This race is run on a 10K loop in Castlewood Sate Park. The first 2 miles are mostly flat and smooth. Then things get interesting, a 250 foot climb up stairs then some moderately technical downhill followed by another rough climb. I ran the 30K and the elevation gain was just shy of 2000 ft. By loop 3 the trail was very crowded with hikers,cyclist, and people walking their dogs. This was probably due to it being almost 70 degrees in November but it did slow things down. 2 aid stations along the course with water Gatoraid,chips and M&M's worked for most but I always carry my own stuff so can not comment beyond that. There is a rocky creek crossing so your feet will get wet, they have a timing sensor there so no cheating. A word of warning, most of the course is rooty and rocky, and many people choose to wear headphones. I saw several people go down because the people they were trying to pass could not hear them say passing on the left. Do your fellow trail runners a favor and leave the tunes for the road. Post race food was good, BBQ pork, chips and fruit. They did offer a vegetarian option but as someone who enjoys charred mammal flesh I don't know what it was. They had beer and water at the end but I was craving a soda and non to be found. Long sleeve tech shirt is nice. Awards for the 30K finishers are a mug and a very nice buckle. Many injuries that day with at least two being carried off course so respect the trail. I will run this again in cooler years but the congestion on the trail would keep me away during warmer Novembers. Parking is at a nearby school with shuttle vans running continuously between the park and school.

I run this race every year. It supports Care To Learn. An organization that helps disadvantaged school children with clothes, supplies, food, eye care. You can choose what district you would like your entry fee to go to. The course is slightly hilly if you live in the area and very hilly if you live in the flats. It did seem like this year they were missing an aid station or two but I don't use them so I may have not noticed.
The after race prize giveaways are second to none. Over $20000 in merchandise and gift certificates are donated from area businesses for this race. From Kayaks and mountain bikes to weekend spa passes and dinner.

What was suppose to be a trail race turned into a mostly road race due to the storms the night before. The park wouldn't let us on most of the trails.However the RD was on top of the situation and had already had an alternate route planned. Not to many races do that. So while a little disappointing that we didn't get much trail time the mostly road course was beautiful and challenging, The staff was top notch and the after race eats were heaven. I can not wait to go back and run the entire trail course.

This was my first time running the Frisco Railroad Run and my first 50 mile Ultra. I can not say enough good things about this race. First off it is put on by runners for runners. The Ozark Mountain Ridge Runners are a top notch running club.
If you are traveling from out of the area you will probably have to stay in Springfield as Willard is a small town just outside of Springfield but just a few minutes away.
Now as for the race:
Registration is easy and this is an affordable race if you enter early.

If you can not run for some reason you may delay until the next year! (This puts them above just about every other race out there)

If you would like to transfer your bib to someone else, no problem, just let them know who have them sign a waiver and here you go!

The course is mostly crushed limestone, flat, out and back for all distance. (first and last 2 miles is on paved trail)

The aid stations were second to none. Well stocked and rockin! Even the last finisher of the 50 mile posted on FB that all the aid stations still had plenty of everything 11 hours later.

Post Race food was good and plentiful.

Scenery is great and you will not get bored even tho it is an out and back.

Did I mention the AWESOME aid stations?!

Proceeds from the race go towards trail maintenance and to another local charity.

Do yourself a favor, if you live in the area or not. Run this one.

This was my first 50K. It was the inaugural run of this race too. The race was very well organized, aid stations were stocked and the volunteers were awesome! This is run on the Ruby Jack Trail and is a rails to trails course. Very flat and straight so it's like running in an old Hanna Barbara cartoon. It's always the same two trees that you are passing. Parts of the trail are larger loose gravel so getting traction can be a challenge at times. Overall it was a great experience and will run it again. The finishers award is a plaque instead of a medal and that is cool!