FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...& ANSWERS

ULTRA ETIQUETTE

What is ultra (race) etiquette?
Wikipedia defines etiquette as a code of behavior that delineates expectations for social behavior according to contemporary conventional norms within a society, social class, or group. Based on this definition ultra-etiquette can be most simply and generically stated as: "Whiners will be openly scorned and ridiculed!" Yes, you read that right, and if it offends you...you are probably not really cut out for this sport and especially these particular events. Unfortunately, in the past few years, a certain elitism associated with full-blown whining has begun creeping into our beloved sport of ultrarunning and while it is certainly great that some individuals are highly competitive, it is also just as fantastic that the majority of other competitors in this sport are primarily competing with themselves. Here at FlatRock, we are totally committed to giving everyone an equal opportunity to "put their collective mettle to the test" and come out feeling like they had a "once in a lifetime experience"...even if they have competed here many times before. Thousands of hours have gone into maintaining our beautiful, rugged trail the past 16 years and thousands more have gone into all of the administration of our event(s). On each actual race weekend, hundreds of hours by dedicated volunteers are being given in front and behind the scenes, as well, to provide you the best possible "ultra-experience!" Will it be perfect, of course not (mistakes do happen sometimes)...like life, nothing ever is and our events are "works in progress" similar to all living organisms. The main point here being that you as a competitor (and any family or friends who are accompanying you) need to show up with and maintain an "attitude of gratitude" at all times here at FlatRock. Are we open to suggestions for improvement? Of course we are, and you will have an opportunity to voice your opinions in an online survey sent via email the week following our events, or you may voice them in person to the RD in a polite and courteous manner. Just please remember that ranting, complaining, whining, etc., to the RD or any race staff/volunteers, about anything, will get you nothing but laughed at...or maybe you'll get told to go call your mom or someone that will actually listen to such nonsense and care. We are doing everything we can to provide you with a truly "awesome experience" here at FlatRock, please do your part by being considerate, respectful and appreciative of all race staff & volunteers at all times.

COURSE & STAGING LOCATION

Where is the trail located and what is it like?
The trail is located on the north side of Elk City Lake, seven miles northwest of Independence, Kansas. The trail is formally known as the Elk River Hiking Trail. It is an accurately measured forest trail winding through unique limestone bluffs, rock formations and picturesque vistas...all in all, a highly technical and difficult trail. It is an out & back course for both the 50 & 25K events that is very rocky with no long hills, though many, many small ones.  Realistically, there is very little "flat" on this course, except the small portion of road that competitors cover at the start and finish of the race.  Please check out the course profile, trail description & Army Corps of Engineers trail instructions & trail map, linked below:

FlatRock Course Profile

FlatRock Trail Description

Army Corps of Engineers Trail Instuctions

Army Corps of Engineers Trail Map

How is the course marked?
The trail is very well marked with blue paint blazes on the trees and a few rocks, as well as a few blue flags and blue tape on a few trees. If you go more than 50-70 paces without seeing a blue blaze then chances are very high you have wandered off of the trail and simply need to retrace your steps back to where you find blue blazes on the trees or rocks. This is primarily the only trail located on the north side of the lake, however, there are a few horse trails and an occasional footpath that lead off of the trail...NONE of these are marked with any blue paint blazes, tape, flags, etc. It IS ultimately your responsibility to stay aware and stay on the trail. Every year a few runners do stray off of the trail, but easily find their way back on...if this happens to you, please do not rant, complain, whine, etc., to any volunteers or race staff as, once again, it is your responsibility to stay aware and stay on the trail. If you are breaking spider webs on this course, congratulations, you are in first place or you are off-course. Check out some great photos of the trail linked below:

FlatRock Trail Photos

How do I get to the race location?
The staging location for the race is on the north side of the Elk City Lake dam at the Outlet Channel Shelterhouse. There are several different ways to get here depending on which direction you are coming from. Please click on the link below which will direct you to the staging location on Google Maps where you can type in where you are coming from and get exact directions on how to get here. If you have never been here before it is highly advisable to allow yourself some extra time, especially if you are coming in the morning of the race.

Map to Staging Area

What are the starting times for both events?
The 50K will start at 7:30 AM, with pre-race briefing at 7 AM. The 25K will start at 8:30 AM with pre-race briefing at 8 AM. If you have competed here before, chances are you have heard most items contained in the RD's pre-race briefing, however, you never know if there might be some last minute changes, so it is a good idea to still attend. If you have never competed at FlatRock it is highly advisable to attend the pre-race briefing. Please note: the 50K actually starts about 1/3 of a mile from the staging (pre-race briefing) area, so it is a good idea to start heading that way shortly after the pre-race briefing, less you have a tardy start as the race has nearly always started on time. The 25K starts much closer to the staging area and only takes a few minutes to get to.

