About This Race
The Free State Trail Run stands as a testament to technical single-track racing in the heart of Kansas. This established event, running since 2007, challenges runners with a deceptively difficult 6.75-mile loop course through the rocky, root-strewn trails of Perry State Park. While the elevation profile appears modest at 752 feet per loop, the technical nature of the terrain demands constant attention and skillful footwork. The race's loop format serves both practical and strategic purposes. By keeping all distances on the same challenging circuit, race directors can ensure runner safety during severe weather while maintaining consistent aid station coverage. The single aid station model requires runners to be self-sufficient between loops, adding a layer of strategy uncommon in many trail races. With nearly two decades of history, the Free State Trail Run has cultivated a reputation among Midwest trail runners as a reliable test of technical running skills. The rocky terrain and hardwood forest setting provide a distinctly different challenge from the region's more common prairie trails, making it a valuable addition to any runner's race calendar.
The entire course consists of single-track trails winding through a hardwood forest, with the trail surface characterized by rocks and technical sections that demand careful foot placement. Runners traverse the same 6.75-mile loop multiple times depending on their chosen distance, with occasional glimpses of Lake Perry breaking through the forest canopy.
Each loop includes 752 feet of climbing and descending, though the course deliberately avoids the tallest hills in the trail system for safety considerations. The technical nature of the terrain, combined with the self-supported sections between the single aid station, creates a unique challenge that tests both running skills and race strategy.
Practical Info
Mid-October in Kansas typically brings mild temperatures with potential for variable conditions.
MCI - Kansas City International Airport
Lake Charles area offers limited local lodging; Kansas City metro area provides more extensive accommodation options about 45 minutes away.
- Hydration device or water bottle
Best For
Notable Features
The Free State Trail Run's defining characteristic is its uncompromising commitment to technical single-track terrain. Unlike many trail races that mix easier sections with challenging ones, every step of this course demands attention and skill. The loop format creates a unique dynamic where runners can adjust their race strategy with each pass through the start/finish area, accessing drop bags and reassessing their approach based on evolving conditions and fatigue levels.