SAT - SUN, OCTOBER 8-9, 2016

100 MILE CROSS COUNTRY RUN

CASSODAY, KANSAS

IN THE HEART OF THE FLINT HILLS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome 3

Kansas Ultrarunners’ History 4

Schedule of Events 4

The Course: Directions 4

Markings 4

Cattle Guards 4

Race Rules for Runners 5

Awards 5

Medical Risks 5

Kansas Weather Risks 6

Pacers 6

Support Crews: 6

Aid Stations 7

Drop Bags 7

Lodging 8

Food, Fuel and Supplies 9

Directions to Cassoday 9

Course Map 10

Crew Directions to Aid Stations 11

Aid Station Mileage/Cut-off Times/Drop Bags 12

Medical Care and Tire Information 13

Welcome to the Heartland 100. The 100-mile cross-country run you are about to undertake will

take you through some of the last remaining tallgrass prairie in the United States. Tallgrass

prairie once covered over 400,000 square miles of North America, stretching from Ohio to the

Rocky Mountains and from Texas to Canada. Today less than one percent of this ecosystem

remains, and most of it is in an area of Kansas known as the Flint Hills. Much of the Heartland

100 course meanders through open range and offers stunning views of the vast expanse of the

tallgrass prairie.

“Spirit of the Prairie” was chosen as the theme for this race in tribute to the early explores who

crossed this land, the Native Americans who hunted on this land, and early settlers and ranchers

who called the Flint Hills home. Historians tells us that buffalo herds of up to one million head

once roamed these hills until they were hunted to nearly extinction. The Flint Hills remains as

some of the most productive grazing land in the United States.

Much of the race is run through Chase County. According to the latest census information 2,886

people live in the county, along with 66,000 head of cattle. To give you an idea of the remote

country you will be running through, that comes to 4 people and 85 head of cattle per square

mile and over ½ of the population, is located in two towns.

We at Kansas Ultrarunners’ Society (KUS) want to make this race a memorable and rewarding

experience for each of you. Our goal is to help each of you to the finish line. The Heartland 100

is uniquely different from other 100 miles races. The openness of the course will present

challenges you may not have faced in other races. William Least Heat-Moon in his book Prairy

Erth may best describe the run you are about to undertake:

“There are several ways not to walk in the prairie, and one of them is with your eye on a far goal, because you then

begin to believe you’re not closing the distance any more than you would with a mirage. My woodland sense of

scale and time didn’t fit this country, and I started wondering whether I could reach the summit before dark. On the

prairie, distance and the miles of air turn movement to stasis and openness to a wall, a thing as difficult to penetrate

as dense forest. I was hiking in a chamber of absences where the near was the same as the far, and it seemed every

time I raised a step the earth rotated under me so that my foot fell just where it had lifted from. Limits and markers

make travel possible for people: circumscribe our lines of sight and we can really get somewhere. Before me lay the

Kansas of popular conception from Coronado on – that place you have to get through, that purgatory of mileage.

Hiking in the woods allows a traveler to imagine comforting enclosures, one leading to the next, and the walker can

possess those little encompassed spaces, but the prairie and plains permit no such possession. Whatever else

prairie is – grass, sky, wind – it is most of all a paradigm of infinity, a clearing full of many things except

boundaries, and its power comes from its apparent limitlessness; there is no such thing as a small prairie any more

than there is a little ocean, and the consequence of both is this challenge: try to take yourself seriously out here, you

bipedal plodder, you complacent cartoon.”

