Rockin K Trail Marathon - Race Reviews

Course, race director, and volunteers were all excellent. Course terrain was very difficult so plan to add 50% to your normal finish time. Miles 13 - 18 included some climbing, there are water crossings throughout and the terrain is varied. My compliments to the race director and volunteers for an excellent job. The post race food and finisher's metal are excellent.

Me and my mom loved this race so much the first year, that we're coming back for a second time! The race directors are on top of their game and have everything organized and ready to go on the morning of the race. The trail is both beautiful and challenging, but oh so rewarding! Definitely not something to set a PR on, but completely worth doing!

I've run a lot of races, but nothing as beautiful - and challenging - as the Rockin' K Marathon. Organization is exceptional, with well-staged packet pickup and pre-race activities. Course starts on blacktop road for the first half-mile, after which the race directors throw everything at you - single track, fire trails, bridle path, multiple water crossings (including two that were waist-deep), grassy meadows, sandy trails along rock canyons, rolling hills, lung-busting (and leg-destroying) climbs, and - if all of that weren't enough - a finish requiring a climb of about 5-6 degrees for the last quarter-mile. The beauty of the course is stunning (yes, even in central Kansas), as you'll see some of the most beautiful parts of the Smoky Hills section. In fact, if you're going to suffer on a tough trail race, there is no better place to do it. Unlike most trail races, the openness of the topography allows for a nice breeze and panoramic views - not the sweltering experience of running in the woods (with no wind). Volunteers were exceptional - with well-stocked and resourceful aid stations. Post-race festivities were low-key, with good food, soda and beer. Finisher award was most distinctive I've received. Great race - I will be back!

I have run 40 marathons and never had the experience that Phil and Stacy provide. The course is difficult and amazing and the support is unbelievable. Best of EVERYTHING!!!!

This was our first trail marathon, and boy were we in for a treat! Hills, wind, sand, mud, wind, water crossings, wind, and the most amazing aid station food we've ever seen! Who knew chunks of boiled potatoes dipped in salt could be so fantastic?!?! And homemade cookies - my husband was in heaven! Phil and Stacey do an amazing job with organization and course markings. The only thing we wondered is why the parks department signs on the trail showing pictures of the types of users (hiker, horse, bicycle) didn't include a crazy runner!

Great trail race at any price. The terrain is up and down with no flat sections. Kansas isn't flat! Every year runners come from Colorado expecting a nice flat run. Boy are they surprised. The weather is always a factor. Kansas is too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry, and always too windy. Perfect for the type of runner that this race attracts. Numerous water crossings. Depending on the amount of rainfall, some swimming may be required for short folks (2002 race). This is my favorite trail race.

If you want a true off-road adventure with great scenery, challenging running surfaces, numerous water crossings, nearly continuous up-and-down hills (but no mountains and no altitude to contend with), and a small-town, tight-knit community feel, this is a great event. My run here is vivid in my memory over a year later, and I'm dreaming about going back. Don't even think about comparing times to anything else - it is more of an ultra than a marathon, but doable on marathon training. The biggest downsides are the distance to the nearest town and the back and forth to the park you need to do to get your packet, sleep, and get back to the race, and the difficulty for spectators/support crew. My 5 rating for spectators is because there aren't any... just you and the wildlife.

This was one of my first trail runs, and definitely the first for innumerable water crossings (okay - I just lost track...), beaver dam crossings (!), barbed-wire fence crossings, and freshly cut trail. What an exhilirating experience - I loved it! A new 'worst time,' but a terrific day. Wonderful people, GREAT support, home-cooked food - next time I must remember to bring the red shoes! Toto, we ARE in Kansas!