KROP - Kaizen Rite of Passage

🏃‍♂️ KROP: Kaizen Rite of Passage – Year 2

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

• Race Options: Runners can choose from 4, 8, 16 (25k), 32 (50k) miles, or the brand-new 40 mile (65k) distance.
• Course Structure: 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.
• Fun Surprises: Expect exciting surprises like The Extra Magic Mile and The Kaizen ROCK of Passage.
• Join the Party: This isn’t just a race—it’s a 12-hour trail running party fueled by Team Kaizen hospitality.

🏅 Finisher Perks & Awards

• Finisher’s Award: Complete just one 4-mile loop and you’ll earn a finisher’s award.
• Special Belt Buckle: 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.
• Ruck Team Relay: Teams can compete for full-sized championship belts sponsored by a different local business.

🎉 The Vibe

• Breakfast Treats: Donuts for breakfast.
• Grilled Food: Burgers & dogs on the grill starting at 10 am.
• Aid Station: A fully stocked aid station with the salty, sugary fuel every runner craves.
• Community Spirit: Experience camaraderie and celebration at this unique event.

🏞️ 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.

• Loop Course: The race course at Welling Ridge Trails is a 4-mile loop that starts and finishes at the start/finish area.
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 417 feet of elevation gain and loss per loop, providing a proper challenge.
• All Levels: Perfect for runners of all levels, from beginners to ultra experienced.
• Video Preview: 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

We're all about providing positive experiences at an early age that lead to lifelong healthy habits. Each parent entry comes with one free child (age 15 or under) entry for live events.

• Family Focus: This initiative encourages families to make memories together.
• Thanks to Partners: Huge thanks to the Outlaw Trail Series and Lake Vian Hilltop Run for leading the way on this.
• Additional Resources: 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. The physical address is 19679 S 550 Rd, Tahlequah, OK 74464.

View on Google Maps

🌧️ Bad Weather

There will be no refunds. It’s Oklahoma, so you can’t predict the weather: that’s why at Kaizen we say every day has the same weather. 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, and pack out. Register to volunteer by using the volunteer tab above.

🔗 Race Details

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