Race Director

Eldon GalanoE-mail galanokk@aol.com

KANSAS ULTRARUNNERS’ SOCIETY (KUS)

OUR MISSION

The Kansas Ultrarunners’ Society was formed in 1995 and is an RRCA affiliated non-profit

ultrarunning organization. The sole mission of our society is to organize, sponsor, staff and

support ultrarunning events/competition in Kansas and the surrounding region. Our vision is to

create an atmosphere that fosters not only the enlightenment of the novice ultrarunner, but

nurtures the needs of the veteran ultrarunner as well.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

3:00 – 6:00 PM

4:30 PM

5:00 PM to 6:00 PM

5:00 AM – 5:45 AM

6:00 AM

Noon

Friday, October 7, 2016Cassoday Community Building

Packet Pick-up

Race Briefing

Pre-Race Buffet

Saturday, October 8, 2016Old High School, south edge of Cassoday

Racer Check-In (Mandatory)

Start of Race

Sunday, October 9, 2016Cassoday Community Building

Cutoff time for all runners

Awards Ceremony & drop bag pickup 1:00 PM

THE HEARTLAND 100 COURSE

Directions: The start of the race is at the old high school approximately ¼ mile south of town by

the water tower. The map included in this packet outlines the Heartland course and shows the

locations of the aid stations.

Markings: Course markings will consist of pink wood blocks, orange surveyor’s ribbon and

white flour on the ground. Reflective tape & glow sticks will be also be utilized to mark the

course during the night.

Cattle Guards: These metal structures are utilized to allow a road to pass through numerous

pastures without having to continuously stop and open gates. Their design makes it almost

impossible for cattle cross. While it is possible to run across the cattle guards, PLEASE USE

CAUTION WHEN CROSSING THEM, ESPECIALLY LATER IN THE RACE OR IF

THEY ARE WET. All cattle guards will be marked with extra ribbon and flour on each side.

RACE RULES FOR RUNNERS

1. Numbers must be worn on the front and outside of what you are wearing. It is the runner’s

responsibility to make sure their number has been checked in at each aid station. Entries are

non-transferable.

2. Absolutely no littering! This entire course is run on county roads through private property

and we do not want to jeopardize our ability to utilize this land.

3. Runners are responsible for the actions of their crews.

4. You may not stash supplies along the course.

5. You may have as many pacers as you wish, but only one pacer at a time.

6. Any runner dropping out shall immediately notify the nearest aid station or race management

at the start/finish area.

7. Runners accepting a ride for any reason are deemed out of the race and may not reenter.

8. Cutoff times are nonnegotiable.

9. All runners will abide by the directions of race management.

10. Please run facing oncoming traffic.

11. Do not chase the cattle. At various sections of the course you may encounter livestock on the

road. They will be curious, may gather around you, or even run toward you from a distance.

REMAIN CALM, they are gentle animals. The safest way to proceed is to walk through the

herd when you encounter them as they will move out of your way. Running and shouting

will cause the animals to scatter quickly and there is always the possibility you will be in

each other’s path.

12. Violations of any rule will be grounds for disqualification. Race Management reserves the

right to bar any runner from competing in this and any future KUS races.

13. In the case of a tie, runners will be placed alphabetically.

14. Decisions of Race Management are final

AWARDS

All runners completing the race within the 30-hour time limit will be awarded a two-toned

custom designed belt buckle and a finisher’s sweatshirt. The overall male and female winners

will receive a custom designed award. A special award will also be given to the first Kansan

completing the race.

MEDICAL RISKS

Each runner is responsible or their own actions. It is crucial that you are physically and mentally

prepared for the stresses of the race. We will utilize the local EMS services in case of a medical

emergency. While the course is on roads, the remoteness of the area and the distance between

towns will result in a substantial amount of time before they arrive to provide assistance.

It is important for the runner to recognize the potential physical and mental stresses that may

evolve from participation in this race. These include, but are not limited to, extreme

temperatures of heat and cold, hypothermia, dehydration, heat stroke, renal failures, seizures,

hypoglycemia, disorientation and total mental and physical exhaustion. Each participant must

continuously monitor his/herself and understand their limitations. Remember that you are

responsible for your own well-being during this race.

