KROP - Kaizen Rite of Passage

  • Date Sat 25th September 2027
  • Time 6:00AM CDT
  • Location Tahlequah, Oklahoma
  • Price $48.70 - $85.80
  • Races 6 races
  • Distances Ultra, 5km

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Event summary

Get ready for an unforgettable day of trail running at the KROP - Kaizen Rite of Passage on Saturday, September 25, 2027! Set against the stunning backdrop of Welling Ridge Trails in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, this 12-hour event invites runners of all experience levels to challenge themselves on a scenic 4-mile loop. Participants can choose from a variety of distances, including 4 miles, 8 miles, 25K (16 miles), 50K (32 miles), and 65K (40 miles), making it the perfect opportunity for newcomers and seasoned ultra-runners alike.

The KROP course promises an exhilarating adventure with its single-track trails, featuring 417 feet of elevation gain and loss per loop, alongside exciting technical sections. Not only will you enjoy the thrill of racing, but also the camaraderie of fellow runners, delicious local food, and unique challenges like the Kaizen Rock of Passage. Join us for a day filled with fun, determination, and community spirit in beautiful Tahlequah!

Organiser's Description

_KROP KAIZEN RITE OF PASSAGE_
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2027
WELLING RIDGE TRAILS TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA

KROP is a 12-hour trail running event at Welling Ridge Trails. Runners can choose from 4 miles, 8 miles, 16 miles (25K), 32 miles (50K), or 40 miles (65K).

All distances use the same 4-mile loop, with runners returning through the start/finish area after every lap.

The course is single-track trail with 417 feet of elevation gain and loss per loop.

Whether you're new to trail running, moving up to your first ultra, or looking for a longer training effort, KROP offers several distances on the same course.


_RACE LOCATION_
WELLING RIDGE TRAILS
19679 S 550 RD
TAHLEQUAH, OK 74464

Google Maps Welling Ridge Trails [https://maps.app.goo.gl/CxsfLs781heeGbPt6]

TYPING "WELLING RIDGE TRAILS" INTO GOOGLE MAPS WILL TAKE YOU DIRECTLY TO THE START/FINISH AREA.

The race location is about 15 minutes from downtown Tahlequah.

_PARKING_
RACE PARKING IS ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE RACE ADDRESS.

Parking is in a large field with plenty of space. Please park with consideration for other participants.

If you are bringing a personal canopy or aid station, you may drive into the race area to unload your equipment. Please unload and then move your vehicle to the designated parking field.

Important: There is a dirt road near the parking entrance that is not the parking entrance. This can be difficult to see before sunrise.

Do not take the dirt road. Instead, use the cattle gate immediately past it to enter the large parking field.

After parking, it is a short walk across the street to the start/finish area.


_RACE START TIMES_
6AM: 65K AND 50K

8AM: 25K AND RUCK TEAM RELAY

8 8 MILE AND 4 MILE

_FIND YOUR RITE OF PASSAGE_
KROP WAS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE SEVERAL STEPS BETWEEN COMMON RUNNING DISTANCES:

4 miles: A manageable first trail race or step beyond a 5K.
8 miles: A bridge between the 10K and half marathon distances.
25K: A step beyond the half marathon without going all the way to a marathon.
50K: An introduction to the ultra distance.
65K: A step toward the 50-mile and 100K distances.
You do not need to be an experienced trail runner to participate. KROP can also be your first trail race.


_COURSE_
THE KROP COURSE IS A 4-MILE SINGLE-TRACK LOOP AT WELLING RIDGE TRAILS.

The course includes rocks, roots, and technical sections, with 417 feet of elevation gain and loss per loop.

Every distance uses the same loop, so runners return through the start/finish area each lap for access to their crew, personal aid, food, water, and race support.

It's supposed to be hard. And you can absolutely finish it.

_COURSE VIDEO_
Facebook Course Video [https://www.facebook.com/reel/940191098619635]


_TRAIL SAFETY & SELF-RESCUE_
WELLING RIDGE TRAILS IS A SERIOUS TRAIL SYSTEM.

On this course, falling isn't really an "if I fall" situation. It's more of a "when I fall" situation. Rocks, roots, uneven ground, and technical single-track create a genuine risk of falling and injury.

You are your own first responder.

We will have a roaming EMS professional on site during the event. However, Welling Ridge is a trail system, and even on a bicycle it can take time for medical assistance to reach you.

_IF YOU ARE ABLE TO SAFELY SELF-RESCUE, DO SO AND RETURN TO THE START/FINISH AREA._

_IF YOU ARE INJURED AND CANNOT SAFELY MOVE YOURSELF, STAY STILL AND WAIT FOR HELP._

If you need assistance:

Notify another runner that you need help.
Have them note your exact location on the course.
Stay where you are so the medical team can locate you.
Do not attempt to move if doing so could make your injury worse.
Because the course is a loop, other runners are never far away. If you see someone who needs help, stop and assist them or notify race personnel.


_CUTOFF & PACE REQUIREMENTS_
THE OVERALL RACE CUTOFF IS 6:00 PM.

