Babler Bongo 15K Trail Race

Babler Bongo 15K Trail Race / 15K RUCK : October 24, 2026

The Babler Bongo event is a 15K loop trail race with an optional 15K ruck division, held at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park in Wildwood, MO. The course links the Dogwood, Woodbine, Hawthorn and Equestrian trails and starts and finishes at the Guy Park trailhead at the Henry Babler enclosed shelter. The course distance is 15K with approximately 1,350 feet of elevation gain.

The ruck division requires a carried pack, rucksack, or weighted vest of at least 20 lbs, not counting water or food. All ruck division finishers receive a custom rucking patch. A $5 race registration fee for the ruck division will be donated to DOGS for our BRAVE. The event is presented by Terrain Trail Runners and participates in the Trail Mix Fund to cover registration fees for eligible participants; the local partnership began in December 2025.

Field size is capped at 75 runners, with reserved spots available for on-site registration. The overall time limit for the course is 3.5 hours; the out-and-back loop has a separate 2.45 hour cutoff and volunteers are stationed there. One unmanned aid station with water is located at about 4.5 miles; the event is cup free so runners should carry their own hydration system and a collapsible cup. Finishers receive custom awards: a medal for the trail race and a patch for the ruck. Post-race grab-and-go snacks and beverages are provided for runners and volunteers only. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.