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Shawnee Hills Trail Races

Shawnee Hills Trail Races half-marathon: waterfalls and technical singletrack in Shawnee National Forest.

Race Date

Aug 22, 2026

Location

Ozark, IL

Solid Pick50

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Location
Ozark, Illinois
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 100 Miles, 100K, 50K
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Trail
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
211

Highlights

Course

Scenic Route

The Experience

Deep in the Shawnee National Forest, the Shawnee Hills Trail Races half-marathon begins at Camp Ondessonk and winds through a landscape of sandstone canyons, oak-hickory forests, and cascading waterfalls. The course is a figure-eight loop, with 80% single-track trail over dirt, roots, rocks, and creek crossings. Runners climb through hilly terrain, passing Pakentuck Falls—Illinois’ tallest free-falling waterfall—along with Jackson Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Cedar Falls. The trail is exposed to heat and humidity, and local wildlife includes snakes and ground hornets. This is a true trail runner’s challenge, demanding focus and agility.

The half-marathon drew about 154 finishers in its most recent edition, with runners from roughly six states. Nearly 19% of participants return for another year, a sign of the race’s quiet appeal. Now in its fourth year, the field is growing, drawn by the chance to explore one of Illinois’ most dramatic landscapes. The post-race rewards are simple: a finisher’s T-shirt and the satisfaction of having run through some of the Midwest’s most beautiful and rugged terrain. For those seeking an off-road adventure far from city crowds, this race delivers.

Race-provided description

Course Details Camp Ondessonk 3760 Ondessonk Rd. Ozark, IL 62972 Camp Ondessonk, in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest, is the home base for Shawnee Hills Trail Races. Runners get to explore some of the most stunning and extraordinary rock formations and waterfalls that Shawnee National Forest is well known for, vegetation consists largely of oak-hickory, maple-beech, and pine forests. The course takes you deep into the sandstone canyon systems of Southern Illinois' Shawnee Hills Natural Division while traversing Jackson Hollow and the Bay Creek Reservoir and several waterfalls along the course including Pakentuck Falls (the tallest free-falling waterfall in Illinois), Jackson Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Cedar Falls along with some inspiring views from Salomon's Ridge. THE COURSE is a figure eight loop with a combination of 80% single track trail, all dirt with some fire roads. The course is hilly; total climb between 50 feet - 150 feet (2,500 feet - 7,500 feet in 50miles), the terrain is technical with lots of rocks, roots/ruts and creek crossings to keep you present. Runners will be exposed to heat and humidity along with possible encounter with Snakes, Ground Hornets and Bees that are native to the area. DISTANCE 100 Mile Run (1 short 3-ish mile loop at the start and 3 x 32-ish mile loop) 100K Run (2 x 32-ish mile loop) 50K Run (1 32-ish mile loop) 1/2 Marathon (13-ish miles on the west section of the loop)   Start Time, Cut-offs, Schedule All distances start and finish on the Camp Ondessonk grounds. 100Mile START TIME: 6am CDT on Saturday, August 22, 2026 TIME LIMIT: 33 Hours PACER for 100Mi Only 1 pacer at a time will be allowed on the course. Pacer can be picked up when beginning loop 2 at Camp O or at other designated aid stations where crew is allowed. PACER must fill out waiver via ultrasignup and collect bib from packet pickup! No exceptions! *Contact us via email for early or late Check In. 100K START TIME: 7am CDT on Saturday, August 22, 2026 TIME LIMIT: 32 Hours PACER for 100K Only 1 pacer at a time will be allowed on the course. Pacer can be picked up on the start of loop 2 at Camp O or any aid station where crew is allowed. (100K) PACER must fill out waiver via ultrasignup and collect bib from packet pickup! No exceptions! *Contact us via email for early or late Check In. 50K START TIME: 7am CDT on Saturday, August 22, 2026 TIME LIMIT: 32 Hours PACER Not Allowed for 50K Distance. NIGHT 50K START TIME: 7pm CDT on Saturday, August 22, 2026 TIME LIMIT: 20 Hours PACER Not Allowed for 50K Distance. 1/2 Marathon START TIME: 8am CDT on Saturday, August 22, 2026 TIME LIMIT: 12 Hours PACER Not Allowed for 1/2 Marathon Distance. CHECK IN/PACKET PICKUP: Friday, August 21 from 4pm - 7pm; Race Morning pickup is available for 100k, 50k and half marathon only - Saturday Aug 22 530am-730 am. PRE-RACE MEETING: Check your runner manual! We will have an in-person and online option!

