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Ben Smoker (40-Mile)
Short Video Clip of Red Trail (Ron Ruhs)
Comments:
Ben,
Thank you very much for putting on such a terrific race. I was very impressed with the organization
and hard work you put into all of the events. A big thank you also to all of the volunteers.
When I got back to San Diego
and looked at the race online, I was pleasantly surprised to find the link to the photographer's website who was offering
free downloads of the pictures so I could share the wonderful experience with my friends and family. It was a terrific race
with top notch, A+ race directing.
Thanks again for everything. No poison oak, never lost.
See you next year,
- Ben Hian (100K winner & record-setter)
Thank you for organizing the race. Although it was my first
trail marathon, I think I have fallen in love with trail racing. It is much more challenging than road racing. I look forward
to participating in the future. Thanks again!!!
- Brian D. Smith
Thank you so much Ben. Volunteers were great
as always but that's a trail nerd event for you. ;)
- Ammanda Warren
Thanks for having a quality event!
See you in July!
- Andy Emerson
Thanks for hosting this wonderful event. Psycho Wyco and Free State are the two best races
I've done. I am now thinking about the Psycho Psummer (event).
- Xiao Geng
Thanks, as always, for running
a great event. I've done every Nerd Event so far this year, and plan to keep that streak alive.
- Alex Beecher
My first Trail Nerd race and it was an absolute blast, thanks to everyone and that chili was
incredible. Maybe next year I'll break 13hrs.
- Kevin Brown
Thanks Ben and crew.
- Gregg Mrkvicka
As always...awesome job by Bad Ben and all the volunteers. Mucho thanks to all. Cheers.
- Jeff Bird
Ben, thank you so much for putting on this event. I did the marathon and had a blast. It was
my first official trail race and I plan to be back next year. I appreciate all you and the volunteers did to help us through
the course. - Peter Benson
Hi Ben. I ran the Free State Trails 40 miler this past Saturday.
Not only was this my first 40 miler but it was also my first time to Kansas. I wanted to tell you how awesome I thought the
race was. Not only was the race very well organized, but it was very well marked so there was no question that I was going
the correct way. The volunteers were beyond awesome! They made sure I had what I needed to make through. You have gorgeous
trails there, that I wish I had more time to explore and enjoy via my running sneakers and my mt bike. The FREE pictures were
also a very pleasant surprise. The fact that we had a gorgeous day just made the experience all the better. I may have to
come back next year and earn myself a 100k belt buckle. :-)
Thanks again. -Corinna Stitt
Awesome event! You rock.
I'll be back next year!!!
- J. Gibson
Great race. Thanks for putting it on.
-
Chris Nicely
Thanks for a great event. Trail Nerd event bring out the best people
because it is put on & worked by the best people. You rock like no other.
- Brian Warren
Thank you for everythng yesterday... was awesome making Free State
my first Marathon 2 years ago... and my very first buckle this year!!!
- Erin Miller
Utterly fantastic job
you did on this one – completely outdid yourself. I think we should probably also thank God for fantastic weather
leading up to the event and on the day, making a great event even better.
- Ben Smoker
Hello Ben,
I ran the Free State Trail Marathon
this past weekend. Just wanted to say "thank you" to you and all your volunteers for putting on such a great event.
This was my 32nd marathon overall, but my first on the trail. What a fabulous experience! The terrain was rough and unforgiving
just as I had expected and strangely hoped it would be. I had a great time (as in race experience, not finish time)!! Well
worth the road-trip from MN. Good luck to you and all the trail nerds with your future events.
- Michael Iserman, CSCS,
ACSM-HFS, ACE-AHFS
President - Minnesota Distance Running Association (MDRA)
I'm guessing nobody else has mentioned this AT ALL, in any way,
shape, or form, and I'll be the ONLY one to do so (yes, sarcasm), but.... fanfuckingtastic race as usual. There aren't
any races out there that can hold a candle to the heart and soul of a Trail Nerd race. My favorite quote from yesterday's
pre-race instructions... "If you get lost...you're an idiot and deserve to be brought down by natural selection."
