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

• Variety: 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—where the energy, food, and support never stop.
• Rite of Passage: KROP offers a range of distances catering to all skill levels.
• Experience: KROP is a great place for first-time trail runners and ultra athletes alike.

Surprises on the Course

• The Extra Magic Mile: A bonus mile will appear at random times during the race, adding fun without counting toward your mileage.
• The Kaizen ROCK of Passage: Bring back a hidden rock for a chance to win a $100 bill.
• Challenge: Carry a rock weighing 60lbs or more on technical trails for advanced entrants only.
• Age Limit: This challenge is for entrants 18 years of age or over only.

Packet Pick-Up

We recommend early packet pick-up if possible. Early pick-up will be available from 12-5pm on Thursday 9/24 at NSU's Fitness Center or on Friday 9/25 from 4-7pm at the race location at Welling Ridge. Race day pick-up will begin at 5am on Saturday. MUST get your packet a minimum of 15 min prior to your start time! That means if your race starts at 6am you need your packet BEFORE 5:45AM. This is true for all distances. Please obtain your packet a minimum of 15 minutes before your posted start time.

Finisher Perks & Awards

• Completion: Complete just one 4-mile loop and you’ll earn a finisher’s award.
• Special Buckles: 50k and 65k finishers take home a special KROP belt buckle.
• Top Finishers: Top 3 finishers in every distance will receive gold, silver, or bronze variants of the finisher medal.
• Relay Challenge: In the Ruck Team Relay, teams compete for a chance to claim full-sized championship belts.

The Vibe

This isn’t just a race—it’s a 12-hour trail running party fueled by Team Kaizen hospitality:

• Start Time: Donuts for breakfast starting at 6am.
• Grill: Burgers & dogs on the grill starting at 10am.
• Aid Station: Fully stocked with salty, sugary fuel, including favorite BLUE GATORADE.

The Course

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

The Pace

• 50k Time: To complete the 50k you’ll need to maintain a pace of 22:30 per mile.
• 65k Time: To complete the 65k you’ll need to maintain a pace of 18:00 per mile.
• Training Run: This 40-miler is designed as a final training run for the Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd.

RUCK RELAY RULES!

• Team Size: Teams are up to FOUR people max. Teams of 3 or less are allowed.
• Relay Structure: ONE team member runs at a time, with teams receiving ONE BIB to use as the "baton".
• Exchanges: Ruck/bib may only be exchanged in the START/FINISH area.
• Weight: 20lbs ruck or vest required for all participants.
• Finishing Rules: ONLY COMPLETED 4 MILE LOOPS COUNT! No partial loops allowed.

Race Day Highlights

• Food: Early breakfast and HOT FOOD all day long starting at 10am!
• Timing: Official chip timed event by I:40 Race Service!
• Photography: FREE Photography by MATTHEW LEE!

DONATIONS

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

COURSE

The race course at Welling Ridge Trails is a 4-mile loop starting and finishing at the same area. It offers beautiful views and challenges runners with approximately 417 feet of elevation gain and loss per loop.

It’s supposed to be hard, and you can absolutely finish it.

Location

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

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

Find Us Here

Bad Weather

There will be no refunds. This 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 for setup, packet pickup, course marshaling, aid station support, and pack out. Register to volunteer by using the volunteer tab.

Experience KROP

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 Info

For more details, visit the official race page: KROP Race Page.