FREEDOM

John Brown, fighting abolitionist, envisioned Kansas as an alternative endpoint to the Underground Railroad. He spent years in eastern Kansas fighting for a Free State and to send slavers packin' back to Missouri and other disreputable parts. Pay homage to our most kickass state father with a quick lookout 5K to make sure no border ruffians are about, a ride on the Prairie Spirit Trail (the railroad North-ward!), and finally a 10K run to and from John Brown's Cave (location top secret) via a winding, wooded track. Complete the whole thing on your own, or recruit your own Generals and Lieutenants for a relay.

We'll tell you your time if you really want, and keep track of who gets where and when, but this is an event for fun and shenanigans, and John Brown would never submit to timer chips. Make some plans to camp, bring some beverages Charley Melvin would've disapproved of, and, of course, BEWARE THE LEHIGH MAN.

Course description

The race starts with a 5K on roads and rail-trail surface, then a 40K bike ride on rail-trail (crushed limestone). We recommend at least 32mm tires for the trail. If it's dry your road bike will be fine, if a little bumpy, and if it's a little wet, you'll want fatter tires.

The last leg is a 10K trail run on a combination of chunky gravel connector trail, crushed limestone and moderately challenging singletrack. We want everyone to be safe and have a good time and the Lehigh Man has some water, but plan ahead for food and water for your finishing leg.

Event's current local time: 12:28 AM CT