Missouri Ultra Records Shattered
The 2026 Flat Branch Ultra saw more than 20 Missouri state running records fall on the USATF-certified 50K course on February 21. Brendan Connell and Jessalyn Sadler took overall victories at the event, which drew a highly competitive field and showcased the state's growing ultra scene.
The 2026 edition of the Flat Branch Ultra was the first year the course was USATF-certified, making it eligible for official state record-setting performances. This certification, combined with a competitive field, led to a cascade of record-breaking times on the rails-to-trails course. While Brendan Connell recorded the fastest time of the day, finishing in 3:01:32, the official Missouri men's 50K state record was awarded to Matt Chan, who finished in 3:15:06. State record-keeping guidelines require an athlete to be a resident of Missouri, and Connell is listed as a non-resident. Jessalyn Sadler's victory in the women's race established a new overall Missouri 50K state record with her time of 3:26:47. This performance also secured her the Missouri record for 37-year-old females. In total, 10 women and 13 men set new Missouri state single-age records at the event. The Flat Branch Ultra debuted in 2022 as a November race. In 2024, the event moved to its current February date, and the start/finish line was relocated in 2025. The race is capped at 125 participants and is known for selling out.