What are the course cutoff times?
10 hours for the 50K and 9 hours for the 25K. Turnaround cutoff times are 4:30 (four hours, thirty minutes) for the 50K and 4:00 (four hours) for the 25K. Cutoff times will be strictly enforced.

Are there restrooms on the course?
No. There are restrooms available at the start/finish area and at the campground about a quarter mile from the start/finish area... these can get a little congested shortly before the start of the race, so please plan accordingly.

What if I need to drop from the race?
Hopefully this will not happen to you, unfortunately, occasionally it has happened to a few runners over the history of our race. If you must drop, please go to the nearest aid station and let a volunteer know. It is imperative that you let a volunteer know if you are dropping from either event as I highly doubt you would like to pay a "search & rescue" team bill in the event you are home napping on your couch and they are out looking for you. We will do our best to get you off of the course in a timely fashion if you must drop, however, please be aware that due to the remote location of a couple aid stations this can sometimes take several hours.

Are pacers allowed and is there any crew acess on the course?
No. Pacers are not allowed in either event except under extremely rare circumstances that must be approved by the race director. There is no crew access for the 25K and limited crew access for the 50K at the Oak Ridge trailhead & the west end trailhead off of Higway 160 (50K turnaround) only. See map below:

Army Corps of Engineers Trail Map

Can I wear headphones (MP3 player) & are dogs allowed on the course?
Yes & Yes! If you want to rock out while you are enjoying our beautiful trail, have fun. Just remember that this is a very technical trail and please keep the volume at a level that you can hear faster runners screaming, "make room," coming through," "on your left," or "get the *@&* out of my way!!" We also welcome any of your four-legged friends as long as you are fully responsible for them (which would include you carrying a collapsable water dish & food) and are courteous of other runners on the course, as well as at the start/finish area. Once again though, please remember that this is a highly technical & difficult trail and unless your dog is also trained for such an adventure it would probably be best not to run with them...and please make sure you are courteous of other runners and their families/friends at the start/finish area by keeping your dog on a leash at all times.

Do I need any special shoes?
Most competitors wear running shoes and they work just fine...a few wear trail running shoes (especially if you like a stiffer sole), it's more of a personal preference than anything.

Are there showers available at the finish line?
Unfortunately no, however, we do have running water and a hose so you can clean up a bit if you like...bring your own towel, washcloth & soap. Showers are available at Elk City State Park a few miles from the finish for a small day pass fee.

What type of awards are given and is there an awards ceremony?
Overall male & female in both events, plus unique awards to all finishers of either event. Cloth race bibs and lifetime free entry to any competitor who has finished the 50K event ten consecutive years in a row, along with induction into the coveted Knights of FlatRock "Hall of Pain." Our formal awards ceremony at 6:30 PM on Saturday evening is only held for the induction of a new knight into the "Hall of Pain" and all are welcome to attend. However, finisher's awards will be handed out at the finish line upon completion of your particular event. Please make sure and pick-up your award before leaving as none will be mailed.

AID STATIONS

What is available at the fully-stocked aid stations & must I check in?
Water, Hammer Heed (electrolyte replenishment drink), soda-pop, ice, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, bananas, oranges, cookies, potato chips, peanuts, boiled potatoes, salt & rock salt.  Basic first aid supplies & vaseline.  Please note: we DO NOT provide any power gels or electrolyte capsules at the aid stations, plan accordingly. Make sure you check in at each manned aid station and that your number is recorded. Sometimes it can get a little hectic when several runners are at an aid station at the same time, however, it is your responsibility to make sure your number is recorded at ALL manned aid stations. Numbers (race bibs) must be visible at all times. Littering on the trail is, of course, strictly prohibited and may cause you to be disqualified. This includes gel packages and torn tops, Power Bar wrappers, candy wrappers or bags, or any item that was not on the course before you arrived. Please take all trash to the aid station garbage sacks and do not take cups from the aid stations. Our aid station volunteers will have posted what distance you are at (approx.) and will assist as much as possible by filling up water bottles and/or aquasacks, directing you in the correct direction and other duties. However, we do not pay these great individuals...that is why they are called volunteers. Please do not take them for granted and plan on being as self-sufficient as possible. Most importantly, please remember that volunteers are giving up many hours to help with this race and it is only possible to put it on with their assistance, please take the time to thank them profusely.

