Berryman 50 Mile and Marathon Trail Races

Event overview

The Berryman Trail Races take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Berryman Campground in the Mark Twain National Forest, between Steelville and Potosi, Missouri. The event is the 26th annual running of the race and is organized by the Saint Louis Ultrarunners Group. Distances offered:

• 50 Mile
• Marathon

Registration closes May 11. No refunds are issued. Rollover credits are available if a runner withdraws before specified deadlines and may be applied only to the 2027 Berryman Trail Races.

Course and logistics

The course is an approximately 26.4-mile single-track loop. Marathon runners complete one loop; 50-mile runners complete two loops. Each loop is forested and continuously hilly, with about 2500 ft elevation gain and 2500 ft loss per loop. The trail has rocks, roots, multiple small stream crossings, and includes Brazil Creek at about mile 16 (and mile 42 on the second loop). The race is run clockwise.

Aid stations occur roughly every 5 to 6 miles and provide Hylē sports drink, water, soda, and snacks. The event is cupless; runners must carry their own bottle or hydration pack. Pacers are allowed only on the second loop at Berryman or Brazil Creek campgrounds, with limited exceptions requiring permission. Packet pick-up is available at the Berryman Campground pavilion on the day before the race and on race morning. Primitive camping is available for a fee at Berryman; limited free primitive camping is available at Brazil Creek. ITRA points are awarded: 3 for the 50 Mile and 1 for the Marathon. Medals are given for completing one loop and for completing two loops, plus overall and age-group awards. Post-race food is provided; participants are asked to bring non-disposable plates and utensils. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.