Shawnee Hills Trail Races

AUG

22-23

2026

Run through the scenic wilderness of Shawnee National Forest from a base at Camp Ondessonk. Choose from four distances, including a 100-mile ultra, on a course past waterfalls and sandstone canyons. Stay overnight in rustic tree houses or limited hostel-style rooms.

22-23 Aug 2026

Ozark, Illinois

Website

100 miles 100 kilometers 50 kilometers

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Event Details

The Shawnee Hills Trail Races take place on August 22–23, 2026. The event is held at Camp Ondessonk in Ozark, Illinois, within the Shawnee National Forest. The weekend offers four race distances: 100 miles, 100 km, 50 km, and a Half Marathon.

Course and Environment

The course goes through the Shawnee National Forest and Camp Ondessonk's rustic cabin area. Runners explore sandstone canyon systems, Jackson Hollow, and the Bay Creek Reservoir. The route passes several waterfalls, including Pakentuck Falls (described as the tallest free-falling waterfall in Illinois), Jackson Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Cedar Falls. Runners also get views from Salomon's Ridge. The forest vegetation consists largely of oak-hickory, maple-beech, and pine forests.

Accommodation

Overnight accommodation is available in rustic, open-air tree houses at the camp. There are also a limited number of hostel-style, climate-controlled guest rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi, sleeping up to eight people. Space for traditional tent camping is also available. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

100 mi

100m

100 km

100k

50 km

50k

Half Marathon