Shawnee Hills Trail Races

Course Details

• Location: Camp Ondessonk, 3760 Ondessonk Rd., Ozark, IL 62972
• Experience: Runners explore stunning rock formations and waterfalls in Shawnee National Forest.
• Vegetation: Dominated by oak-hickory, maple-beech, and pine forests.
• Course Features: Sandstone canyons, Jackson Hollow, Bay Creek Reservoir, and various waterfalls including Pakentuck Falls.

Course Description

• Type: Figure eight loop with 80% single track trail.
• Terrain: Hilly with total climb between 50 feet - 150 feet (2,500 feet - 7,500 feet in 50 miles).
• Challenge: Technical terrain with rocks, roots, ruts, and creek crossings.
• Wildlife: Potential encounters with snakes, hornets, and bees.

Distance Options

• 100 Mile Run: Includes 1 short 3-ish mile loop and 3 x 32-ish mile loops.
• 100K Run: Consists of 2 x 32-ish mile loops.
• 50K Run: Features 1 x 32-ish mile loop.
• 1/2 Marathon: Approximately 13 miles on the west section of the loop.

Start Time, Cut-offs, Schedule

• 100 Mile: Start at 6 am CDT on August 22, 2026, with a 33-hour time limit.
• 100K: Start at 7 am CDT on August 22, 2026, with a 32-hour time limit.
• 50K: Starts at 7 am CDT: pacers not allowed.
• 1/2 Marathon: Starts at 8 am CDT: pacers not allowed.

Check In/Packet Pickup

• Date: Friday, August 21 from 4 pm - 7 pm.
• Race Morning: Pickup available for 100K, 50K, and 1/2 Marathon from 5:30 am - 7:30 am.
• Meeting: Pre-race meeting details in runner manual, both in-person and online options are available.
• Finishing Rule: If you don't finish your distance, you are eligible for the next lower distance's medal.

Aid Stations

• Number: Five manned aid stations available.
• Supplies: Water, electrolyte drinks, snacks, first aid, and enthusiastic volunteers!
• Distance: Approximate distance between aid stations is 5 miles.
• Facilities: Restrooms at Start/Finish and other key aid stations.

Swag and Awards

• Shirts: Custom event shirt available in male and female cuts.
• Order Deadline: August 10, 2026.
• Finisher Awards: Custom belt buckles for 100mi and 100K: custom medals for 50K and 1/2 Marathon.
• Overall Awards: For male, female, and non-binary winners across all distances.

Lodging

• Accommodation: Rustic tree houses available: included in registration for runner +1.
• Additional Guests: $10 fee for extra persons in treehouses.
• Camping: One tent per runner included: $10 fee for additional tents.
• Local Options: Hotels in Vienna or Marion, IL, and nearby Airbnb options.

Important Deadlines

• Tier 1 Price Increase: January 1, 2026.
• Tier 2 Price Increase: June 1, 2026.
• Guaranteed Shirt Registration: August 5, 2026.
• Lodging Add-On: August 1, 2026.

For more information and registration, visit the official race page: Shawnee Hills Trail Races.

Thank you - Micki and Chad