Race Format & Scoring

Q: What is a Kz?

A: Kz (“Koz” short for Kozlowski, the inventor of this race format) is the score you earn by carrying 1 lb of weight for 1 mile of distance.

Q: How is my score calculated?

A: We multiply the weight you carried by the distance you covered. If you carry 30 lbs of weight for 3 miles you earn 30 × 3 = 90 Kz. Then we add the scores of each completed lap to find your total score.

Q: How often will my pack/weight be weighed?

A: Every lap! In fact, we weigh your “pack” as you exit transition and then again when you enter transition. The lesser of the two results will be used in scoring. (Say you drank water that was in your pack during your lap— it weighs less. OR you stopped to grab a nice looking rock along the way— your pack would weigh more, but that extra weight was not carried the entire lap, so the rock would not count in your score.)

Q: Do I have to compete for all six hours?

A: Not at all. You can do as little as a single lap— anything less won’t be counted toward your Kz. All you need to do to tap out is first let the Race Director or another staff member know. They will take your bib. They will then hold a little ceremony of some sort. (Thinking about a bell tolling…) And you’re done. And once the ceremony is over YOU CAN’T CHANGE YOUR MIND. It’s over. No take backs.

Q: But can I take a break?

A: Absolutely. Just hang up your bib at the designated “I’m taking a break” spot and let the RD know. Then go grab some food, take a nap, change clothes, whatever you want. When you’re ready to return to the course, come on back, let us know, grab your bib, and probably do another weight check before you head on out.

Weight, Gear, & Equipment

Q: What is the minimum/maximum weight?

A: You can carry a little weight as can be weighed. We really suggest you carry at least that as carrying nothing nets you a score of zero kz. As for the maximum… well, how much can you carry? For three miles? On a trail? That probably has mud?

Q: What can I use to carry my weight?

A: We don’t care what you carry. Backpack, ruck, over-the-shoulder sandbag, weighted vest, 5 gallon buckets, you can carry a giant stuffed teddy bear— it doesn’t matter. It can even be a kitchen sink. The key thing is that IT MUST BE CARRIED and WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO WEIGH IT! No dragging, no rolling, no levitating.

Q: Can I use trekking poles?

A: Yes. BUT… trekking poles will not count towards your score as they will be touching the ground (or assumed to be touching) during your laps.

Q: Will weights be provided?

A: Hell no! There is no way we could provide enough weights for more than one or two people and we don’t want to anyway. You bring what you think you’ll be carrying— please! You can keep your spare weights wherever you want, but we’ll try to set an area near the transition for competitors to quickly and easily change out their load.

Race-Day Logistics & Course

Q: What is the course like?

A: Single and double track with gentle ups and downs. Possibly one muddy hill that becomes a bit of an A-hole when the course reverses.

Q: Can I preview or recon the course?

A: No. It’s private property and whatever course you might recon will most likely not be the final course. There was a significant detour for the 2026 event due to a Beaver Incursion, so we’ll be mostly in the dark as to how everything is finalized until about 2-3 weeks before the race.

Q: What is the elevation gain?

A: The elevation gain of a FLAP will be around 300 feet. Give or take. See above question.

Q: What are the bathroom facilities like?

A: We have been told that we will be using the indoor facility for this year’s race. It has bathrooms with running water! Might even be heated!

Q: Is there a parking fee?

A: No. Parking is included in your entry fee.

Q: Will there be somewhere to get out of the cold?

A: Yes. There is the indoor facility, which is probably heated. You can also warm up beside the bonfire at the very big fire ring just outside. And finally, if you have a tent set up, you can take a break there to get warm (or change clothes, or take a nap).

Q: What is cell service like?

A: It’s always been 4 or 5 bars for us. And that’s over the entire course.

Team Event

Q: Is there a team event?

A: No.