Embark on an unforgettable ultra-running experience at The Sticks, a timed race event unfolding on May 28, 2026, in the scenic "sticks" outside Norton, KS. This unique event, often described as "half race, half hootenanny," offers a low-key, homegrown atmosphere on a welcoming farmstead. Runners can choose their challenge from a range of distances including 72HR, 48HR, 24HR, 12HR, and 6HR options. The course itself is a dynamic blend of mowed pasture and dirt road, featuring rolling hills that are not overly technical but promise an engaging and uneven challenge. Participants will navigate a primary 3-mile loop, with an exciting optional 4.3-mile dirt road loop available during specific six-hour windows throughout the event.

The Sticks caters to runners with a maximum participant cap of 75, fostering a close-knit community vibe. A single, well-stocked aid station at the start/finish line operates 24/7, providing essential electrolyte/carb drinks like Proxima C, typical ultra-style race food, and even cooked meals such as ramen at night, brunch, and dinner. Free camping is available at the start/finish area, complete with porta-potties and ample space for crew setups, plus the added convenience of an indoor shower on site. Pacers are permitted for runners after the 24-hour mark, adding crucial support for those pushing longer distances.

Typical race day conditions in late May can see highs around 81F and lows around 53F, with a 15% chance of precipitation, so runners should be prepared for varying temperatures and carry their own hydration. Custom, distance-specific belt buckles await finishers of ultra-distances, and completing milestones like 105 miles in the 24-hour race or 200 miles in any duration can earn you free entry into The Last Cowboy Backyard race. Get ready for a memorable journey where camaraderie is as abundant as the Kansas landscape, and celebrations might even include a celebratory shot of whiskey.