Earth Day Buckle Mania returns to Abilene, Kansas on April 23rd through the 25th of 2027, offering ultrarunners a challenging yet rewarding experience in a serene private park setting.
The race takes place at a picturesque and shaded private park located just off Indy Road in Abilene. Runners will navigate a certified paved loop that measures exactly 1.8228 miles around the perimeter of this lush green space, enjoying the natural beauty of trees and wildlife along the way. The event offers pacers after 12 hours but no muling is permitted.
Earth Day Buckle Mania has been an annual tradition since its inception in 2015, attracting a dedicated group of runners who push their limits year after year on this scenic course. Over the years, thousands have participated to earn one or more of the six available buckles for completing specific distances: 50K, 50 Mile, 100K, 100 Mile, 150 Mile, and 200 Mile. These achievements are celebrated both on-site and in the vibrant running community that supports this unique event.
The course at Earth Day Buckle Mania winds through a private park with certified pavement throughout its entirety. The terrain is flat and mostly shaded by trees lining the route, providing runners with comfort from direct sunlight while offering scenic views of nature. Every loop around the 1.8228-mile circuit brings participants closer to earning one of six buckles for reaching designated milestones during their run.
Weather conditions in April can be variable but typically feature firm and slightly soft trail conditions, a UV index ranging between moderate levels, and mild temperatures conducive to running long distances without extreme discomfort or heat exhaustion risks. The event takes place at night as well as during the day, so runners should prepare for changing light conditions throughout their race.
Earth Day Buckle Mania offers three distinct distance options: 12 Hour | 12 Hours with a fee of $150.00; 24 Hour | 24 Hours costing $200.00; and the longest challenge, 48 Hour | 48 Hours at $300.00.
48 Hour
48 Hours • Start: 17:00:00 • Fee: $300.00
12 Hour
12 Hours • Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $150.00
24 Hour
24 Hours • Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $200.00
Registration for Earth Day Buckle Mania is available through https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=139187 until April 25th of 2026 when the entry deadline closes and guarantees a tri-blend shirt if completed by then. Entry fees cover more than just race participation, including free lodging in heated buildings or RV hookups for those who qualify through their registration.
Bib pickup will take place at the start location on Indy Road from April 21st to April 23rd. Participants should bring identification and any required waivers upon arrival. The official start location is situated at 1943 Indy Road, where all age-eligible runners must show up prepared with appropriate gear for overnight running or multi-day endurance challenges.
Earth Day Buckle Mania concludes its three-day run on April 25th in Abilene, Kansas after days of dedicated effort from ultrarunners. For those who value the physical and mental challenge of pushing beyond their limits while celebrating a significant achievement through earned buckles at each milestone distance, this race offers an unparalleled experience that showcases both personal growth and community spirit.
Earth Day Buckle Mania in Abilene, Kansas is worth attending for its unique blend of endurance testing and recognition of milestones achieved. The opportunity to run continuous loops over multiple days and earn physical markers of progress makes it a standout event among ultramarathon enthusiasts.
