Event Description
DESCRIPTION
Kaizen Running Club's First Official Chip-Timed Trail Race at Welling Ridge Trails!
Date: September 27, 2025
Location: Welling Ridge Trails, Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Ready to test your limits while having a blast? Join us for a day of trail running fun at the stunning Welling Ridge Trails just outside Tahlequah, Oklahoma, as Kaizen Running Club hosts its very first official chip-timed event! Whether you’re racing to conquer the 4 miles, crushing the 8-mile challenge, going all out for the 12-mile course, or diving into the ultimate 50K experience (32 miles), we’ve got a distance to match your ambition and pace. Oh, and don’t forget the 10-hour max distance ruck relay—grab your crew, lace up your boots, and let’s see how far you can go!
All race distances follow the same scenic 4-mile loop, which means every 4 miles you'll hit the start/finish line to fuel up, grab a sweet or salty snack, and hydrate. Sugar rush or salty crunch? The choice is yours! We've got a fully stocked refuel station that will keep you going and the good vibes rolling.
Whether you’re racing solo or joining a ruck relay team, there’s plenty of camaraderie to be had at our chill and fun start/finish area. Plus, with our first-ever chip timing, you’ll know exactly how fast you went—no guessing, just results.
And guess what? Photography by Matthew Lee will be on hand to capture all the action! You’ll get free pictures of your race day experience—because who doesn’t want a sweet shot of themselves crushing the trail?
Race Day Highlights:
4, 8, 12 miles, 50K, and a 10-hour ruck relay (4-PERSON TEAMS, each team member sharing a 20lbs weighted vest or rucksack).
Distances begin in waves with the 50k starting at 6am, the ruck at 8am and the other distances following shortly after.
Chips and timing officially included.
Expect Director Jon B's specialty: HOT DOGS! PLUS: Sweet and salty snacks galore!
Hydration refills at every 4 miles.
Good vibes, music, and tons of fun!
Free race photos courtesy of Matthew Lee Photography.
So, whether you’re out to race, relax, or relay your way to victory, we can’t wait to see you at the starting line! Come for the race, stay for the snacks, and leave with some epic photos!
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.
AWARDS
At Kaizen Running Club, the pace is forward. We believe anyone that crosses that finish line deserves something to remember it by.
All Finishers:
Every racer and rucker who crosses the finish line will receive a finisher’s medal to commemorate their hard work and determination.
50K Finishers:
For our toughest challengers, all 50K finishers will be awarded a special belt buckle—because nothing says “cowboy up” like a shiny, iconic buckle!
Top Three Humans in Each Race Distance:
We believe it’s all about the effort, spirit, and grit! That's why we’ll be honoring the Top Three Humans in each race distance (4 miles, 8 miles, 12 miles, and 50K) with a special trophy. This isn’t about age or gender—it’s about celebrating those who push the limits and rise to the occasion.
Ruck Relay Awards:
For the ruck relay teams, First Place will receive finisher’s medals and, in true championship style, a championship belt (yes, think WWE style) to share among your team members. Wear it proudly as the ultimate badge of honor!
So, whether you're out there battling the trails solo or leading a relay team, know that every finish is worth celebrating, and there are unique awards waiting for those who push themselves the hardest. See you at the finish line!
COURSE
The race course at Welling Ridge Trails is a 4-mile loop that starts and finishes at the start/finish area. All race distances will follow this same loop, which is a relatively flat, single-track trail offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. With approximately 417 feet of elevation gain and loss per loop, this course offers a perfect challenge for runners of all levels.
Remember, it's suppose to be hard. And you can absolutely finish it.
Shirt
Registration comes with a shirt. Make sure you sign up by 8/25/25 for a guaranteed shirt.
Child Discount
Our children are our future and our present. We're all about providing positive experiences at an early age that lead to lifelong healthy habits. We love seeing families making memories too. Each parent entry comes with one free child (age 15 or under) entry. This applies to live events only. Please direct message us if you are interested.
Huge thanks to the Outlaw Trail Series and Lake Vian Hilltop Run for leading the way on this. When we saw that they do this, we knew it was the right thing to do. Check out their events at outlaw100.com and https://runsignup.com/Race/OK/Vian/LakeVianHilltopRun for more family experiences.
Location
KROP is located at Welling Ridge Trails just outside of Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Google map "Welling Ridge Trails" or click the link for easy location finding.
Physical address: 19679 S 550 Rd, Tahlequah, OK 74464
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Cc8mAemRQR2ta7f87
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 deferral to the following year.
Pack a poncho, cowboy.
Volunteers
We need volunteers. We have everything from helping with setup, packet pickup, course marshaling, aid station, and pack out. Register to volunteer by using the volunteer tab above.
