Shawnee Hills Trail Races

Shawnee Hills Trail Races, Camp Ondessonk, Ozark, IL : August 22–23, 2026

The Shawnee Hills Trail Races are a multi-distance trail running event held at Camp Ondessonk inside the Shawnee National Forest. The course follows a figure eight loop through sandstone canyon systems, crossing Jackson Hollow and Bay Creek Reservoir and passing several waterfalls including Pakentuck Falls, Jackson Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Cedar Falls. Runners will also encounter viewpoints on Salomon's Ridge.

The trail surface is roughly 80 percent single track, all dirt with some fire roads. The terrain is technical with rocks, roots, ruts and creek crossings. Per-loop climbs are reported between about 50 and 150 feet, yielding roughly 2,500 to 7,500 feet of cumulative ascent over a 50 mile distance. Weather exposure can include heat and humidity and the area is home to snakes, ground hornets and bees.

There are five manned aid stations offering water, electrolyte drinks, snacks and first aid. Aid stations are spaced at about 5 miles apart with no gap greater than approximately 8 miles. Restrooms are available at the Start/Finish, Trigg Tower, Jackson Falls, Cinder Path and Cedar Road aid stations.

Registered runners receive a custom event shirt. The default women's shirt is a women's fit tank top and a unisex t shirt option is available. Shirt order deadline is August 10, 2026. Lodging includes Camp Ondessonk tree houses for two people per registration; additional lodging options and limited climate controlled rooms are available for a fee.

Important registration and change deadlines occur on January 1, 2026; June 1, 2026; August 1, 2026 and August 10, 2026. Registration closes August 15, 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.