Psycho WyCo Run Toto, Run 50-Kilometer Trail Run

Bad Ben's Trail Running Site

2010 "Run Toto, Run" Trail Runs

Mizuno Cabrakan

Run Toto Run
Trail Runs
50 K, 10 Mile, & 20 Mile
Saturday, February 13, 2010

Start Times: 8:00 AM for 50K and 20-mile, 8:30 a.m. for 10-miler.
Wyandotte County Lake Park
Kansas City, KS
6th Annual

The 50K, 10-Mile and 20-Mile courses are a loop course on rocky, rooty, and hilly bridle trails & single-track trails. For a course map, click here.

Time limit: 10 hours.

Race Reports & Photos

Entrants receive: A nicely-designed, high quality, long-sleeve "technical" event shirt, a mug, and a unique "finishers medal." The shirts are also printed with a dye-sublimation process...so there is no scratchy silkscreen to deal with or to hold sweat in.

Race director: Ben Holmes 816-810-0440

Registration:

There is NO CHARGE for Online Registration

If you want to request a snail-mail entry form, email me.

Also, please ask for "discount codes" for active service members and coaches, for online entry.

So far, more than 440 participants have registered for the 2010 event, with 22 states represented! Over 140 are registered in the 50K, alone.

See: 2010 Registrants

You can join the Run Toto Run Group Site for Updates here:

RaceDay Timing Solutions

You can count on S!Caps and ULTRA Sportsdrink being at all of our staffed aid stations.

Dr Jesse Walden, DC (Active Release Techniques)

Dr Jesse Walden, DC 913-825-1235

Packet Pickup:
Friday, February 12, from noon to 7 p.m. at Garry Gribble's Running Sports, 119th & Quivira Rd, Overland Park, Kansas.

Or you can show up on race day 45-minutes early. Keep in mind that the park will not open until 7:00 a.m., and we'll be setting up until 7:15 a.m.

Brief Description:

Loop course on rocky, rooty, and hilly bridle trails & single-track trails. Time limit: 10 hours. Estimated Participants:400. 6th Annual. Amenities: Hot soup at end of race. Long sleeve "technical" t-shirts and mugs to participants. Unique finisher's medals.

Read race reports and view photos from 5 previous years.

Early Bird Registration Fees:

50-Kilometer Ultra - $45.00
10-Mile Course (One Loop) - $45.00
20-Mile Course (Two Loops) - $45.00

$50 after Jan 01, 2010, $60 after Jan 31, 2010.

There is NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE for entering online.

Online Registration Closes:

Noon on Feb 11, 2010.

Limited Number of Participants

REGISTER EARLY! Due to the success of this event, the 6th annual event will be limited to 400 total participants. This is about the maximum number of parking spaces that the park can handle.

Course

The 50K, 10-Mile and 20-Mile courses are a loop course on rocky, rooty, and hilly bridle trails & single-track trails. Each loop is a wheel-measured 10.35 miles long. For a course map, click here. Check-out Mark Koester's video of the 2007 race, for an indication of what the course is like.

"Single-track" Course Sections:

There are 2 sections of single-track trail on the loop course that were built by the Trail Nerds. "Fester's Wander" was designed by the race director's dog, "Fester," and built by Trail Nerds. And the "WyCo Triangle" section is a confusing switch-back section that will have you totally flabbergasted, by the time you exit.

Food and Aid Stations

We will have hot, homemade soup for all participants (regular and vegan), after the race(s). Yum! On the 10-mile, 20-mile and 50--kilometer courses, all staffed aid stations will have food and "SUCEED!" brand sports drink and water for participants. There will be three staffed aid stations. Our aid station water is always composed of the finest organic hydrogen and free-range oxygen, blended to perfection as H2O.

Shirts

Well-designed (SweatVac Brand) long sleeve "technical" t-shirts for all participants that enter prior to January 20. No guarantee of a shirt or proper size for later registrants. These shirts fit "true to size," and an "XS" size will also be offered, for "diminutive physiques." The shirts are also printed with a dye-sublimation process...so there is no scratchy silkscreen to deal with or to hold sweat in.

A mug with the race logo will also be given to 400 registrants.

Medals

All event finishers will receive finisher's "hardware." The 50K and 20-mile finishers receive a large medal, that is appropriate for the effort they put in. The 10-mile finishers receive a special "dog tag" appropriate for a race with the word "Toto" in it.

Prizes

There will be prizes for age group winners, but due to the length of the event and the (seasonably) cold weather, there will be no "official" post-race awards ceremony. Just get your prize(s) at the finish line. There will also be random-drawing "door prizes," consisting of Mizuno shoes and apparel, as well as other goodies.