What are the distances (approx.) between aid stations?
50K
Station #1 (3.4 miles) Full Aid
Station #2 (7.2 miles) Water & Electrolyte Replacement Drink Only
Station #3 (9.6 miles) Full Aid
Station #4 (12.2 miles ) Water Only
Station #5 (15.2 miles-Turnaround) Full Aid
Station #6 (18.2 miles) Water Only
Station #7 (20.8 miles) Full Aid
Station #8 (23.2 miles) Water Only
Station #9 (27.0 miles) Full Aid
Finish Line—31 Miles
25K
Station #1 (3.9 miles ) Full Aid
Station #2 (7.7 miles-Turnaround) Water & Electrolyte Replacement Drink Only
Station #3 (11.5 miles) Full Aid
Finish Line—15.5 Miles

Should I carry a water bottle with me on the course?
Absolutely!  Even though the greatest distance between any aid stations is only 4 miles, it is still highly advisable to carry at least one water bottle with you.  In later stages of the race, it takes some competitors nearly 90 minutes to cover this distance...needless to say, that is a long time without water, especially on a hot day, which historically they have many times been here in Kansas in late September.  Please carry at least one water bottle or a small aqua-sack, Camelback, etc.

Is drop-bag service available?
Yes, for the 50K event only. We will take your drop bags to the turnaround aid station for you and return them to the finish line. Please make sure you mark your drop bag clearly with your name. No large coolers allowed, if you would like to use a small lunchmate type cooler for your drop bag that is acceptable.

FOOD, LODGING, PACKET PICK-UP & LATE REGISTRATION

Are there any meals served?
Yes, your entry fee includes a pre-race pasta dinner (complete with salad, dinner rolls & lemonade) served on Friday evening from 6-7 PM. We keep the meatballs separate from the sauce so it is "vegan friendly" as well. On Saturday, post-race, we provide midwestern style chili & watermelon (along with soda-pop & lemonade), as well as some type of multi-bean soup for the vegetarians. Your entry fee covers you and one guest for both meals...additional guests are $5 each for either meal.

What type of lodging is available?
Campsites WITHOUT electricity or showers/water are located only a few hundred yards from the staging area/Outlet Channel Group Shelterhouse. Campsites WITH electricity & showers/water are located at Elk City State Park only a couple miles from the staging area. Numerous motels are located in Independence, only 7 miles from the staging area. Click the link below for lodging locations and restaurants in Independence:

Lodging & Restaurants in Independence

When can I pick up my race packet & do you offer late registration?
Final pre-race registration & packet pick-up will be held from 3-8 PM on Friday evening. No race day registration. Packet pick-up Saturday morning from 6-8 AM.

COMMENTS

What do runners who have competed at FlatRock have to say about the event?
Aside from clinking on the menu link (upper left) entitled "Testimonials" as well as reading the rotating testimonials in the boxes at the top of the page (upper right), or going to the "Results & Reports" link on the menu (upper left) and reading several competitors blog posts from the past few years, the last two years we sent out an online "anonymous survey" to all runners who had competed at FlatRock (you, too, will have an opportunity to fill out the same survey if you compete at FlatRock this fall). One of the 14 different questions we asked them was: WHAT DID YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT FLATROCK? 71 runners took the opportunity to answer the question of what they liked most about FlatRock. Following are their answers, unedited (with the exception of spell-checking), listed exactly how we received them, in the order we received them in:

It was the most challenging course I have ever been on.

Very scenic course! First ultra I've done that I'd want to definitely come back & do as a day hike / camping trip. Surprises around each corner, nice little nooks, WATERFALL, etc! Also enjoy the crown/robe/sword.

It is a well run, staffed, excellent food, great course, beautiful trail.

The course! Awesome, this kind of trail is why I trail run!

The trail was beautiful. I liked the A1 station playing music so I knew I was getting close to SOMEWHERE! I liked the announcing at the finish.

Flatrock is unique. Elevation change and rocks make you concentrate all the time. I think you either love or hate the course. Great volunteers. My thanks to all that make this race such a great experience.

The terrain was the most challenging thing I have ever put my body through and I hope the next year my overall time and splits will be faster The volunteers and everyone else behind the scenes made this race perfect.

Sense of adventure; attitude of volunteers and participants; natural setting and feeling of wilderness.

Tough question--it's a love/hate thing...I love the trail and despise it at the same time. Some sadist in me keeps me coming back for more. Truly, it's the atmosphere of the entire event. Even nonrunners can appreciate it.

Rugged trail, great contrast to most races.

I liked the people that I met on the course and ended up running with. Eric was great and they made me feel like a winner when I came out of the woods at the finish.

Beautiful challenging course, well marked.

