Shawnee Hills Trail Races

Event

The Shawnee Hills Trail Races take place August 22-23, 2026 at Camp Ondessonk in Ozark, Illinois, within Shawnee National Forest. All distances start and finish on the Camp Ondessonk grounds. Distances offered include:

• 100 Mile
• 100K
• 50K
• Night 50K
• Half Marathon

Registration is open for 2026 and registration closes August 15. The event has time limits for each distance.

Course and logistics

The course is a figure-eight loop composed of about 80% single-track trail, all dirt with some fire roads. Terrain is hilly and technical, with rocks, roots, ruts and creek crossings. Runners pass sandstone canyon systems, waterfalls (including Pakentuck, Jackson, Horseshoe, and Cedar Falls), and views from Salomon's Ridge. Runners may be exposed to heat, humidity, and local wildlife such as snakes, ground hornets and bees.

There are five manned aid stations offering water, electrolyte drinks, snacks and first aid. Aid stations are spaced roughly 5 miles apart, with no gap greater than about 8 miles. Restrooms are located at the Start/Finish and several aid stations. A pre-race meeting will be available both in person and online. Packet pickup is available before the race and on race morning for some distances.

Pacer rules differ by distance: 100 Mile and 100K allow one pacer at a time; 50K, Night 50K and Half Marathon do not allow pacers. Pacers must complete a waiver and collect a bib at packet pickup.

Lodging, shirts and awards

Weekend lodging in Camp Ondessonk tree houses for the runner plus one person is included in registration; additional people and extra tents incur a $10 fee. One tent per runner is included. Shirt orders are guaranteed if submitted by August 10, 2026. Finisher awards: custom belt buckles for the 100 Mile and 100K, custom medals for the 50K and Half Marathon. Overall awards are given for male, female and non-binary winners. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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