Charities

The "Kansas City Trail Nerds" group is dedicated to having affordable and fun trail events, and it's our mission to fund and maintain singletrack trail systems in an environmentally proactive and responsible manner. The Trail Nerds are part of the Kansas City Track Club, which is a federally recognized 501(c)3, not-for-profit corporation. Net proceeds will be funneled back into trail advocacy activities and putting on even more fun and inexpensive (future) events.

We have two other charitable groups that entrants have the option of giving additional funds to directly, on the "online" entry form for this race. They are:

Earth Riders Trails Association:
The Earth Riders Trails Association, or ERTA, is a recreational trails advocacy group created to increase the quantity and quality of sustainable singletrack trails throughout the Midwest. ERTA is a federally recognized 501(c)3, not-for-profit corporation whose board members, officers, advisory board, and volunteers are outdoor enthusiasts dedicated to achieving it's mission of adding and maintaining singletrack trails in an environmentally proactive and responsible manner.

National Alliance on Mental Ilness:
Awareness and Support: A Pathway to Recovery NAMI's support and public education efforts are focused on educating America about mental illness, offering resources to those in need, and insisting that mental illness become a high national priority. Mental illness is a serious medical illness that affects one in four families. No one is to blame. Treatment works, but only half of people living with mental illness receive treatment. NAMI has engaged in a variety of activities to create awareness about mental illness and promote the promise of recovery. NAMI stands at the forefront of supporting those whose lives have been affected by serious mental illness, and is leading the way in transforming America's mental health care system.

Packet Pickup:

Packet Pickup: Friday, February 12, from noon to 7 p.m. at Garry Gribble's Running Sports, at NW corner of 119th St & Quivira Rd, Overland Park, Kansas (Or you can show up on race day 45-minutes early). Keep in mind that the park will not open until 7:00 a.m., and we'll be setting up until 7:15 a.m.

Special Rules

Sustainability:

The Trail Nerds have been working diligently to encourage Sustainability issues. Our goal is to minimize the effects of our events and activities on the environment. We want to leave the trails better then how we find them. As part of this race, we will require all participants to carry their own water bottle or hydration device. We will provide water at the start / finish and one un-staffed aid station. There will be NO cups on the course, except at the MAIN aid station (for soup and hot drinks). Each runner will have to refill their water bottle or hydration device at the aid stations as needed. There are approximately 25 million Styrofoam and paper cups thrown away each year. We want to minimize that number. We will also be using removable course markings and requiring everyone to carry out what they take in. We treat litter bugs............just like whiners.

We also encourage you to carpool to this race (and all of our races) and to any training runs.

Photo by Rick Mayo.

All designs by Jason Crosby Illustration

Even More Information

General Event Description:
This is a REAL TRAIL event. Yes, I said TRAIL event. If you want to run on a sissy, paved course, this isn't the race for you!

Course Description:
The course consists of rocky, rooty, and hilly bridle trails & single-track trails. It's a Loop course, and you will be in the woods, for the most part. The length of each loop is a wheel-measured 10.35 miles; you do the math; 3 loops is 50 kilometers long. The course's trails can be challenging due to rocks & roots and the sometimes muddy conditions, and the constant barrage of rolling hills. But remember: This is Kansas, so how tough could it really be??? Actually, only 22% is flat, and the rest of the time you are either going up or downhill, and some of those hills are very steep. There is also a 1/3-mile section of paved road that you will run on at about mile 5 of each loop. But, in keeping with the theme of the race, you will be going uphill on the pavement. If you haven't done a trail race before, don't go for time, but go for a "good time" and just have fun!

The trail is so well-marked, that a blind and stupid politician could follow it. If you somehow take a wrong turn, please return the way that you came and continue the race. DO NOT CUT THE COURSE, or you will be disqualified. If you get lost, please let me know, so that we can make the course markings even better for next year. We also have the infamous "Totally Flabbergasted Award" for anyone who takes a long detour.

Trail running shoes are highly recommended for running on this course to avoid foot/toe trauma. Regular running shoes will work, but if you're not used to running on rocks, roots, mud, and steep hills, you will "feel the course" for a longer span of time after the race than you would, if you wore trailrunning shoes.

Weather:
The weather can be a factor. We will run the race in snowy, muddy, or rainy conditions, or a combination of all conditions. Historically, the temps can be anywhere from zero to 65 degrees F. Most of the time you will be shielded from any wind by the woods. Dress appropriately...(I usually dress for 20-degrees warmer than it actually is). If it is snowy or icy on the day of the race, I highly recommend that you "screw your shoes" or wear a "YakTrax" type device on you shoes. (Yes, even for trailrunning shoes). The web site has instructions on how to "screw your shoes." We will have "shoe screwing stations" set up at the main start / finish area, if it's icy on race day.