THERE ARE NO EXTENSIONS TO THE CUTOFF. IF YOU CROSS THE FINISH LINE AFTER 6:00 PM, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE AN OFFICIAL FINISH.

For the ultra distances:

50K: 32 miles must be completed by 6:00 PM. This requires an average pace of 22:30/mile.
65K: 40 miles must be completed by 6:00 PM. This requires an average pace of 18:00/mile.
YOUR AVERAGE PACE INCLUDES ALL STOPS, AID-STATION TIME, BATHROOM BREAKS, WALKING, ETC.

_NO DROP-DOWNS_
If you register for the 50K or 65K, you must complete the distance you registered for in order to receive the corresponding finisher award.

For example, a 65K participant cannot decide during the race to stop after 32 miles and receive a 50K finish or 50K buckle.

IF YOU DON'T FINISH YOUR REGISTERED DISTANCE WITHIN THE CUTOFF, YOU CAN ALWAYS COME BACK AND TRY AGAIN THE FOLLOWING YEAR.


_RACE DAY SCHEDULE_

_SATURDAY_
5:00 AM Race-Day Packet Pickup Opens (we do offer early packet pick-up the _FRIDAY _before from 4-7pm at the start line)

6:00 AM 50K & 65K Start

8:00 AM 25K & Ruck Relay Start

8:30 AM 4-Mile & 8-Mile Start

6:00 PM Final Cutoff

_PARTICIPANTS SHOULD HAVE THEIR SHOES ON, BIB ATTACHED, AND BE READY TO START AT LEAST 15 MINUTES BEFORE THEIR SCHEDULED START TIME._

Race-day packet pickup is available, but you must pick up your packet at least 15 minutes before your scheduled start.

For example, a 6:00 AM starter must have their packet before 5:45 AM.


_PACKET PICKUP_
EARLY PACKET PICKUP IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.

Friday: 400 PM at Welling Ridge Trails

Saturday: Beginning at 5:00 AM at the race start/finish area.


_FINISHER AWARDS_
Every participant who completes at least one 4-mile loop may receive a finisher medal.

ULTRA BUCKLES
50K and 65K finishers receive a special KROP belt buckle. We are biased, but our buckles are badass.

TOP THREE FINISHERS
The top three finishers in each distance receive a loaf of sourdough bread baked by Shulamite Bakery, a local Tahlequah bakery.

_This is a nod to the grassroots roots of ultra running, where food, community, and a handmade reward often mean more than a traditional trophy._

RUCK RELAY
Ruck Relay teams compete for 10 hours, accumulating as many completed miles as possible.

The winning teams receive full-sized championship belts, with each belt sponsored by a different local business.


_KROP SPECIAL EVENTS_

_THE KAIZEN ROCK OF PASSAGE_
At an undisclosed time, rocks will be placed somewhere on the course. You can't miss them. They are huge, bright orange stones.

A large stone weighing approx 120lbs and a modest stone weighing approx 65lbs.

_PARTICIPANTS WHO LOCATE A ROCK AND SUCCESSFULLY RETURN IT TO THE FINISH LINE WILL RECEIVE A $100 CASH PRIZE._

For 2027, there will be at least two rocks available.

THIS CHALLENGE IS OPEN ONLY TO PARTICIPANTS 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER.

Participating is entirely optional.


RUCK RELAY NOTES
The KROP Ruck Relay is a team event in which teams have 10 hours to accumulate as many completed 4-mile loops as possible.

RULES
Teams may have up to four people.
Teams of one, two, or three people are allowed.
There are no separate divisions.
Only one team member may be on the course at a time.
Each team receives one bib, which serves as the team's baton.
The bib must be exchanged between teammates in the start/finish area only.
ONLY COMPLETED 4-MILE LOOPS COUNT. PARTIAL LOOPS DO NOT COUNT.
Every participant must carry a 20-pound ruck or vest, regardless of gender or body weight.
Teammates may use different rucks or vests, but the team's single bib must remain with the active runner.
IN THE EVENT OF A TIE, THE WINNER WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE FASTEST TIME ON THE TEAM'S FINAL COMPLETED 4-MILE LOOP.

RACE DAY FOOD & AID
KROP IS SUPPORTED BY A FULLY STOCKED AID STATION THROUGHOUT THE EVENT.

Food Schedule
6:00 AM Donuts from Tahlequah's _SUNRISE DONUT SHOP_

11:00 AM Burgers and hot dogs

The aid station will also provide a combination of salty, sweet, and other foods and drinks appropriate for a long trail event.

Yes, the blue Gatorade will be there.

THE JON B. SPECIAL IS 1 HOTDOG, 1 RICE KRISPIE TREAT, AND A SHOT OF DR. PEPPER.


_TIMING & PHOTOGRAPHY_
KROP IS AN OFFICIALLY CHIP-TIMED EVENT PROVIDED BY I:40 RACE SERVICE. HTTPS://WWW.I40RACESERVICE.COM/ [https://www.i40raceservice.com/]

PROFESSIONAL RACE PHOTOGRAPHY IS PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE BY MATTHEW LEE. HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PROFILE.PHP?ID=100087009984555 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087009984555]

_ _
_TRAIL ETIQUETTE_
_NO LITTERING. NO BEING AN A$$HOLE._

Jon B is the only a$$hole allowed on race day. He has a sword. You signed a waiver. Don't test it.