Several things. The meals - not only were they good, but, that gave us a chance to get to know each other - rather than showing up for a race and heading home - turned it into a weekend event. Also, one of my favorite things was at the end (after the long, lonely 1/2 mile of road heading to the finish line) the guy (don't recall his name - 1st one into the Hall of Pain) that called out EACH persons name, etc. as they were almost finished - and, everyone at the finish line cheering. Also, the COLD water/gatorade at the aid stations. Thanks for everything including all of the fine details.

It was so well organized and the entire event was FUN!

The trail was beautiful and challenging.

I like the tough course.

The incredibly beautiful area, trees, rock formations, view of the lake, etc. The weather was fantastic. The camaraderie of the runners and all the help from the support staff.

Great atmosphere. Beautiful scenery. Great people (organizers and participants).

Well done trail run!!!

Well marked and challenging course.

FlatRock is an awesome mental and physical challenge. I enjoyed the constant challenge of the terrain.

The race was well-organized. But the best thing about it was the camaraderie on the trail. The other runners were wonderful and fun!

I loved the challenge. It was the most challenging 50k trail run that I have run to date. Loved it!

Encouraging family feel to the whole thing!

The challenging course and friendly volunteers.

I've been to a lot of friendly races with the KC Trail Nerds but this was just as friendly, especially for people I had never met before (it was my first FlatRock). Everyone was helpful and the course was truly one of the most stunningly beautiful and challenging at the same time that I have ever ran.

Great "small race", friendly volunteers, and very well-marked course.

Varied terrain, beautiful run!

Very tough challenging course.

It was the most challenging trail race I've ever completed. I absolutely loved it. I was able to push myself mentally and physically to meet one of my goals. Thank you for taking time out of your life to help me better myself.

The challenge of the course.

Atmosphere, time of year, variety of terrain, attitudes of organizers & volunteers.

Not too easy course. Also, the course is beautiful -- don't get to go thru terrain like that very often, with the waterfall, in between huge rock walls, etc.

THE VOLUNTEERS, THE COURSE, PAY HALF PRICE FOR NEXT YEAR!

I liked that the course had a variety of terrain and that the aid stations had PB&J. I enjoyed being able to camp on site with other runners and being able to take pics with my fellow runners.

The tough course and the happy volunteers!

Beautiful course.

The course. Flatrock is my favorite 50k!

The race was great, the help was fantastic, I will be back to run again and I will bring more with me.

It was a challenge (25K). Everything well organized.

The challenging course!

The challenge!

Challenging course, but well marked and a great finish. Thank you, I enjoyed the course and the difficult terrain for the most part.

Scenery, trail conditions, post-race meal/discussions, excellent shirt this year.

Finishing!

Tough to say, but I will say the race director and volunteers since everything went so smoothly.

The tough ass course, the camaraderie before and after, just so much fun!

It was the most challenging course I've ever run which made me push even harder. It was quite a battle.

I like it because it is a small race. The course is a real treasure. I am sure if more people saw the venue, they would come every year. The chili was outstanding.

It was my first trail run, I liked the friendly people, the beautiful scenery, and the thrill of accomplishing something great at the end of the day.

It is a beautiful run with different terrain through-out.

Camaraderie - I like races that are held in more secluded location, have a "base camp" and encourage people to hang out for an extended period.

The overall experience. The great trail, awesome volunteers, and memorable campfire make it the best weekend of the year!

The challenge and the friendly/family atmosphere.

Great weather. Good people. Not a bad word spoken.

The challenge of the course!

The challenge and the friendly/family atmosphere.

Technical single-track.

Friendly people.

I like many things about Flatrock but what makes me come back to this run is the difficulty and beauty of the course.

Simply being around trail runners - people who think like me and have a good time while pushing themselves.

The volunteers and participants! I love the small race atmosphere, everyone was very friendly.

The beauty and challenge of the course!

The trail was beautiful and very rewarding. All the volunteers at the aid stations were great. I particularly enjoyed the heavy metal at Aid Station #1.

The unknown.

THE RACE DIRECTOR AND VOLUNTEERS ARE AWESOME!!! THE SCENERY IS NOT TOO BAD EITHER.

The challenge it presents throughout the entire course!

The challenge that it is, and the sense of accomplishment you feel when you finish it.

Really appreciated the challenge of the 25k course. Would like to try the 50k next year but will need a lot more training on a technical course…just a lot more thinking that has to go into the run with all of the footing changes that have to be watched. Great challenging course though.

A great group of people with wide-ranging abilities, coming together and taking on a major physical challenge with positive attitudes, guts, and passion. That's an awesome thing to be part of, whether one crosses the line first or last!

The course, the volunteers, the music at aid station 1 (and 3 if you were doing the 25K).