
From the Organizer
If you are familiar with Kansas, you may know the state moto is “Ad Astra Per Aspera.” Depending on how you google it, the Latin means “to the stars through difficulties.” We wanted a race that was awesome and represented Kansas. We felt “The Bad Astra” was a great name for a gravel bike race. “Bad Astra” in Latin means “really cool bike race…” probably.
We will be offering distances of 80 miles (The Bad Astra), 40 miles (The Half Astra), and 20 miles (BA Party Pace).
(All distances are rough estimates. All race distances will be a minimum of the number miles)
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
77°
Typical Low
52°
Chance of Rain
28%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Ottawa.
Host City
Population
12,632
as of 2023
Elevation
912 ft
Nearest Airport
MCI
Kansas City International Airport · 56 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at The Bad Astra, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
Overbrook Community 5k & 1 Mile
20 miles away
The Snake 10-Mile Trail Race
24 miles away
Rexy Run/Walk
24 miles away
Moonrise Bike Ride 2026 - Bikepacking, Music, and Food Festival on the Flint Hills Trail
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Bad Astra
Sep 26, 2026