KANSAS WEATHER RISKS

We have chosen to hold the race in October to minimize the impact of the Kansas weather. In

August the temperatures could be over 100 degrees, with 30 mile per hour winds, which would

make this a very tough 100-mile race. We could also have held the race in the springtime when

the prairie is the greenest. However, the likely hood of thunderstorms is greater which would

have made this a more dangerous race. While October is normally a very mild month, this is

Kansas so come prepared for all possible conditions. The following are the historical weather

statistics.

Normal High – 70

Normal Low – 44

Record high of 89

Record low of 30

Sunrise – 7:35 AM

Sunset – 6:54 PM

Severe storms do not normally occur in the fall; however they are possible at any time in Kansas.

Tornadoes and blizzards have both occurred in the month of October. There are very few

locations on the Heartland 100 course where there is shelter from the elements. Whatever the

conditions, you will feel them. Be prepared for them. While tornadoes get a lot of publicity,

lightning is the greatest danger. Lightning often strikes the highest object and on the course, you

will often be the highest object. In the unlikely event of a severe thunderstorm the best course of

action is to take whatever shelter is available at the lowest location.

PACERS

Pacers will be allowed for all runners from the Matfield Green aid station (42.5 miles) to the

finish. Each runner may have as many pacers as they like, however only one pacer at a time can

accompany the runner. Pacers need to be a human without a bike, scooter, horse, dogsled or

anything other than their leg power. Pacers will be required to follow the same set of rules as

the racer. Pacers must be over 18 years of age or have the signed permission from a parent or

legal guardian. Runners age 60 and older may have a pacer for the entire 100-mile distance.

Each pacer must clearly identify themselves when passing through the aid stations.

SUPPORT CREWS

Rules for Support Crews

1. Runners are responsible for the actions of their crew and pacer.

2. Crews are not allowed on any section of the course during the race.

3. No Littering.

4. All animals must be leashed at all times.

5. If your runner drops from the race, double check they have followed the proper procedures.

6. Due to the normal dry condition of the grass in the fall and the fire dangers, we request that

there be “No Smoking” on the course.

Directions to Meet Runners: There is a map on the KUS website that outlines the directions

for the runner’s crews to follow (please print for your crew). Crew vehicles are not allowed on

any portion of the Heartland 100 course during the race. All of the recommended crew roads

consist of paved or good gravel roads.

Flat Tire Warning – Some of the sharp rocks on the roads on which you will be traveling can

cause flat tires. Historically the volunteers have averaged a couple of flat tires a year. It is best

if your crew vehicle has a good set of tires, a good spare and you know how to change them.

The best way to avoid a flat is to drive slowly. You will have plenty of time to get between aid

stations to meet your runner and driving slowly will improve your odds of avoiding a flat.

AID STATIONS

The following items will be available at each manned aid station. Water and some snacks will be

available at the unmanned aid stations.

Electrolyte Drink Water Pop Coffee

Tea Bananas PBJ Sandwiches Oranges

Boiled Potatoes Hot Chocolate Soup Cookies

M & Ms Pretzels Soda crackers Peanuts

Ham & Turkey Sandwiches

Each Aid Station may have additional foods unique to its station.

DROP BAGS

All manned aid stations will also serve as supply drop bag locations for runners. Drop bags must

be no less in strength than double thick plastic bags and securely tied. Please keep all drop bags

at a reasonable size. Each bag must contain the runner’s name, race number and aid station.

Placing wide white tape on the bag and then writing on the tape with a black felt tip marker is

preferable. If you place any liquids in your bags, make sure they are in leak proof containers.

Drop bags can be left at the Community Building on Friday and can also be brought to the

starting line on Saturday morning, as long as they arrive before 5:30 AM. All drop bags will be

available for runners to pick up at the awards ceremony at 1:00 PM on Sunday. It is each

runner’s responsibility to pick up their drop bags on Sunday. We will not mail any of the drop

bags to you after the race.

