Prairie Spirit Trail 100 & 50 Mile Ultra Races
Saturday, March 29, 2014, Ottawa, Kansas
An Epic Ultra Event

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Welcome to the Prairie Spirit site, I'm Eric Steele, founder of Epic Ultras. I ran my first ultra back in 1994 and immediately developed a passion for this sport and its colorful cast of characters who showed up to put their collective mettle to the test!  A year later I founded the Kansas Ultrarunners Society as a way to give other runners the opportunity to "go deep" and discover that "special something" inside of themselves that no words can ever really explain. Since that time I have personally competed in over 50 ultras and have been directly responsible for organizing and directing several more. In addition, I created and continue to serve as race director for the FlatRock 50/25K trail race in Independence, Kansas.  Our little gem is arguably one of the most difficult and rewarding trail races in the midwest.  After so many years of successfully putting on this race as well as experiencing numerous ultras as a runner myself, I decided it was time to do what I love to do, on a greater scale.  So, I launched this company to provide you, the ultra athlete, an opportunity to truly experience what so many have experienced over the last 18 years at FlatRock - an ultrarunning experience of a lifetime!

With So Many Choices,
Which Ultra Event Is Right For You?

As an ultrarunner for nearly two decades, I understand what various factors go into planning your upcoming race schedule.  Distance, of course, is the first factor.  After that, there's a variety of other aspects.  Location. It takes money to travel.  Are you getting your money's worth from the race and does it sound like it would provide a truly epic experience?  Years ago, the selection of ultras was so sparse, your choices were quite limited.  With the explosion of runners in the sport and the onslaught of ultras to choose from - it's now more than ever, a runners paradise.  There are literally dozens of ultras happening all over the world every weekend of the year.  What you'll find with Epic Ultras events is that we truly provide an unforgettable experience in addition to providing great value for your time and money.  And how is that?  We ARE ultrarunners, who, when selecting races for our schedule, know what factors drive us to choose one race over another.

This Will Be One Of The Most Family Friendly, Laidback Ultras You'll Ever Experience

The Prairie Spirit Trail Ultras are some of the easiest terrain you'll participate on.  This event is sure to grow in popularity as word gets out about the beautiful atmosphere and fast and flat course.  The Prairie Spirit Trail is a beautiful "rails-to-trails" course that runs through numerous quaint little towns. Runners will do an out-and-back, beginning in Ottawa, KS and traveling south to Iola (100 milers) or Garnett (50 milers), then, back north to the finish. The course is primarily on a crushed limestone trail, with asphalt paths as you travel through each town. Manned and unmanned aid stations will be approximately every 5 miles (with no greater distance than approximately 6 miles) and the course is easily accessible to crew. Since it's flat and fast, it's a great event for first timers as well as experienced runners wanting to set a PR. The atmosphere will be family friendly with plenty of places for your crew to hang out and relax while cheering you on.

Some Of The Many Benefits Included:

• Family Friendly Environment With Epic Finish Line

  The finish line is in Ottawa, Kansas. It's perfect for runners' family, friends, crew and pacers to hang out, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and cheer you and fellow runners on. Epic Ultras events welcome the entire family out to this race.

• Date Specific Shirt And Finisher Buckle

  At Epic Ultras, we believe that date specific event shirts and finishers awards are "a must."

  • All date specific event shirts are gender sized and made up of a "super-comfy" tri-blend material (50% Polyester, 25% Rayon & 25% Cotton)

  • The finishers awards are custom/date specific buckles

• Pre Race Meal and Post Race Light Breakfast

  We've always felt that having a meal at an event should be a time for each of you to reconnect with old friends and meet new one's. An opportunity for fellowship, laughter and ...okay...some of the best ultra food around.

• Race Cap For A Quality Experience

  As avid participants in ultras, we've always loved and appreciated smaller races.  The ability to connect with others at an event with a limited number of runners has always been a factor that's drawn runners to races.  Placing a cap on each race ensures a quality experience for every runner and the opportunity for you to truly enjoy the trail without the need to be constantly dodging other runners.  We've set the cap for this race at a total of 200 runners (both races combined).

• An Epic Ultras Event Of A Lifetime

  Many people have blogged about their experiences at our flagship event, the FlatRock 50/25K.  The universal theme is...it's a "Twilight Zone" experience.  Interpreted in today's times...it would, without a doubt, be an "Epic Experience".  All of us at Epic Ultras have a passion for this sport and helping other ultrarunners obtain an experience of a lifetime.

Join Us For This Unforgettable Experience!

What makes us stand out from the rest is not only the benefits outlined above, but our untouchable Epic Energy!  Our goal is for you to finish with an unparalleled feeling of accomplishment...a sense of overwhelming pride...knowing that you achieved your goal...crossing the finish line and receiving your shiny buckle!  We take sincere pleasure in having the opportunity to create this experience for each and every one of you.

"I Created Epic Ultras To Help You Find That Indescribable Place Within."

Our sport is more than just about running...and, if you're a seasoned ultrarunner, you know this.  It's about the way ultrarunning makes you feel - what it truly does for you...how it takes you, in a sense, from one reality into another, as you travel along on your path...and where you choose to let it lead you along the way.

By Signing Up Today,
You Are Guaranteeing Your Spot At This Event!

So now you're probably thinking, why not just wait until closer to race day?  Well, our flagship event, the FlatRock 50K sold out for 2013 eleven months in advance...within less than a month of us opening up online registration...so, if that is any indication, this race will sell out fast!  Our races are highly sought after due to our unprecedented reputation for putting on quality events.  We take great care and meticulous pride in every detail...from beginning to end.

Don't be the one standing on the sidelines wishing you'd registered when you had the opportunity.  This IS your opportunity.  So, make the decision today to join us in 2013 for this flat and fast rails-to-trails ultra.  Remember, our events include all of the following:

• Date specific tri-blend shirt
• Date specific finisher buckle
• Incredible scenery
• Pre race meal & post race light breakfast
• Generous 30 hour time limit (28 for 50 miler)
• Outstanding start/finish area
• Drop bag services to all manned aid stations
• Experienced aid station workers
• Ultimate finish line experience
• Epic Energy!

PS - Get your $10 discount code for this event by registering on our Home Page.
(If you've already done this, don't forget to use your code when checking out!)