Or something along those lines. Thanks again for a wonderful event. I want a belt buckle next year. - Danny Loental
Race Details Location: Clinton Lake State Park, in Lawrence, Kansas
40-miler & 100Km start: 7:00 AM, Marathon start & 1/2 start: 8:00 AM Loop course on rocky & hilly single-track trails.
Amenities: Food, gels, water and sports drink at the manned aid stations. Post
race meal, regular and vegan. Post-race showers will be available right next to the race finish area, this year. Nicely-designed,
technical event shirts, a logo'd mug, & unique finisher's "hardware." The
marathon, half, and 40-mile finishers get custom medals, and the 100-Km finishers get a custom-made pewter belt buckle. Camping and showers are available within the State Park.
Prizes for age group winners.
Race director:
"A major shout-out is due to
the Kansas City Trail Nerds. They have done such a phenomenal job in organizing KC metro area trail races, and yesterday was
no exception. Their volunteers are always gracious, the courses at races are well-marked, aid stations are stocked to the
gills, and they just have their overall act together. Some race organizers should follow their lead and take logistics lessons
from the KC Trail Nerds."
- NYC Native (More Here)
"Your races are some of the best around in my eyes. You choose great trails
to have the races on and the staff and volunteers that man the aid stations are always great and extremely helpful. I think
you have some of the best aid station workers of any trail race I've participated in. The overall organization and feel
of the race is superb."
- Jeremy Duncan, Trail Runner Magazine
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| Photos by Dick Ross, seekcrun.com |
Course: A loop course on rocky single-track trails. "But it's Kansas, how tough could it be?"
The marathon course is one very-large 26.2-mile loop. The 40-mile course consists of two 20+ mile
loops. The 100-Km course is three 20+ mile loops. The 1/2-marathon is one loop of singletrack trails. Map of Courses.
Location: In beautiful Clinton State Park,
in Lawrence, Kansas.
Date: Saturday, April 21, 2012
Start times: 7:00 a.m. for the 100K & 40-Miler. 8:00 a.m. for the Marathon and Half-Marathon. Chip timing will be used for all
event distances.
Shirts: Well-designed technical t-shirts for all participants that enter prior to April 1, 2012. No guarantee of a shirt or
proper size for later registrants.
Mugs:
All Entrants in all distances will receive a race logo mug!
Finishers' Medals: Finishers of the 100K will receive a pewter belt buckle. 40-Miler, Marathon and ½-Marathon finishers will receive a large, heavy, finisher's medal! All finishers will also receive a special (distance-specific) oval car stickers!
Food: We will have hot food and cold drinks for all participants after your race; regular and vegan. Showers
are available, 1/2-mile from the race start/finish.
Entry Fees: | Received before: | 1-Apr | 12-Apr | 20-Apr | | 100-Kilometer | $70 | $85 | $100 | | 40-Mile | $70 | $85 | $100 | | Trail
Marathon | $60 | $80 | $90 | | Half-Marathon | $50 | $60 | $70 |
Airport: Fly in to Kansas City International airport, (MCI). The race Start/Finish is just a one
hour drive from the airport. Map and directions.
Lodging and Restaurants: There are many lodging and dining opportunities within 5 miles from the race. Camping is available, within 1/2-mile of the race location.
Packet Pickup: Packet Pickup will be at Garry Gribbles
Running Sports, (839 Massachusettes St, Lawrence, KS) from Noon to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 20, 2012. There will also be
late packet pickup on race day at the start/finish area, one hour prior to your race.
FAQ (Frequently Asked
Questions): Click Here
Questions? Email Ben: badbendrs@yahoo.com
Phone: 816-810-0440
Race Reports, Photos, and Results for previous years.
| Join this Race's FB Page: |
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See all of our events HERE.