LODGING

Limited camping space is available at the Cassoday City Park. Facilities are limited to drinking

water and outdoor toilets. They are free of charge for the runners. Additional camping facilities

are available at El Dorado State Park, which is approximately 20 miles south of Cassoday for a

small fee. A KOA campground is also located in Emporia. The following are a list of some

lodging options:

Cassoday Lodging

Cassoday Motel and RV Hookup

302 E Main

Cassoday, KS

620 735-4317

Very limited number of rooms

Campgrounds

El Dorado State Park KOA Campground

618 NE Bluestem Rd. W Highway 50

El Dorado Kansas 67042 Emporia, KS

(316) 321-7180 (316) 342-2236

Motels – Emporia (34 miles north on I-35)

Fairfield Inn Candlewood Suites

2930 Eaglecrest Dr 2602 Candlewood Dr.

(620) 342-4445 (620) 343-7756

Holiday Inn Express Motel 6

2921 W. 18th Ave. 2630 W. 18th Ave.

(620) 341-9393 (800) 466-8356

Motels – El Dorado (22 miles south on I-35)

Best Western Inn Super 8 Motel

2525 W. Central Ave 2530 W. Central

(316) 321-6900 (316) 321-4888

Heritage Inn Motel Blue Spruce Inn

2515 W. Central Ave 2054 SE Highway 54

(316) 321-6800 (316) 321-0962

Holliday Inn Express

3100 W. El Dorado Ave

316-322-7275

Motels – Wichita (40 miles south on I-35)

Candlewood Suites Courtyard By Marriott

3141 N. Webb Rd 2975 N. Webb Rd

(316) 634-6070 (316) 636-4600

Main Stay Suites Best Western Inn

9444 E. 29th St. N 3639 Comotara St

(316) 631-3773 (316) 636-4455

Wichita Inn Fairfield Inn

3715 N. Rock Rd 333 S Webb Rd

(316) 636-2022 (316) 685-3777

Hampton Inn Super 8 Motel

9449 E Corporate Hills Dr 527 S. Webb Rd

(316) 686-3576 (316) 686-3888

FOOD, FUEL & SUPPLIES

The population of Cassoday is 99 and the only other town along the Heartland 100 course is

Matfield Green that has a population of 32. Cassoday has a convenience store/gas station with

limited supplies. Matfield Green has no facilities other than a tavern. Any special supplies,

food, etc. which you may need during the race should be brought with you to Cassoday.

DIRECTIONS TO CASSODAY

Cassoday is located off Interstate 35, which is a toll road and is 34 miles south of Emporia and

22 miles north of El Dorado. It is the only exit between these two towns. The two nearest

commercial airports are in Wichita (55 miles southwest) and Kansas City (146 miles northeast).

1=unmanned aid

2=Battle Creek

3=unmanned aid

4=Lapland (crew)

5=unmanned aid

6=Teterville (crew)

7=Texaco Hill

8=Ridge Line (crew)

9=Matfield Green (crew)

10=unmanned aid

11=Lone Tree (100mile turnaround)

CREW DIRECTIONS TO AID STATIONS

Start/Finish to Lapland – Proceed north through Cassoday on 177. Make a right

turn and

proceed east on the last blacktop road on the north edge of Cassoday for

approximately 12 ¾ miles. The intersection will be marked with signs and you

will make a right turn and proceed south for 3.3 miles to the Lapland Aid Station.

Lapland to Teterville Road – Turnaround and proceed north 3.3 miles back to

the Teterville Road intersection. Make a right turn and proceed east 5 miles to the

aid station. Please drive slowly as the last 1½ miles of the road is on the course

the runners will be using.

Teterville Road to Ridge Line – Turnaround and proceed approximately 17 ¾

miles back to Cassoday. Make a right turn on 177 and proceed north 10 3/4 miles

to the town of Matfield Green. Make a right turn at the sign and proceed ¼ mile

into town to the intersection by the old school. Take a right at the sign for the

Ridge Line aid station and proceed 10 3/4 miles to the aid station.

