Royal Oaks Sunrise Trail Race

On Saturday, August 22nd, early risers are invited to explore Northeast Missouri’s breathtaking Royal Oaks Trail system. The race begins and concludes at the picturesque Royal Oaks Trailhead within Big Creek Conservation Area, offering runners an off-road adventure that showcases some of the region's most stunning natural landscapes.
For those tackling the full 10k distance, the course takes you south along Royal Oaks Ridge before looping counterclockwise through Thousand Hills State Park on the Rainbow Basin Loop. The route is designed to reward participants with breathtaking sunrise views over Forest Lake, making it a memorable and scenic experience. Meanwhile, the more leisurely 5k fun run/walk offers runners stunning vistas out-and-back along the ridge.
This event prides itself on being low-tech yet high-reward, encouraging everyone from casual joggers to seasoned trail enthusiasts to join in at just $15 per entry. To support local conservation efforts and promote sustainable practices, participants are encouraged to make an additional donation or purchase a FLATS (Forest Lake Area Trails System) trucker hat, with all proceeds benefiting the trails.
Parking is limited near the Royal Oaks Trailhead, so carpooling is strongly recommended for everyone’s convenience. The race starts promptly at 6:28 am after check-in between 5:30 and 6:15 am, where runners will receive their bibs directly on site.
Runner support includes a single aid station located approximately one mile into the course and again near the turnaround point for those running the shorter distance. This ensures that participants have access to water and other essentials throughout their journey.
Awards are given to both male and female overall winners of each race category, as well as age group champions in 10k races, with all finishers receiving a commemorative Royal Oaks Sunrise Trail Race car sticker. The top 10k competitors also earn free entry into the FLATS Trail Half Marathon later this year.
Trail etiquette is paramount to ensuring everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Runners are asked to be mindful of others on narrow sections by announcing their presence loudly, waiting for a safe passing point before proceeding. Earbuds should either not be used or kept at low volume levels to ensure clear communication among participants.
In case of inclement weather, the race will proceed as planned but may incur delays or route modifications based on safety considerations from event management. Participants are advised to stay updated through official communications and prepare accordingly.
Registration is final with no refunds available; however, runners can transfer their entry until August 20th via UltraSignup for a smooth transition of entries without impacting race logistics or participant tracking systems.
Join us as we celebrate the beauty of nature while supporting conservation efforts in Northeast Missouri.