Shawnee Hills Trail Races

Shawnee Hills Trail Races : Camp Ondessonk, Ozark IL, August 21–22, 2027

The event is based at Camp Ondessonk in the Shawnee National Forest, with the start and finish on the camp grounds. The route moves through sandstone formations and mixed forests including oak hickory, maple beech, and pine, and passes multiple waterfalls such as Pakentuck Falls, Jackson Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Cedar Falls.

The course is a figure-eight loop composed of about 80% singletrack with intermittent fire roads. Trails are highly technical with rocks, roots, ruts, and creek crossings. Climbs are rolling, roughly 50 to 150 feet per climb, yielding approximately 2,500 to 7,500 feet of gain per 50 miles. Reported hazards include high heat and humidity and possible encounters with native snakes, ticks, hornets, and bees.

Distances offered:

• 100 Mile: one short (~3 mile) prologue loop plus three ~32-mile loops
• 100K: two ~32-mile loops
• 50K: one ~32-mile loop
• Night 50K: 50K held overnight on the same loop system
• Half Marathon: additional loop around camp plus 13 miles on the west section

There will be five manned aid stations stocked with water, electrolyte drinks, snacks, and first aid; station spacing is about 5 miles with no gap greater than about 8 miles. Restrooms are available at the start/finish and four aid stations. Pacers are allowed for the 100 Mile and 100K distances with one pacer on course at a time and required pacer procedures. Registered runners receive a custom event shirt; the shirt order deadline is August 1, 2027. Finisher awards include belt buckles for the 100 Mile and 100K and medals for the 50K and half marathon. Lodging in Camp Ondessonk tree houses for runner plus one is included in registration; additional lodging and camping options and associated fees are noted in event materials. Registration closes August 15, 2027. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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