It's a Family Affair:
| A Dick Ross Photo, SeeKCRun.com |
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| Ben Holmes with Jason Dunn and his Trailrunning kids! |
Sponsors:
 Official Hotel of the Free State Trail Run:
 (Just 37 minutes from the race)
Hyatt Place Topeka is conveniently located off the Wanamaker Road Exit & I-70, close to the movie theaters &
two restaurants; just north of all the entertainment on Wanamaker Rd. Our regular corporate rate is $129
and we are listed as the #1 hotel in Trip Advisor.
The Hyatt Place Topeka offers any
Trail Nerd running event attendees or family members a rate of $89 per night.
During your stay you can
enjoy Hyatt’s full bar featuring our signature wine and Starbucks® coffee drinks
at the Bakery Café. Our 24/7 Guest Kitchen offers café-quality meals and snacks along with
a hot complimentary continental breakfast daily. Additional amenities include a business center, an outdoor
pool, on-site Guest Laundry, a Fitness Center w/free weights and a Refrigerator in every room. Enjoy Hyatt Place’s extended modern guestrooms,
complimentary Wi-Fi and 42” flat-panel HDTV with plug-and-play. The plush Hyatt Grand
Bed™ guarantees you will wake up refreshed.
Hyatt Place Topeka
6021 SW 6th Ave
Topeka, KS 66615
Contact:
Meagan Blume-Sales Coord.-Hyatt
Place Topeka /
6021 SW 6th Ave/ Topeka , KS 66615 /
Tel: 785-338-9731/ Fax: 785-273-1423
Meagan.Blume@hyattplacetopeka.com
Map from Hyatt to Race Start.
2011 Race
Half-Marathon2011 Race Reports:
A major shout-out is due to the Kansas City Trail Nerds. They have done such a
phenomenal job in organizing KC metro area trail races, and yesterday was no exception. Their volunteers are always gracious,
the courses at races are well-marked, aid stations are stocked to the gills, and they just have their overall act together.
Some race organizers should follow their lead and take logistics lessons from the KC Trail Nerds.
- NYC Native More HereMarathon by Halky
100K By Darin (Race Winner)
100K By Jay40-Miler by David (three-time Race Winner)
Marathon By IndiHalf-Marathon by Chris
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| Photo by Dick Ross |
Map to Start / Finish area below:
View Larger Map
Special
Safety Information
Your safety is our primary concern. In the event of severe weather (lightning, flooding, winds above 25 MPH, or tornado), we will shut the
race down. This happened at about 6:30 p.m. for the 2009 race. In the event of a tornado siren sounding, please find your way to a cinder-block picnic/campground shelter
and wait for the sirens and danger to subside. Or, if severe winds suddenly hit your location, lay down in a ditch or low spot (that hasn’t yet filled with
water), and put your hands over your head. After the danger has passed, make
your way to a paved road crossing or to a staffed aid station, so that we can get you back to your car or civilization, (such
as it is in Kansas).
No Cups!
There will be plenty of aid along the course, but
we must insist (for your safety) that you carry a water bottle or hydration system with you. You will
be disqualified for not carrying such.
There will be no cups at the unstaffed aid stations
so you will need to have something (other than your hands or mouth) to put the water into.
Race Instructions
Speed Limits and ParkingObey all speed limits, signage, and parking regulations
while driving in the park. When arriving, stop at the front gate and pay the park entrance fee.
Watch for wild animals crossing the roads. Race Day Start Times40-miler & 100Km start: 7:00 AM, Marathon & Half-Marathon start: 8:00 AMShow up on race day about 1-hour
prior to your race’s start time. Please check-in at the registration table. Race BibsPlease pin your bib number to the FRONT of you somewhere, so that it is VISIBLE. This race is not
chip-timed, so we will need to see your bib number, to have an accounting of you in the results. No Littering!Littering on the course will not be tolerated and will result in removal from the race and
the results. Flashlights or headlamps WILL BE REQUIRED to navigate the
trails after dark. Each runner/pacer should plan accordingly. Backup batteries or flashlights are important. Special Weather-related Safety InformationYour safety is our primary concern. In the event of severe weather (lightning,
flooding, winds above 25 MPH, or tornado), we will shut the race down. In the event of a tornado
siren sounding, please find your way to a cinder-block picnic/campground shelter and wait for the sirens and danger to subside.
