This is a rails to trails out and back starting from Flat Branch Park in downtown Columbia, Missouri. The race is named after Flat Branch creek, a water source for early settlers. More on the history of the area can be found here, https://comomag.com/2007/11/03/flat-branch-creek-of-dreams/.

The tree represents the nearly 400 year old Burr Oak that can be seen from the course about 10 miles into the race. “It stands alone – no other tree is within 1,000 feet. As the largest burr oak tree in Missouri, it’s tied with another in Kentucky for the title of the national champion (largest) of the specie, Quercus macrocarpa.” Source: NPS.gov

Competitors will head southwest on the MKT (Missouri-Kansas-Texas) trail for about 9 miles before they intersect the Katy Trail just west of McBaine. From there, competitors will head west on the Katy Trail. The turnaround is east of Rocheport. The complete route can be found here, https://www.strava.com/routes/2910935132369533576.

The course will showcase the Missouri River, bluffs and other spectacular features–both natural and man-made.