KROP - Kaizen Rite of Passage

DESCRIPTION

KROP: Kaizen Rite of Passage – Year 2: DON'T CALL IT A COMEBACK!

Guess who's back!? KROP returns to Tahlequah, Oklahoma at the rugged and scenic Welling Ridge Trails for its second year!

Race Distances

• Options: Runners can choose from 4, 8, 16 (25k), 32 (50k) miles, or the brand-new 40 mile (65k) distance.
• Loop: All races follow the same 4-mile loop, bringing you back through the start/finish area every lap.
• Support: The energy, food, and support never stop at the start/finish area.
• Purpose: It's a rite of passage for runners of all levels!

Extra Challenges

• The Extra Magic Mile: A bonus mile will appear at a random time: it won’t count towards your mileage, but it adds to the fun!
• The Kaizen ROCK of Passage: Bring back a hidden rock for a reward. Challenging task for entrants 18 and older.
• Weight: Carry a 60lbs or more rock on single track, technical, root twisted trails.
• Difficulty: This challenge is not easy!

Finisher Perks & Awards

• 4-Mile Loop: Complete just one loop to earn a finisher’s award.
• Belt Buckles: 50k and 65k finishers receive special KROP belt buckles.
• Medals: Top 3 finishers in every distance earn gold, silver, or bronze medals.
• Ruck Team Relay: Teams compete for championship belts sponsored by local businesses.

The Vibe

• Breakfast: Donuts available starting at 6am.
• Grill: Burgers & dogs on the grill starting at 10am.
• Aid Station: Fully stocked with salty, sugary fuel and everyone's favorite blue Gatorade.
• Party Atmosphere: This isn’t just a race—it’s a 12-hour trail running celebration!

The Course

Welling Ridge Trails are beautiful but brutal—rock-covered, root-twisted single track that demands focus...

The Pace

• 50k: Maintain a pace of 22:30 per mile.
• 65k: Maintain a pace of 18:00 per mile.
• Training: The 40 miler is perfect training for the upcoming Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd.
• Event Goals: Challenge, camaraderie, and celebration for every runner.

Race Day Highlights

• Food: Early breakfast and hot food all day starting at 10am!
• Chip Timing: Official chip timed event by I:40 Race Service!
• Photography: Free photography by Matthew Lee!
• Fun: Enjoy a fun day filled with excitement!

DONATIONS

Any additional donations given upon registration will go directly to the Tahlequah Trails Association.

COURSE

The race course at Welling Ridge Trails is a 4-mile loop starting and finishing at the start/finish area. Approximately 417 feet of elevation gain per loop.

Check out this video of the course! KROP-Course

Shirt

Registration comes with a shirt. Sign up by 8/28/26 for a guaranteed shirt.

Child Discount

Each parent entry comes with one free child (age 15 or under) entry, applicable to live events only.

Location

KROP is located at Welling Ridge Trails just outside of Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

Physical address: 19679 S 550 Rd, Tahlequah, OK 74464

View on Google Maps

Bad Weather

There will be no refunds. This event happens rain or shine.

Volunteers

Help with setup, packet pickup, course marshaling, and aid station by volunteering!

Learn More

Visit the KROP official page for additional details.