Shawnee Hills Trail Races
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Shawnee Hills Trail Races : Camp Ondessonk, Ozark, IL, August 22–23, 2026
Shawnee Hills Trail Races take place at Camp Ondessonk in the Shawnee National Forest. The course passes sandstone canyon systems, rock formations, and several waterfalls including Pakentuck Falls, Jackson Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Cedar Falls. Salomon's Ridge provides notable viewpoints. Vegetation includes oak-hickory, maple-beech, and pine forest.
The course is a figure-eight loop composed of about 80% single-track trail with dirt surfaces and some fire roads. The terrain is technical with rocks, roots, ruts, and creek crossings. The course is hilly with reported climb values between 50 and 150 feet. Runners may encounter heat, humidity, snakes, ground hornets, and bees native to the area.
Distances offered:
- 100 Mile Run: short ~3-mile loop then three ~32-mile loops
- 100K Run: two ~32-mile loops
- 50K Run: one ~32-mile loop
- Half Marathon: ~13 miles on west section of the loop
There are five manned aid stations stocking water, electrolyte drinks, snacks, and basic first aid, with about 5 miles between stations and no gap greater than roughly 8 miles. Restrooms are available at start/finish and four named aid stations.
Race swag includes a custom event shirt with a default women’s tank option or a unisex tee if selected. Finisher awards: custom belt buckles for 100 mile and 100K, and medals for 50K and half marathon. Lodging in Camp Ondessonk tree houses is included for the runner plus one person; additional persons and extra tents incur small fees. Several registration and shirt order deadlines apply. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
