being dull.
The race is in early April so it is very possible to catch different weather conditions during the race. This year started with cool temperatures with light drizzle. The precipitation stopped and it stayed cool for most of the race until quick downpour followed by warm sunshine. So a change of socks and shirt at the end of the first loop was a good thing.
The buckle is very nice and proudly displayed and the race shirt is soft and looks great.

Really good turnout which was nice. The course is a 10-mile loop, and all runners began at the same time which made for a very crowded first loop. There aren’t a whole lot of passing opportunities with the narrow trails. Unless you know the race loop, it could get confusing as the trail were marked with utility marking flags. The course is super challenging and fun which I really liked. The page on UltraSignup was very misleading as the photos and description didn’t match the 2026 race. The page reads a party atmosphere, yet the email post-race called it a “low key event”.
The race shirt was a nice hooded shirt. I did the 20-mile race, and I got a approx. 3″ diameter wooden plaque which cracked before I even got home. If you’re in the area at the time, give it shot for the course alone. I traveled a two-hour drive and I didn’t feel it was worth it.

Parking was easy but once I was parked, knowing where to go was confusing as there were no signs of a race where parking was. Once I went in a building where you get your packet (I got mine two days before the race) i could see the start line and the booths and so on.
The pre-race activities were amazing with the national anthem and the playing of taps.
The course had some very steep hills which made for a challenge I appreciated and went through the beautiful campus.
The race shirt was a very comfy t-shirt with a good design and the medal is of high quality and very cool (the cool part is a little biased as I am a big fan of all things KU. And I don’t live in Lawrence).
There were photographers there although I had only one of me and not even crossing the finish line.
I managed to have a good performance and took 1st place in my division. The prize was a pick your prize from a table of outstanding items. Looking forward to doing it again. Hopefully it is a little warmer because 2025 race day was a cold one.

This race was my first time ever running an a dirt trail so I didn’t really know what to expect. The first hill straight up took my lunch money but I managed to get myself together to enjoy the race and have a decent finish.
The process of signing up and packet pick-up was super easy.
Parking at the event was easy (but don’t drive your fancy lowrider because it is in the park).
The race is run on a nature preserve so there are no aid stations with beverages in cups so bring a vessel. This makes for a beautiful area to look at while you’re in a race.
I am looking forward to doing this again.

There was plenty of communication leading up to the race which as a first time participant was nice.
Parking could be hard to find if you don’t get there early but it’s not terrible.
Check in is at the beautiful gardens portion of the school which also served as the pre and post race festivities.
The course has around 140 feet of elevation and is super fast (so I’m calling it flat). There are a lot of energetic volunteers on the course and at the start/finish line which made for an enjoyable experience.
The course runs through K-State campus with a section of it on the old stadium track.
The finishers medal was very high quality and looks beautiful.
I signed up for this race because it is local and I was using it as a training run but I find myself already looking forward to doing it again if the time allows.