KROP - Kaizen Rite of Passage

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19679 S 550 Rd, Tahlequah OK

Saturday, September 26th, 2026

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.
Surprises: Expect surprises along the way!

Special Challenges

The Extra Magic Mile: A bonus mile will appear randomly, filled with fun and wild sights.
The Kaizen ROCK of Passage: Carry a 60lbs rock for a special prize: at least three stones will be hidden on the course.
Eligibility: This challenge is for entrants 18 years and older only.
Caution: Expect a brutal challenge on single track, technical trails.

Finisher Perks & Awards

Awards: Complete one 4-mile loop and earn a finisher’s award.
Belt Buckles: 50k and 65k finishers take home a special KROP belt buckle.
Top Placement: Top 3 finishers in every distance will receive gold, silver, or bronze medals.
Team Relay: Teams in the Ruck Team Relay can win championship belts.

The Vibe

Food: Enjoy donuts for breakfast and burgers & dogs on the grill starting at 10am.
Aid Stations: Fully stocked with salty and sugary fuel, including everyone's favorite BLUE GATORADE.
Hospitality: Be prepared for a 12-hour trail running party fueled by Team Kaizen hospitality!
Spirit: This isn’t just a race—it’s a celebration for every runner.

The Course

Welling Ridge Trails are beautiful but brutal—rock-covered, root-twisted single track that demands focus every step of the way. You may trip. You may fall. But if you don’t show up, you’ll definitely miss out.

Whether this is your very first trail race or your next ultra, KROP promises challenge, camaraderie, and celebration for every runner. Are you ready for your Rite of Passage?

Race Day Highlights

Snacks: Early breakfast and hot food all day long starting at 10am!
Timing: Official chip timed event by our friends at I:40 Race Service!
Photography: Captured by MATTHEW LEE!

DONATIONS

Any additional donations given upon registration will go directly to the Tahlequah Trails Association. Please help us give back to them for their generosity and hard work. 100% of the money donated will go to TTA to help them with future maintenance and projects. These are good people. Let’s help them out.

COURSE

The race course at Welling Ridge Trails is a 4-mile loop that starts and finishes at the start/finish area. This loop offers a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape with approximately 417 feet of elevation gain and loss per loop, presenting a perfect challenge for runners of all levels.

Remember, it’s supposed to be hard. And you can absolutely finish it.

Check out this video of the course! KROP-Course

Shirt

Registration comes with a shirt. Make sure you sign up by 9/1/26 for a guaranteed shirt.

Child Discount

Each parent entry comes with one free child (age 15 or under) entry for live events only. We encourage families to create positive experiences and memories.

Thanks to the Outlaw Trail Series and Lake Vian Hilltop Run for inspiring this initiative. Check out their events at outlaw100.com and Lake Vian Hilltop Run.

Location

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

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

Google Maps Link

Bad Weather

There will be no refunds. The event happens rain or shine. In case of life-threatening weather conditions, the event may be changed to virtual or deferred to the following year.

Pack a poncho, cowboy.

Volunteers

We need volunteers! Help with setup, packet pickup, course marshaling, aid station, and pack out. Register to volunteer by using the volunteer tab above.