FLATS Trail Half Marathon

FLATS Trail Half Marathon is held in Kirksville, Missouri, on October 3, 2026. The event is a single trail half marathon (13.1 miles), run on trails rather than roads, and it fits neatly into a fall racing calendar as either a goal race or a long training effort.

A trail half marathon is one of the most versatile distances you can race. It is long enough to reward a proper training block, but short enough to recover from quickly, so it works as a first trail race for road runners, a fall goal for anyone building endurance, or a fast day out for experienced trail runners. Ten to twelve weeks of preparation with a weekly long run building to 11 or 12 miles on dirt, one hilly session and easy mileage in between is enough for most people. Do not be surprised if your time is 10 to 20 percent slower than on the road; footing and small climbs add up over 13 miles. Bring a handheld bottle if you like to drink on your own schedule, and consider trail shoes if the surface is likely to be soft.