Time limit for all three distances: 10 hours.
On the loop course, you will not be allowed to leave the start/finish aid station to start your final loop after 7-hours into the race. This is not only for your own safety, but also for the safety of the furry, sharp-toothed animals that will gnaw on your free-radical-filled carcass, (if you happen to end up "ass over tea kettle" along the trail, somewhere). We wouldn't want them getting sick, now would we? Race Management also reserves the right to pull a runner or a pacer for their own safety, or for "other" reasons. We appreciate your help and understanding with this policy.

If you are registered for one of the longer distances and want to drop out a loop (or two) short, you can do so and still get a finisher's medal. This is for runners that have "bit-off more than they can chew." Don't worry, it happens to the best of us!

This year we will again have Chip Timing provided by Raul Flores Race Day Timing Solutions.

Amenities and aid stations:
There will be "normal" ultra foods at the three "staffed" aid stations on the course. You will pass through the first aid station twice, so you actually have 4 staffed aid stations, (not including the start/finish area. The farthest you will travel without aid is 2.8 miles, to the first aid station. The main start/finish aid station will also have hot soup and other goodies for you.

Post-race, we will have homemade soup (regular and vegan), coffee, other "hot stuff," and an assortment of calorie-laden stuff for you (and your support persons to consume). "I never met a carbohydrate I didn't like."

We will have nicely-designed, high quality event shirts, a mug, and unique "finishers hardware". Our graphic designer is (trail runner) Jason Crosby, who also designed our logo and the 2006 - 2008 KC Marathon shirts & medals. There will be prizes for age group winners, but due to the length of the event and the cold weather, there will be no "official" post-race awards ceremony. Just get your prize at the finish line.

History of the race:
2005 was the first year for this event, which was held on Feb, 19th, 2005. That first year we had 41 starters and only 23 finishers. In 2006, we added the 10-mile and 20-mile distances. We had over 200 participants, total. We also had a much higher finish rate in 2006. For more information click here.

2007 was a record year with 281 participants on race day. For 2007 race reports, photos, and video, click here.

2008 had over 440 signed-up for all of the events, including the new 5K. We moved the 5K to another date in 2009, to make room for parking for the longer events. In 2009, we had 400 starters for the event. Read race reports and view photos from 5 previous years.

Origins of the race's original name:
"WyCo" stands for "Wyandotte County," where the race is located. The term "Psycho" will become obvious after running one of the course loops. "Run Toto Run"...well we are in Kansas now, aren't we? This year, we've decided to drop the "Psycho" reference, and just call it "Run Toto Run," (the Winter edition), out of respect for our friends at NAMI. Some of the race proceeds will be donated to NAMI, as well as to Trail Advocacy causes. Please donate to NAMI, if you can.

Speaking of Toto, there was a horrific tornado that blew through this part of Kansas in 2003. It demolished many homes and buildings near the park, and dropped all sorts of debris into the woods of the park. You will see some of this debris, (mainly aluminum & steel siding and roofing), while on the course. If you see a witch that's had a house dropped on her, be sure to get her slippers; there will be a special reward for you.

Other information:
Drop bags for the 50K and 20-mile race are ONLY allowed at the start/finish area. You will only need one drop bag, if at all. Please don't complain about this...how many drop bags do you need for a 10-mile loop, before you're considered a total wuss, anyway?

There will be porta-potties at the start/finish aid station and at the 7.5-mile aid station.

The use of Poles on the course is allowed; and the use and abuse of Gemans, Irish, or Canadians is allowed, as well. Just don't let your poles get in the way of another runner.

Pacers are allowed for 20-mile and 50-K entrants, but they cannot "mule" for you. Pacers don't need to pay, but they must sign a race waiver and be issued a "pacer's 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. After all, a dog designed one of the trails you run on in other events. 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.

Sustainability:

We also encourage you to carpool to this race (and all of our races) and to any training runs.

Wildlife??? You may see deer, wild turkeys, racoon, bald eagles, squirrels, and maybe even bobcat. But there are none of the "harmful animals" out and about in the Winter that we have in the Summer here, namely copperheads and rattlesnakes. There could be a very slim possibility for ticks, if the temperature rises above 50 degrees for a week or so.

Even though there are more than enough aid stations on the course, this is a decently tough trail run. For the run, you will need to bring along a water bottle or hydration device, because of our "no cup" policy.

You might also want to think about bringing the following items: TP, something to eat, electrolytes, and your wits.
Some optional items: someone else's wits, defibrillation unit & jumper cables, GPS locator unit, satellite phone, golden hoop ear rings, a satin thong, a sequined black leather teddy, cougar repellent, redneck repellent, extra screws, a rescue beacon, a talisman with protective Elvish Runes (that only appear when heated by a fire), a Hattori Hanzō Samurai sword, salted pork & hardtack, a photo of Uranus, last will & testament, a shovel, and a pre-engraved tombstone.