If you fail to finish the distance you are signed up to run, you ARE now eligible for a time of the minimum official distance you OFFICIALLY COMPLETED (you must cross an official finish line- this means if you drop from the 50k, you are not awarded the half marathon distance. If you drop from the 100 mile or 100k, you will receive the finish medal or buckle for the next distance down - you will not be eligible for awards.) Example: You are registered for the 100k but only complete one loop, you are eligible for a 50k time and medal but not awards. You deserve to be rewarded for the work you put in, but we want to keep it fair. Important Please Read! This is the official UltraSignup registration page for the 2026Shawnee Hills Trail Races. IMPORTANT NOTE: We ask that you do not register until you have taken the time to review the official race website HERE and familiarize yourself with general race information, race rules, deadlines, entry fees, field limits, registration, and refund policies etc. We are 100% dedicated to making this experience amazing for each and every runner. If you have any questions or concerns prior to registering, please reach out to us! We can't wait to see you all in August 2026! Thank you - Micki and Chad Aid Stations There will be 5 manned aid stations fully-stocked with water, electrolyte drinks, snacks, first aid, and enthusiastic volunteers! Approximate distance between aid stations is 5 miles with no distance greater than approximately 8 miles between aid stations in either event. Restrooms will be at Start/Finish, Trigg Tower, Jackson Falls, Cinder Path and Cedar Road Aid Stations.

Swag and Awards Each registered runners will receive a custom event shirt available in both male and female cuts! ** By default, the women's shirts will be a women's fit tank top. If you'd rather have a unisex t-shirt, please select the men's shirt. Both are Next Level, soft cotton blends!

**Shirt Order Deadline is August 10, 2026** AWARDS AS YOU FINISH Finisher Awards: 100mi Run - Custom Belt Buckle 100K Run - Custom Belt Buckle 50K Run - Custom Medal 1/2 Marathon - Custom Medal Overall Awards for male, female and non-binary winners for all distances. Lodging We will have the rustic one-star luxury of the Camp O tree houses for our overnight weekend accommodations. All weekend lodging at Camp Ondessonk for two people (runner + 1) is included in your registration. For each additional person accompanying the runners there will be a $10 fee for lodging in the treehouses for the entire weekend. These kick ass tree houses give you the outdoor experience without the hassles of packing all your camping gear. Think open air sleeping with a roof over your head, no doors or screens to interrupt your enjoyment of all things outdoors. A sleeping bag, some clothes, your running gear and a pair of running shoes are all you need to bring. If you still want to drag along the tent and sleep on the ground we can accommodate you too, and this year there are a very limited number of Hostel-style, climate-controlled guest rooms with private bathroom and free WiFi sleeps 8 people. Visit Camp Ondessonk facility page to get the details and/or reserve a room. Camping: 1 tent per runners is included in the registration fee for any additional tents there will be a $10 fee for camping. If the tree houses aren't your thing, check out hotels in Vienna or Marion, IL. There are also a few Airbnb's near Ozark, IL you can check out.

Important Deadlines Tier 1 Price Increase - January 1, 2026 Tier 2 Price Increase - June 1, 2026 Guaranteed shirt with registration - August 5, 2026 Lodging Add-On - August 1, 2026 Distance Switch/Drop Down - August 1, 2026

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, August 22, 2026

Start Time

8:00 AM

Giveaway

T-Shirt

Start Location

3760 Ondessonk Rd, Ozark, IL, 62972

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

trail

Scenery

Forest, Lake River

Surface

Dirt Trail

Difficulty

Hilly

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

100 Miles100K50K

Quality Score

Solid Pick50
Methodology
Heritage8/20

4 years running

Size10/15

~98 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty19/20

19% returning runners

Course & details3/15

4 timing sources

National draw5/10

runners from 6 states

Front-pack speed0/5

winner 2:04:54

Weather0/10

typical high 87°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

68°

Afternoon (High)

87°

Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration

0.0"

Precipitation

8 mph

Wind

70%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 211 finishers actually crossed the line across 4 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

211

Median time

3:03:57

Latest turnout

77

States

9

10%
25%
75%
90%
2:00p50 median ≈ 3:007:00

Turnout by year

20222025

'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Frequently asked

When is the Shawnee Hills Trail Races?

The Shawnee Hills Trail Races is held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.

Where does the Shawnee Hills Trail Races take place?

It takes place in Ozark, Illinois.

What distances does the Shawnee Hills Trail Races offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 100 Miles, 100K, 50K.

Is the Shawnee Hills Trail Races course flat and good for a PR?

The Shawnee Hills Trail Races is a hilly, loop course course.

How many people run the Shawnee Hills Trail Races?

HalfRuns has finish records for 211 runners who have completed the Shawnee Hills Trail Races.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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