Lace up your shoes for the Frisco Railroad Run on April 25, 2026, in Willard, Missouri, an exceptional event catering to distances from an 8K all the way up to a 50-mile ultramarathon. This popular race, renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, offers a Boston Qualifier marathon, a 50K, and a half marathon, providing a perfect opportunity for seasoned runners to chase a personal record or for newer participants to tackle a new distance. The course is primarily a flat and scenic out-and-back journey along the historic Frisco Highline Trail, a USATF-certified rail-to-trail path. Runners will enjoy a blend of fine-crushed hard-packed gravel and approximately 2.5 miles of paved trail at the start and finish, winding through rural Missouri farmlands, pastures, and shaded wooded sections featuring charming railroad bridges. While generally very flat with only a gradual 3% elevation gain over the full 35-mile trail, some find the subtle inclines on the return journey deceptively challenging, making for an engaging race experience.

Runners consistently praise the Frisco Railroad Run for its outstanding organization and the impressive, highly supportive aid stations positioned approximately every 2.5 miles along the route. These "ultra food" stations are well-stocked with everything from water, electrolytes, soda, and gels to fruit, chips, and even pickle juice and sometimes bacon, ensuring all participants are well-fueled. Volunteers are celebrated for their enthusiastic encouragement, transforming aid stations into lively cheer zones. The start and finish lines are conveniently located at the Willard Middle School parking lot, offering ample parking and porta-potties. With typical race day conditions seeing highs around 70F and lows near 48F, coupled with a 21% chance of precipitation, the weather often provides a comfortable backdrop for a great race. This event is not just a race but a celebration of the trail, with proceeds benefiting the Ozark Greenways.