Shawnee Hills Trail Races
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About the race
Shawnee Hills Trail Races take place at Camp Ondessonk in Ozark, IL on August 21 and 22, 2027. The event uses the camp grounds for start and finish and routes run through the Shawnee National Forest, visiting sandstone formations, oak-hickory, maple-beech, and pine woods. Several waterfalls are on the course, including Pakentuck Falls, Jackson Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Cedar Falls.
The course is a figure eight with roughly 80% singletrack and intermittent fire roads. Trails are highly technical with rocks, roots, ruts, and creek crossings. Climbs range about 50 to 150 ft each, with total gain roughly 2,500 to 7,500 ft per 50 miles. Seasonal hazards include heat and humidity and potential encounters with snakes, ticks, and stinging insects.
Distances
- 100 Mile: 1 short prologue plus three ~32 mile loops
- 100K: two ~32 mile loops
- 50K: one ~32 mile loop
- Night 50K: single loop held as a night event
- Half Marathon: additional camp loop then 13 miles on west section
Five manned aid stations will offer water, electrolyte drink, snacks, and basic first aid; distances between stations average about 5 miles, with no gap greater than about 8 miles. Restrooms are provided at several aid stations and start finish.
Each registrant receives a custom event shirt; shirt order deadline is August 1, 2027. Finisher awards include belt buckles for 100 mile and 100K, and medals for 50K and half marathon. Lodging at Camp Ondessonk tree houses for the runner plus one person is included in registration; additional lodging fees and limited climate controlled rooms are available. Registration closes August 15, 2027. Key registration and fee deadlines occur January 1, 2027 and June 1, 2027, with final cutoffs on August 1, 2027. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
