FLATS Trail Half Marathon
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Start Time: 8:30 AM CT
Location: Kirksville, MO
Race Description: For 15 years, the F*L*A*T*S Trail Half Marathon has tested veteran trail runners and welcomed hundreds of new trail runners into the fold. Along with miles of lovingly maintained trails, the point-to-point course offers seven well-stocked aid stations, gorgeous views, more rock, hills, and roots than you can count, enthusiastic volunteers to cheer you on, a carefully marked course, custom age-group awards, prize money, the softest t-shirt in the whole universe, custom finishers medals, and a festive post-race celebration. All proceeds go to the Forest Lake Area Trail System to support trail building and maintenance in Adair County, Missouri.
Awards: First-place female, male, and nonbinary finishers win $150 each, second-place $75 each, third-place $25 each. If you both win AND set a new course record total prize money is $250 ($150 for first place and a $100 course record bonus)! The top three female, male, and nonbinary finishers in each age group will receive a commemorative FLATS Trail Half Marathon pint glass.
Age Groups: 19 and under, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, 70 and over
Runner Support: 7 aid stations on the course. Water, sports drink, snacks, and gels will be provided. The finish line will have water, sports drink, soft drinks, pizza, and snacks. The cutoff for an official finish time will be 12:30 p.m.
Registration Policy: Up to two weeks before the race: 50% credit towards next year's event. Up to October 2, 2026: transfer entry to another runner. All transfers and refunds must be processed through ultrasignup.com.
Packet Pick-up: Friday, October 2nd at ATSU Thompson Campus Center (210 S. Osteopathy, Kirksville, MO, 63501) between Noon and 7:00 p.m. Race morning at the Marina beginning at 7:00 a.m.
Shuttle: A shuttle bus will run from the finish line at Jackson Stables to the start at Thousand Hills State Park Marina. Racers taking the shuttle should park at the finish line race morning and be ready to board by 7:15 a.m.
Gear Drop: One bag per person will be delivered from the starting line to the finish line.
Inclusive Running: The event supports under-served and under-represented runners through the Trail Mix Fund and adheres to Trail Sisters Approved Standards, offering nonbinary registration and equal podiums/prize money.
Inclement Weather Policy: Run rain or shine. Management reserves the right to delay, cancel, or modify the race/course for safety.