The Run Toto Run 50K "Mud Stud" Challenge

In the past five "Psycho Wyco Run Toto Run" 50K events, there have only been nine sub-5-hour finishers, despite there having been over 435 (50K) entrants. And there has been only one sub-6-hour female finisher in the history of the race. We need more Hall of Fame finishers! After all, this is Kansas...how tough could it be???

So...in a (perhaps misguided) attempt to attract racing talent of truly "epic proportions," we will offer the following challenge:

$250 check and free entry for 5 years for the first female entrant to break the 5-hour barrier, (in addition to normal first-place prizes).
$300 check and free entry for 5 years for the first entrant to break 4 hours on this course, (in addition to normal first-place prizes).
$75 check and one free entry for any male entrant to break 5 hours on this course, (in addition to normal finisher-place prizes).
$75 check and one free entry for any female entrant to break 6 hours on this course, (in addition to normal finisher-place prizes).

Winter 5K information

Race Reports & Results

2009 Race Results (final update)

2009 Race Photos

Dick Ross' Photos:

2009 Race Reports

Ben Holmes Race Director's Report

Rob Horton Schwag Score

Steve Hudson 10-Mile

Brett Hodges 20-Mile

Samantha K. First 50K

Rick Mayo 50K (2nd Place, overall)

2009 Race Special Thanks:

Special thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers, and our main sponsors Dynamic Earth and Providence Medical Center. Thanks to Noodles & Company for the meal money (to the Nerds), and Dynamic Earth for helping to set this up. And Wyandotte County Lake Park Deputy Director and all of the helpful staff and rangers. KC Multisport stepped up to the plate and provided an additional "staffed" aid station that was much appreciated by the runners. A Golite rep was there too, and gave away some nice schwag with Dynamic Earth's excellent offerings. And special thanks to Ultimate Direction, who donated water bottles for folks that forgot theirs. Once again, James Barker made some fantastic soup...chicken noodle and lentil. The Amos Family aid station had fantastic cookies and quesadillas. Cowboy Bob Bundschuh set up the Wyco Triangle Aid station, and had some excellent staffing: Pat Perry, Mel Baldridge, Coleen Voeks, Chrisie Craig and others. Vicki made her signature black bean soup, and had some great help from Scott, Terri Burlingame, Cheri Sutton, and others. Debbie Webster and Julie Toft were interloper helpers that went everywhere. Shane and Brandy Jones helped here, there and everywhere. Thanks to Raul and Jeremy for their endurance timing, and to Nancy for letting me have Raul for all of Valentine's Day. And my son Matt Holmes, who endured and relished 2-1/2 days of hard work, helping his Old Man. There were many others that I haven't mentioned that worked in the "invisible background" of this race. Including the course-marking crew, and the folks that are (and will be) de-marking the course. Yes, the work goes on and on.

Thanks to everybody for a job well done!

2008 Event Race Reports From Participants:

We also had some very good comments, including:

"I really appreciate your race and all that goes in to managing it. I am especially impressed with how the back of the packers are treated. This was my 268th ultra or marathon and I rank your race as #1 for all aspects of race spirit and organization. Thank you."
- Les Martisko Ph.D.

The 2008 Psycho WyCo Run Toto Run and Psychopathic 5K is now history. We set a couple of records, this year. We had an attendance record, with over 400 showing up on race day to run. And we had our 50K course record shattered by 26-year old Matthew Laye from Columbia, Missouri, in a time of 4:19:42 !

Not bad, even for this "flatter than a pancake" Kansas course, with the "perpetually perfect" course and weather conditions that are always encoutered in this little corner of our fair state. (What's a little mud between friends)?

Final Results:

2008 Overall Results for 5K, 10-mile, 20-mile, and 50K

2008 Split times for 20-mile

2008 Split times for 50K

2008 50K Trail Run Overall Finish List

By the way, if you were one of the few 10-milers that did not get a finisher's dog tag medal, please go to Garry Gribble's Running Sports on 119th & Quivira, to get your medal. Any out-of-towners that didn't receive a medal, contact me directly, and I'll take care of you.

Our race photographer, Dick Ross, has photos of the race on his site: http://www.seekcrun.com/. He and his helper took over 1100 photos.
Action Photos are here .

Finish Line / Award photos are here .
Fun Photos are here .

Thanks to all of our incredible volunteers that make this race happen (and improve) from year to year. And thanks to the Unified Government of Wyandotte County Parks & Recreation Department for letting us use this beautiful venue for our event.

Happy trails,

Bad Ben Holmes
Race Director

CLICK HERE to see all of the fun at our 2007 Race Event.

Or E-mail me at: badbendrs@yahoo.com

Wyandotte County Park Information

Bad Ben's Trail Running Site