Shawnee Trail Runs

Shawnee Trail Runs : October 3, 2026, Shawnee State Park and Forest

The Shawnee Trail Runs is a trail running event held in Shawnee State Park and Forest near West Portsmouth, Ohio. The event uses mostly singletrack and backpack trails through remote forest and includes a near-single loop format for the longest distance. The combined field capacity is 400 participants and the start/finish and packet pickup are located at the Shawnee State Park Lodge.

Distances

• 54 miles (50 Mile) - 11,000 feet elevation gain
• 31 miles (50K) - 6,500 feet elevation gain
• 13.1 miles (Half) - 2,600 feet elevation gain

The 54 mile course begins with a 7 mile opening loop then continues on a continuous loop that follows much of the Shawnee State Forest Backpack Trail. A remote nine mile section known as "The Dark Side" runs through the designated wilderness area with limited mechanical trail maintenance and very little sign of civilization. The 50K bypasses the opening loop, follows the backpack trail, then diverts onto bridle and gravel roads before rejoining the main loop.

Course surfaces include primarily forest trail with a few miles of gravel and pavement. Aid stations are cupless; runners must carry a handheld, bladder, or collapsible cup. Aid station types vary from water only to full stations with hot foods and Tailwind endurance drink at medium and full stations. Crewing is allowed only at designated crewable aid stations and pacers are not permitted. Finishers in each distance receive an award and all participants receive an entrant piece of apparel. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.