Please respect Welling Ridge Trails.

The course is a 4-mile loop. Carry your trash with you and dispose of it when you return to the start/finish area.

PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT

The second rule is just as important.

KROP has runners and racers. There is a difference.

Be respectful of everyone on the course. Announce yourself when passing. Encourage other participants, even when you're competing against them.

_WHEN YOU PARTICIPATE UNDER THE KAIZEN FLAG, YOU HAVE AN ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITY TO REPRESENT THE COMMUNITY WELL._


_DONATIONS_
Optional donations made during registration will go directly to the Tahlequah Trails Association.

100% OF DONATED FUNDS GO TO TTA TO SUPPORT TRAIL MAINTENANCE AND FUTURE PROJECTS.

WE ARE PROUD PARTNERS OF THE TTA. THEY TAKE THE TIME TO MOW AND WEED EAT AND PERFORM GENERAL TRAIL MAINTENANCE FOR US ON RACE WEEK. WE WILL TREAT THEM WITH RESPECT BY KEEPING THE INTEGRITY OF THEIR TRAIL SYSTEM.

HTTPS://WWW.TAHLEQUAHTRAILS.ORG/#/ [https://www.tahlequahtrails.org/#/]


_SHIRTS_
Registration includes a race shirt. The shirts come in sizes ranging from XS to 3XL. We use a softstyle, more athletic fit tee.

Register by August 15, 2027 to guarantee your shirt size.


_WEATHER POLICY_
_KROP IS A RAIN-OR-SHINE EVENT._

There are no refunds due to weather.

Oklahoma weather can change quickly, so participants should prepare accordingly.

If life-threatening weather conditions make it unsafe to conduct the event, KROP may be changed to a virtual event or deferred to the following year.

_PACK A PONCHO, COWBOY._


_VOLUNTEERS_
KROP relies heavily on volunteers.

Volunteer opportunities include:

Course setup
Packet pickup
Course marshaling
Aid station support
Race-day assistance
Course cleanup and pack-out
Volunteer registration is available through the Volunteer tab.


_65K / PUMPKIN HOLLER TRAINING_
The 65K distance was intentionally designed to provide a useful training opportunity for runners preparing for the Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd in Tahlequah.

Pumpkin Holler's first loop is approximately 40 miles, and completing the full 100-mile distance requires an overall average pace of 18 minutes per mile.

KROP's 65K requires participants to complete 40 miles by 6:00 PM, which is also an 18:00/mile average pace.

For runners preparing for Pumpkin Holler, the KROP 65K can serve as a race-specific long training effort.


_FINAL NOTE_
KROP is a trail event, and conditions can be challenging. Know the distance, course, and cutoff requirements before registering.

Whether this is your first trail race or another ultra-distance effort, choose the distance that fits your experience and goals.

KROP KAIZEN RITE OF PASSAGE
WELLING RIDGE TRAILS TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA
SEPTEMBER

Races

  • 4 Miler

    Incl. $3.70 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 25th September 2027 (8:30AM CDT)

    $48.70

    The 4 miler consists of one single loop start to finish. You'll experience approx 400 feet of elevation gain.
  • 8 Miler

    Incl. $4.30 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 25th September 2027 (8:30AM CDT)

    $59.30

    The 8 miler will be two loops of the 4 mile course equaling approx 800 feet of elevation gain.
  • 25k (16 Miles)

    Incl. $4.90 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 25th September 2027 (8:00AM CDT)

    $69.90

    The 16 miler features 4 loops and will earn you approx 1600ft of elevation gain.
  • 50k (32 Miles)

    Incl. $5.50 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 25th September 2027 (6:00AM CDT)

    $80.50

    Go ULTRA with the 50k distance! This 32 miler is eight loops and will earn you approx 3200ft of elevation gain!
  • 65k (40 Miles)

    Incl. $5.80 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 25th September 2027 (6:00AM CDT)

    $85.80

    GO PLUS ULTRA! We've added a 40 miler this year! You must hold an 18 min per mile pace to complete this challenge and earn the buckle! This race has approx 4,000ft of elevation!
  • Ruck Relay Team (Each Person Must Register)

    Incl. $5.50 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 25th September 2027 (8:00AM CDT)

    $80.50

    Our most competitive event. This price is PER PERSON. Team Captain will create the team name during their registration then each additional teammate will register under that team name. 4 PERSON MAXIMUM TEAMS. You may compete in this event with LESS than 4. You and your team will be facing the clock in this one. One person of your four person team will run with their 20lb weighted ruck/vest. Partners may switch at any time. Max full loops covered by teams wins. Each loop earns you approx 400ft of elevation gain. Doing this in a 20lbs ruck is no joke!

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Location

19679 S 550 Rd, Welling Ridge Trails, Tahlequah, 74464, OK, United States

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