Kirksville , MO
KIRKSVILLE
MISSOURI ’ S NORTH STAR
Resting near the top of Missouri , Kirksville shines as Missouri ’ s North Star . Autumn is the time of year when pumpkins and mums fill the Farmer ’ s Market . Kirksville welcomes hunters , fisherman , runners participating in the FLATS Trail Half Marathon , and competitors for the Scottish Highland Games .
The Scottish Highland Games is the place to be in Kirksville on Saturday , October 6 th . From the tabor toss to the throwing of the Braemer stone and other amazing fests of strength , this unique event allows visitors to stroll through time to look back to the days in Scotland when men wore kilts and women wore plaid shawls .
By Debi Boughton
The 8 th Annual FLATS Trail Half Marathon is on Saturday , October 6 th , at 8:30 a . m . This unique race is a run through the woods of Thousand Hills State Park and ends at West Winery / Jackson Stables on Rainbow Basin Trail . Runners return year after year to run the 13 mile trail . Organizer Dan Martin explains , “ There aren ’ t many trail half marathons . People enjoy the beauty and peaceful views while also loving the challenging terrain . Last October , we welcomed runners from Iowa , Kansas , Illinois , Indiana , Pennsylvania , Arkansas , and Wisconsin as well as runners from all over Missouri .”
The local Kirksville Brewers Guild makes a special beer just for the FLATS Trail Half Marathon . It is called FLATS Trail Pale Ale . Guild members serve the Trail Pale Ale to participants after they cross the finish line . Runners , volunteers and spectators enjoy a frosty mug .
One runner , Raymond Rolling , states , “ I have run many races throughout my running career ranging from 5k to one hundred miles on the trails . This event is world class .