Shawnee Hills Trail Races

Shawnee Hills Trail Races - August 22 to 23, 2026

Shawnee Hills Trail Races is held at Camp Ondessonk in Ozark, Illinois, inside the Shawnee National Forest on August 22 and 23, 2026. The terrain passes through sandstone canyon systems, oak-hickory and maple-beech woods, and includes multiple waterfalls and ridge views.

The course is a figure eight loop composed of about 80% single track trail on dirt with some fire roads. The route is hilly and technical, with rocks, roots, ruts and creek crossings. Total climb figures are given as between 50 feet and 150 feet and between 2,500 feet and 7,500 feet over 50 miles. Runners should expect heat and humidity and possible wildlife encounters including snakes, ground hornets and bees.

Distances

• 100 Mile: one short ~3 mile start loop plus three ~32 mile loops
• 100K: two ~32 mile loops
• 50K: one ~32 mile loop
• Half Marathon: ~13 miles on the west section of the loop

Five manned aid stations provide water, electrolyte drinks, snacks and first aid, with approximate spacing of 5 miles and no gap greater than about 8 miles. Restrooms are located at Start/Finish, Trigg Tower, Jackson Falls, Cinder Path and Cedar Road aid stations.

Each entrant receives a custom event shirt by default in a women fit tank or a selectable unisex tee if preferred. Finisher awards include custom belt buckles for the 100 mile and 100K, and medals for the 50K and half marathon. Lodging at Camp Ondessonk tree houses is included for the runner plus one; additional persons and extra tents carry a fee. Registration closes August 15, 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.