Event Details

The Devil’s Toll Gate Race is a 13-mile dual discipline event across one of the most scenic and rugged landscapes Missouri’s Ozark Trail has to offer. The event traverses from the highest point in Missouri, Taum Sauk Mountain down past the beautiful Mina Sauk falls and thru the rock formation known as the Devils’ Toll Gate before again climbing over and around Proffit and Wildcat Mountains with a tricky descent past the famous Scour of Taum Sauk reservoir, finishing with an amazing Black river crossing at Johnson Shut-ins State Park.

What makes this more intriguing is the team style concept! This event will have 2 options: Participants can opt for the running version or the hiking version. The event will be capped at 300 participants.

Runners prepare to engage in a rough and rugged portion of Ozark Trail where 1,400’ of elevation over 13ish miles may seem like a cake walk, but fear not there is enough rock to keep you rolling, enough hills to keep you panting, a few turns to keep you thinking and when rhythm comes to your stride prepare to lose it again as the rocky and technical terrain will let you know that won’t be happening often!

Hikers prepare once again for a gorgeous hike with some of the most amazing vistas, history and flora/fauna galore. We take you thru the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in an attempt to really put you “out there”

There is limited cell service in this region. On-course communications will be spotty at best

A rain date may be looked at should extreme weather cause the event to be postponed, BUT is highly unlikely

Race Rules/Requirements/Tips

Teams of 2 runners/hikers OR go as solo runners or hikers
No pets allowed in the race
Create a team name and/or sponsor

Hikers are asked to remain at hiking speed up to brisk walk but not including running strides..
The course is marked in a red blaze the initial mile before following the traditional OT blazes the remaining duration. There will be occasional directionals at bigger intersections on course
Official times begin when teams begin at upper Taum Sauk parking lot and end upon crossing the finish line at Johnson Shut-ins SP.
Teams must finish together to finalize time, otherwise the team time is calculated upon arrival of 2nd person..

We practice and require everyone to practice in “No Trace left behind” policy while using the trails
Please engage in fair play and safe practices while keeping the spirit of competition in mind, should there be complaints of unsportsmanlike happenings it may be investigated by race officials and/or the OTA

This is a rugged and remote area of wilderness and the following are a few suggested items to carry while on course:
Bug spray
Strong trail running shoes highly encouraged
Strong hiking shoes/boots with tread also highly encouraged
Trekking poles and hiking sticks can be used
Food and electrolyte drinks encouraged
1L or more of water either in hydration pack/belt or handhelds
Water will not be supplied on course in the form of aid stations
Lifestraw can be used with several creek options

The concept of this event is minimalist in nature and is a fundraiser for the Ozark Trail Association. We expect anyone participating in this event to understand that this is potentially the toughest course around and support will be minimal by race officials. This means it is a self-supported race and carrying the proper water/nutrition with you to complete the race is key to having a great experience! We will work to have volunteers sweeping the course throughout the day but no guarantee. .
No Refunds of registration fees, deferrals or transfers. Thanks for your support of the OTA!

Packet Pickup/Shuttles/Times

We will be at the gravel lot at the entrance to Johnson Shut Ins campground on Friday October 4th 5pm-8pm
Race day Packet Pickup will begin Oct. 5th at 5:45a-6:50a for Hiking Race and 7:30a-8:45a for Run Race at the Johnson Shut Ins Visitor Center, which is also where shuttles will be loaded.

Hike Race(team/solo)
Shuttles leave promptly at 7am
Race begins at 8am

Run Race(team/solo)
Shuttles leave promptly at 9am
Race begins at 10am

Cutoff for all races 4pm (8 hours for hikers/ 6 hours for runners) course sweepers will trail the event to be sure all participants are off course.

We are not mandating but encouraging participants to utilize shuttles BUT if you and your teammate choose to leave a car at the finish and drive yourselves to the start you must still start at the specified timeframe of your specified race.

ALL participants MUST checkin at the start line prior to race start.

Camping

We recommend using the Johnson's Shut-Ins Camping options if you are looking to camp for the weekend. We are offering a group campsite option as an add on to register. It is $2 per person per night offered for Friday and/or Saturday nights. Space is limited to 50, so register and add early!
https://mostateparks.com/campgrounds/johnsons-shut-ins-state-park

The camping option is an open space w/o fire rings, but has a vault toilet nearby. Additionally it has gravel parking for car camping or your tent space. No Hookups.

Awards and Swag

TBA
Register by Aug 17th to guarantee swag

The Purpose

All Devil’s Toll Race proceeds benefit the Ozark Trail Association (OTA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, whose mission is to develop, maintain, preserve, promote, and protect the rugged, natural beauty of the Ozark Trail, a 400+ mile National Recreation Trail.

The OTA is the only nonprofit volunteer group that’s specific mission is to take care of the Ozark Trail. The organization was incorporated and held its first construction outing in December 2002. Today, the OTA is recognized as the premier backcountry trail organization in the state of Missouri and the Ozark Trail is one of the 20 longest backcountry trails in the country.
For more information please visit: https://www.ozarktrail.com/

Course

https://www.strava.com/segments/20821243

Event's current local time: 8:04 PM CT