Ridge Line to Matfield Green – Turnaround and proceed back to the town of

Matfield Green. At the intersection by the old school, turn right at the sign for the

Matfield Green aid station and proceed 3 miles to the aid station.

Matfield Green to Ridge Line – Turnaround and proceed back to the town of

Matfield Green. At the intersection by the old school, turn left and proceed 10 ¾

miles to the Ridge Line aid station.

Ridge Line to Teterville Road – Turnaround and proceed back to Matfield

Green. Make a left turn at the old school house and go ¼ mile west to 177. Turn

left on 177 and head south 10 ¾ miles to Cassoday. Make a left turn on the

blacktop road on the north edge of Cassoday and proceed east 17 ¾ miles to the

Ridge Line aid station. Be careful on the last 1 ½ miles as you will be on the road

with the runners and it will most likely be at night.

Teterville Road to Lapland – Turnaround and proceed west 5 miles. Turn left at

the signs and proceed south 3.3 miles to the Lapland aid station.

Lapland to Finish – turnaround and proceed north 3.3 miles to the signs. Turn

left and

proceed 12 ¾ miles back to Cassoday. Turn left on 177 and proceed back to the

Cassoday community building. Parking will be limited around the community

building. There will be additional parking in the downtown area of Cassoday that

is just west of the community building or at the elementary school that is north of

the community building.

12

Heartland 100 Aid stations AID

STATION RACE

DISTANCE MILES TO NEXT AID STATION

30 HOUR CUTOFF TIMES

CREW ACCESS

DROP BAGS

Unmanned (NE 135TH)

4.6 3.6

Battle Creek 8.2 4.4 8:20AM Yes

Unmanned (Lapland Rd)

12.6 4.2

Lapland 16.8 4.3 10:45AM Yes Yes

Unmanned (Thrall)

21.1 3.9

Teterville Road 25 6.2 1:00PM Yes Yes

Texaco Hill 31.2 5.3 2:45PM No

Ridge Line 36.5 6.0 4:15PM yes Yes

Matfield Green 42.5 5.0 6:00PM Yes Yes

Unmanned (towers)

47.5 2.5

Lone Tree 50 2.5 8:00PM No

Unmanned (towers)

52.5 5.0

Matfield Green 57.4 6.0 10:25PM Yes Yes

Ridge Line 63.4 5.3 12:20AM Yes Yes

Texaco Hill 68.7 6.7 2:00AM No

Teterville Road 74.9 3.9 4:00AM Yes Yes

Unmanned (Thrall)

78.8 4.3

Lapland 83.1 4.2 6:40AM Yes Yes

Unmanned (Lapland Rd)

87.3 4.4

Battle Creek 91.7 3.6 9:20AM Yes

Unmanned (NE 135TH)

95.3 4.7

Finish line at Community Building

100 Noon Yes Yes (must be dropped at community

building) Drop Bags: As aid stations close during the race drop bags will be brought to the community building for

pickup. There will not be a set time when the drop bags will return other than noon Sunday at the

conclusion of the race.

If your runner drops from the race please tell

the aid station captain that your runner in

dropping from the race. It’s not fun trying to

find runners who sneak away.

13

Williams Towing/tire service: (620) 343-0086 •

(800) 244-0484 Services include unlocks, jump

starts, mobile tire

Medical Care: We hope this will never be needed but the closest hospital is in El Dorado

(30 min. away).

Susan B Allen Memorial Hospital 720 W Central Ave, El Dorado, KS 67042 (316) 321-3300 Directions- get on I-35 South, exit 76 right for US-77, left onto US-77 / NW Hwy 77,

stay right onto N Main St, right onto KS-254 / W Central Ave

Flint Hills Towing (620)343-2326 jump start, tire changes, lock outs, recovery &

winch out service large or small repair, heavy duty towing, heavy duty road service

repairs.

Flat repair/ car issues: Flat repair/

car issues: