Q&A
What lodging options are near the race start or are there hotels nearby?
Carthage MO has a couple of hotel/motel offerings. Days Inn is the closest to the staging area of the event. Joplin MO has 23 hotel options and is about 25 minutes away from the start/finish line.
What are the finisher awards?
A couple of years ago we switched from buckles to road signs for the higher distances. You can see some images of these signs on our event Facebook page.
What is the course terrain and elevation gain?
The trail is crushed limestone. For a short distance on each loop you will be on asphalt. This is from the start finish line in the park to the trail head. You can view the course here.
What miles are drop bags located at?
There are 2 places on trail for the drop bags, those are at the manned aid stations. The first is about 4.5 miles out and the other is at the turn around point (about 7.76 miles). You are also welcome to have a bag at the shelter for the start/finish line.
How far are restrooms from each other?
There are portapots at both aid stations on the course, one about 4.5 miles from the start and the other at the 12.5K turn. The main shelter where the start/finish line is has restrooms and showers.
Is the course a loop?
The course is set up on a 25K loop. Special turn around points are marked for the 5K, 15K, 30K, and 80K runners.
Is there plenty of parking?
There is plenty of parking at the start/finish line. This course begins in a municipal park. The parking lot is used for the skating rink and swimming pool during the summer months. You can view it on the interactive course map here.
More details will be sent in the official handbook to all participants in the weeks prior to the race.
