Berryman 50 Mile and Marathon Trail Races

Berryman 50 Mile and Marathon Trail Races : Mark Twain National Forest

The Berryman Trail Races include a marathon distance and a 50 mile distance run on the Berryman Trail, a designated National Recreation Trail in the Mark Twain National Forest near Potosi and Steelville, Missouri. The event is organized by the St. Louis Ultrarunners Group and is in its 26th year.

Distances

• Marathon - one loop, approximately 26.4 trail miles
• 50 Mile - two loops, approximately 53 trail miles

The loop is single-track, entirely forested, and run in a clockwise direction. Each loop has roughly 2500 ft of elevation gain and loss and features rocky, rooty terrain plus multiple stream crossings. There are at least two predictable wet crossings near the Brazil Creek aid station. Aid stations are placed roughly every 5 to 6 miles and provide water, sports drink, soda, and common ultra snacks. The event operates a cupless policy; runners must carry their own bottle or hydration pack and are provided a reusable SpeedCup at packet pickup.

The marathon is designated as the 2026 RRCA Missouri State Championship, and ITRA points are awarded: 3 points for the 50 mile and 1 point for the marathon. Awards include finisher medals for one or two loops and age group prizes. The race is part of the Eastern Missouri Ultra Series with points based on miles and placing.

Logistics note: parking at the day use area requires a $5 per vehicle fee. Primitive camping is available at the Berryman campground for a fee and at Brazil Creek on a first-come, first-served basis. Pacers are permitted only on the second loop at designated campgrounds for the 50 mile race; exceptions require prior permission. Registration follows a no-refund policy; rollover credits, bib transfer procedures, and distance-change deadlines are specified by the organizers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.