The Ozark's Mountain Challenge
We have partnered with the Missouri State Parks (Sam A. Baker Park) to see who can hike 7,980’ elevation (The height of Mt. Olympus) right here in the beautiful Ozark region in Missouri. Each participant will have twelve hours to hike nine times up Mudlick Mountain. This vertical ascent is equal to hiking Mount Olympus in the state of Washington. Why did we choose Mt. Olympus as a benchmark? Although in Greek mythology Olympus meant “mountain” or “gathering place of the gods”, in modern times Olympus represents “a place or state of joy and happiness.” The total hiking distance is approximately 17 miles. Each hiker will be shuttled back down to the base after each successful ascent. The route is Mudlick Mountain Fire Tower Road (available on All Trails app), which is a chat road. This challenge is NOT a race. It is the external (physical) YOU versus the internal (mental) YOU. Other participants & race volunteers will be encouraging you along the way.
FAQ
General
What is included in the registration fee?
Registration includes all food (breakfast, lunch AND dinner)/beverage/alcohol at the event and after-party, all hydration and nutrition choices at the aid stations, recovery aids at our recovery tent, event swag, and becoming part of a special tribe of endurance athletes.
What is the itinerary of the event?
Check in from 6:30 a.m.-7 a.m. and staggered start at 7 a.m. You will have 12 hours to complete the challenge. An after-party will immediately follow (7 p.m.-ish).
Where can I learn more about volunteering at the Ozark’s Mountain Challenge?
Contact Steve Halter at shalter@pbchamber.org or 573-429-8361 (cell)
Can I have my pet with me during the event?
For safety reasons, pets will not be allowed on the trail with the hikers.
Do you allow spectators?
Yes. There are portions of the event that are participant-only, but spectators are allowed near the starting area, to cheer on their friends/family.
Can I purchase an “after event party” meal and drink pass for my friend/family members?
You can purchase additional meal/drink passes for $25 each.
How often will the shuttle’s run to take hikers back to the base?
We have had our engineers study the route and the volume of hikers and give a recommendation for the number & size of shuttles. We are going to minimize the amount of “down time” for hikers and ask that they use that time to re-fuel with liquids, snacks, go to the bathroom and visit our recovery tent.
What is the Refund Policy?
No refunds
What is the minimum age requirement to participate?
The minimum age requirement is 16 years old. Any minor will need to be registered with an adult.
Do the funds raised go to a nonprofit or a particular cause?
Yes! The host (Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce) is a 501c3 nonprofit. Most of the funds go to the expenses of the event and marketing for next year’s OzMC. The rest of the funds go to help with our regional tourism efforts, SeeTheOzarks. Our mission is to raise awareness about all the wonderful points of interest in the Ozark Foothills.
Training
Do you include a training plan?
You will find training plan suggestions on our event page.
How long does one need to train for this challenge?
This varies, as everyone has a different beginning fitness level. This event requires a lot of physical and mental toughness, so please don’t take it lightly. Keep in mind, there is ABSOLUTLEY no shame in completing anything less than the 9-time ascent/17 mile/7,980’ (elevation change). We have different milestones for EACH time up the mountain and will celebrate your success, regardless of how many ascents you accomplish.
Accommodations are on your own, but we can assist with recommendations.
THANK YOU SPONSORS!
Platinum (Mt. Olympus) sponsorship: Missouri Highlands Healthcare, Missouri State Parks (Sam A. Baker State Park), See the Ozarks, Missouri Division of Tourism
Gold (Mt. Mitchell) sponsorship: Walmart Stores, Inc.
Bass Pro Shops, Eagle Sky of the Ozarks
Recovery tent sponsorship: Ozark Total Healthcare
Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health
T-Mobile
Bucked Up Energy
That's it.Katie's Real Food
YumButter
Pepsi Mid America
Ozarks Coca Cola
Prime Hydration
Drink LMNT
Liquid Death
Squirrel's Nut Butter
That'sit.
After party sponsor: Wil Fischer Distributing: Michelob Ultra
Mudlick Mountain Maniac sponsorship: Otahki Lake Cabins & Campgrounds, Stinson Press, Robbi's Zephyr Cafe, The Shawan family,Wally B's Seafood & Steak, Gamblin Lumber
Branding board sponsors: Saint Francis Healthcare System
Colton's Steak House & Grill, Mercy
Event's current local time: 12:00 PM CT