Or, if severe winds suddenly hit your location, lay down in a ditch or low spot (that hasn’t yet filled
with water), and put your hands over your head. After the danger has passed, make your way to a paved road
crossing or to a staffed aid station, so that we can get you back to your car or civilization. Injury ReportingIf you sustain any type of injury while on the course, you must report it to the next aid station. We will have trained EMT’s
on staff to assess and/or treat minor injuries. If you sustain an injury that is deemed by the EMT staff
to need further medical attention, you will not be allowed to continue in the race, and will be driven to an area hospital
by our staff or by ambulance.
Cut-off TimesIn the interest of your safety, there will be a 10:30
p.m. cut-off time for leaving the Army Corp of Engineer's (KUS) Aid Station, for the 100K. There is also a cut-off at 10 p.m. at the Land's End aid station prior
to the KUS station. For the 40-miler, you had better reach the Army Corp of Engineer's Aid Station by 8:30
pm. This would be an average pace of 2.35 MPH, or a pace of 25-minutes, 30 seconds per mile.
Main Aid Station Cut-off: There will be a 5:15 p.m. cut-off for leaving the Main Aid Station for the 100K, and 3:15 p.m., for the 40-Mile, before heading-out on your
last loop. This (main aid station cut-off) may seem severe, but after dark, this course takes on a new aura. Basically,
if you make that cut-off, you should be able to hike the last loop, and make it to the finish in time.
Make sure that you have adequate lighting for the trail, after dark! If you don't have lighting, you will be pulled
from the race. Dropping-down to another Distance
or dropping-out of the race: You can change your distance before the race until April 12th, by emailing Bad Ben. And during
the race, if
you've bit-off more than you can chew, you can always drop, but you will need to notify the results team, so we aren't searching for you. If you're running the 100K and drop down a
loop (to 40 miles), you will get a 40-mile finisher's medal, but you will not be counted in your new distance's
results; you will be in a separate "dropped to 40-Mile category." No Cups at Unstaffed Aid Stations! A Hydration Device
is Required Equipment:There
will be plenty of aid along the course, but we must insist (for your own safety) that you carry a water bottle or
hydration system with you. You will be disqualified for not carrying such. There will be no cups at the unstaffed aid stations, and at the staffed aid stations, cups will be used
mainly for sports drinks, coke, hot soup or hot drinks, so you will need to have something (other than your hands or
mouth) to put the water into. Sustainabilty issues are a part of
our mission statement. We are dedicated to reducing waste and recycling as much as is currently possible. Aid Stations:
There will be 3 staffed aid stations along the course. There will also be at least three
un-staffed aid stations. You will travel no more than 3-1/2 miles between aid stations. But keep in mind,
that distance on the trail can take much longer than on pavement.
The aid station volunteers are very experienced ultra-runners, and are there to help you. If
you are having a problem of some kind, just ask an aid station volunteer for a potential solution. They may be able
to help you. Make sure you are checked in at each aid station (have your number visible on your front side), for they will
record your number and time into the station. Limited first aid will be available at the stations as well as bug repellent,
Vaseline, and sunscreen.
The staffed stations will have the following food and drink:
Water
SUCCEED
Ultra (orange flavored)
Coke, Ginger Ale Pretzels, Crackers, Cookies, Chips
Fruit, such as bananas, watermelon, canteloupe
Electrolytes:
SUCCEED!
