Shawnee Hills Trail Races
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Shawnee Hills Trail Races : Camp Ondessonk, Ozark IL
The event is a multi-distance trail race weekend held at Camp Ondessonk in the Shawnee National Forest. The courses use a figure-eight loop layout on mostly singletrack trails with intermittent fire roads. Terrain is highly technical with rocks, roots, ruts and creek crossings. Elevation consists of repeated rollers of about 50 to 150 ft per climb, totaling roughly 2,500 to 7,500 ft of gain per 50 miles. Noted natural features along the route include sandstone formations, oak-hickory and maple-beech forests, and several waterfalls such as Pakentuck Falls, Jackson Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Cedar Falls.
There are five manned aid stations stocked with water, electrolyte drinks, snacks and basic first aid. Distances between aid stations average about 5 miles and are never greater than about 8 miles. Restrooms are available at the start/finish and four aid stations.
Available distances:
- 100 Mile: 1 short (~3 mile) prologue loop + 3 × ~32-mile loops
- 100K: 2 × ~32-mile loops
- 50K: 1 × ~32-mile loop
- Night 50K
- Half Marathon: additional loop around camp plus 13 miles on west section
Pacer rules apply for the 100 mile and 100K distances with one pacer on course at a time. Registration and shirt, lodging and distance deadlines are published for the event. Lodging includes shared treehouse accommodations and limited climate-controlled rooms; one tent per runner is included with additional tent fees. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
