Shawnee Trail Runs

Shawnee Trail Runs

The event takes place near 4404 OH-125 in West Portsmouth, OH and offers multiple trail distances on remote forest terrain. Courses run largely on the Shawnee State Forest Backpack Trail and adjacent side trails, with significant total climb on each distance.

• 54 Mile 54 miles, 11,000 feet of climbing
• 50K 50 kilometers, 6,500 feet of climbing
• 13.1 Mile 13.1 miles, 2,600 feet of climbing

The 54 mile route begins with a 7 mile Opening Loop and then follows a continuous 47 mile loop that covers the majority of the 40 mile Backpack Trail in a clockwise direction. At roughly mile 36 runners leave the Backpack Trail at Campsite 6 and follow the Wilderness Area Side Trail into a largely hand maintained, 8,000 acre Wilderness Area. This nine mile portion, called the "Dark Side," is the most remote section and then the course rejoins the Backpack Trail for the remaining eight miles to the finish.

The 50K bypasses the Opening Loop and follows the Backpack Trail until about mile 20, then uses the Mackletree Bridle Trail for 2.3 miles and Service Road #2 for about 2 miles before rejoining the Backpack Trail for the final segment. The 13.1 mile course, added in 2023, includes notable hills and sections of smoother, more runnable trail. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.