The Oregon Trail Team Run at Sycamore Creek Ranch

The Oregon Trail Team Run at Sycamore Creek Ranch

The Oregon Trail Team Run is a team-based trail race held on the 272-acre Sycamore Creek Ranch in Branson, Missouri. The event runs over natural, unpaved terrain and places emphasis on teamwork, navigation of elevation changes, and themed challenges. The main listed distance is 3.05 Miles.

Teams consist of four to six runners and begin with a staggered start. Teams race together as a "family": runners may move independently along the trail, but all course challenges and the finish must be completed together so that no team member is left behind. Race instructions and event preparation take place at The Heartwood Barn, referred to as The Trailhead.

Course sections include open ranch views and a meadow known as The Plains, rocky terrain, a themed River Crossing with one of three obstacle types (Caulking, Ferrying, or Fording the River), and a section called The Hunt where each team member shoots one soft-tipped arrow at animal targets to earn time bonuses. A specific challenge, Illness Strikes, requires one randomly selected teammate to be carried for 50 yards.

The route concludes with a steep climb to a summit marked by six Conestoga wagons. The finish area provides rations, refreshments, and cheering participants. After the race, teams ride a hayride to The Gathering Place for food, drinks, classic games, and awards in multiple categories including 1st through 3rd place teams and Best Hunters. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.