They may also have coffee, potato soup, chicken noodle soup, sandwiches, candy, soup and other assorted
food for runners and pacers. Remember: If you carry a cup or bowl out of an aid station please carry it to the next station.
Ice will be typically be available at the KUS and Main (staffed) aid stations. Drop bags:
Drop bags are only allowed for the 40-Mile and 100-K races. At the morning check-in you will be given the opportunity to leave 2 drop
bags, one for the start/finish area and one which will be transported to the Army Corp of Engineer’s (KUS) aid station
out on the course. Write your name, and bib number onto each bag. These two locations will give you access to your bags at
ten mile intervals, which should be about perfect. You should have a flashlight or headlamp stashed in both locations, for
your personal safety when dusk falls. You will have to pick-up your drop bag from the Army Corp of Engineer’s
(KUS) aid station yourself, after the race, on your way out of the park. Please keep these bags down to a reasonable size, and secure or pad any "breakable" items. No ice chests larger
than 6-pack size. Absolutely no styrofoam coolers. Rule of thumb: A large drop bag should be no larger than a large shoe box,
and weigh no more than 6 lbs. Any bags left at the race will be discarded, or the items contained within will be given
to charity.
Trail Markings:
The course is marked with yellow signs that will tell you "right turn," "left turn,"
"straight ahead," and "wrong way." We will mark the course with ground flags and or ribbons at important
intersections or turns. Care must be taken when crossing roadways!
Pacers:
Pacers are allowed on the
course for the last 20 miles of the 40-Mile race, and the last 40 miles of the 100-kilometer race. Pacers are not allowed
to be a "pack mule" for their runner, and should be fairly self-sufficient. Pacers need not pay, but must sign the
waiver and be issued a numbered pacer race bib. Pacers can enjoy all of the food/hydration/service of the aid stations, but
must not be an "overbearing burden" upon the race organization (or their assigned runner). We reserve the right
to pull any pacer who we deem as "burdensome" either to us or to their runner. Dogs as Pacers:We are a dog-friendly bunch, within reason. You
can run with your (well-mannered) dog, but it must be on a leash, and you must not let it get entangled with another
runner. Your dog will be issued a bib number that needs to be attached (with your name and cell # written on
it with a sharpie). Your dog will be included in the official results, if you sign it in at the starting line.
There is no additional cost to you. Please keep in mind that we won't allow any cruelty to animals, so you must
attest to your dog's "trail conditioning." If it appears that your dog is heat-stressed or otherwise
physically stressed or injured, we will ask you to pull out of the race and seek out veterinary help. Please provide water
and food for your dog. You can refill your dog's water at the aid stations. Post-Race Meal
Upon completion of the race, participants (and one guest or crew member) can enjoy post-race
food near the start/finish area. This year, we will have Sophia's homemade vegan lentil soup, Johnsonville
brats and hot dogs. If you bring more than one guest or crew member, they are welcome to enjoy post-race food for a
$5 donation per person. The aid station table food is for PARTICIPANTS, ONLY. Important Phone NumbersVolunteer Coordinator & Logistics Director (Sophia Wharton): 816-808-7758Race Direction: Ben Holmes 816-810-0440 $$$ to the TrailsNote: A large portion of the 2011 race’s net proceeds will go to the Kansas Trails Council exclusively
for the Clinton North Shore Trails "Friends of the Trail" Fund. So the actual trail that you will be running on, will receive the funds from the race! Many
of the improvements to this trail system for the past 5 years, were paid for by this race.
Please ask for "discount codes" for active service members and coaches, for online entry.
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| Photo by Rick Mayo |
Sophia
& Ben:
I want
to salute the two of you as the race directors most invested in the participants of any event I've seen. Your personal attention at the packet pick up and breaking away to "talk trail shoes" with registrants,
to ALL of the photos of
presenting the medals to each runner, shaking their hands, photo ops, MEDALING THE DOGS (OMG!!!)--I cry about
not having my running companion their (7 year-old husky-shepard mix, but he's testy at times).
Anyway--you two made the race memories for me. But even more--the photo
you've posted on the site speaks VOLUMES!!!! It became my favorite running photo
of all time (and I've done 37 marathons, 5 minis, multiple shorts)--Ben holding the medal, Sophia looking on, and runner 241
stopping with outstretched arms to say "Wait, my real reward is running this way!" Now
THAT puts it in perspective.
God
bless your future together--it doesn't take long to see what a great thing you have going as a couple and as the organizers
of a wonderful athletic organization.
DRFTYACF!
(Don't Run Faster Than Your Angel Can Fly!)
Todd
Baxter (and Salvador--my running partner)
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| Photo by Ben Holmes |
| Kansas Skies at 2010 Free State Trail Run |
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| Photo by Dick Ross |
Additional InformationCourses
are on unpaved, 100% single-track trails, with rocks, exposed roots and beautiful woods; mostly shaded. Note: A large portion
of each year's race’s net proceeds will go to the Kansas Trails Council exclusively for the Clinton North
Shore Trails "Friends of the Trail" Fund. If you would like to donate more to the fund, please write a check for race day
to "Friends of the Trail Fund."
Yes, the Trail Nerds are a GeNerdous bunch!
The Trail Nerds give back more than labor to the trails. We also
give our $$$. So far in 2009, we have given $1500 to trail advocacy groups. One thousand dollars of funding
alone went back into the North Shore Trails in Lawrence (through an ear-marked donation to the Kansas Trails Council), up from $528 that we gave the year prior, and $383 that we gave in 2007.
Many of the improvements that you see out there were funded by the Trail Nerds Association. In addition, we have given
$500 to ERTA (so far in 2009), toward their trail maintenance and trail building concerns.
View the letters.
| MCI (KC International) |
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| MCI (KC International) |
Nearest Airport: Kansas City International Airport is a short 1-hour drive away. Map and directions.
| Hotels & Accommodations |
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| Hotels & Accommodations |
| Jason Crosby Illustration |
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| Jason Crosby Illustration |
The Ultra-Distance events: Why
a 40-miler or a 100-Kilometer distance Ultra? Why not?
Many aspiring ultra-distance runners
would like to move up in distance from a 50K to a 50-miler, but want to run an "in-between distance" first. The same
goes for runners who have finished a 50-mile run, but would like to move up to the 100-mile distance. There just aren't
enough in-between distance ultras to run "out there," especially ultras that are on 100% technical single-track trails. It
would also be nice if these in-between ultras were positioned in the Spring, prior to some of the popular 50 and 100-mile
races. It would also be nice if these races were close to a major airport, thus eliminating the need for long drives
in rental cars for out-of-towners. Hence, the idea for the Free State Trail Ultras was hatched and implemented.
Kyle Amos, a talented local trail and ultrarunner veteran came up with the idea, and we discussed it
on a Thursday night trail run. One week later, we gathered our forces and put together the pieces to the race in earnest.
We already knew where and on what trails...the North Shore Trails of Clinton Lake, Kansas. We've had a plan on
the back-burner to do an ultra event there (for years), but we needed an event that was worthy of the North Shore Trails.
This is it!
It also helps that the race
is in Lawrence, Kansas. Lawrence, home of the University of Kansas, is the most cosmopolitan small town in this part
of the Midwest. It's just a short 50-minute drive from Kansas City International Airport (MCI). Some major U.S.
poets, authors, and artists have lived, retired, and died here in Lawrence. There are entertainment options galore. There are fine hotels, B & B's, restaurants, bakeries, and brewpubs. You can even camp near the race start/finish area, with showers available, after
the race. What more could a runner want? How about decent aid stations, with freshly-made food items, and staffed
by experienced ultrarunners? We've got it!
Map to Event from Lawrence
Trail Description
Lawrence, Kansas Links
Map to Race Start / Finish Area
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