The Toughest Footrace in Greene County.

Welcome to the Hard Times Trail Run, the Toughest Footrace in Greene County.

The Hard Times Trial Run is a ten mile out-and-back course with approximately 1600 feet of elevation gain. With an invigorating blend of plush runnable sections, bone-rattling downhills, and soul-crushing climbs, the course will challenge rookie and veteran trail runners alike. There will be creek crossings, some briars and tall grass, and lots of hills. Switchbacks are nowhere to be found on this course.
Race is limited to 60 runners.

Three distance options: 10 mile (1 lap, 1600 ft. gain), 20 mile (2 laps, 3200 ft. gain), and 50K (3 laps, 4800 ft. gain).

Location: Little Sac Woods Conservation Area, located north of Springfield and east of Willard. There isn't a physical address but the location is accurate on Google Maps and Apple Maps if you search for "Little Sac Woods Conservation Area East Parking Lot". For more information, check out https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/little-sac-woods-conservation-area

Race Start Times:
10 and 20 Miler starts at 10 a.m. (8 hour limit)
50K starts at 8 a.m. (10 hour limit)

Mandatory Race Briefing 10 minutes before start time.
Course closes at 6:00 p.m.

Packet Pickup: March 15, 2024 at Little Sac Woods Conservation Area East Parking Lot
50K: 6:45 - 7:45 a.m.
10 and 20 Miler: 8:45 - 9:45 a.m.

Two aid stations: Start/Finish and at 5 mile turnaround.
Drops bags (20 miler/50K runners) can be left at the Start/Finish.
Porta-Potties and a million trees will be provided for runners' and spectators' comfort and convenience.

Swag: Each runner will receive customized swag and a finishers award. Special prizes for first place overall male and female finisher in each distance event.

Swag Deadline: February 15, 2025. No guarantees on swag or shirt sizes for registrations after this date.


Refund Policy: No Refunds. Hard Times Trail Run will take place rain, snow, or shine. The only reason it would be cancelled is for safety reasons or factors beyond our control.

Dogs are allowed but must be on leash. No cats.
Bug spray and trail shoes highly recommended.
Trekking poles allowed and encouraged.

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT PARKING: Parking is very limited at the race location. On-site parking is for 50K runners ONLY. All other runners (10 Milers and 20 Milers) must park at an offsite location (TBA) and ride the free shuttle van to and from the Start/Finish. Carpooling is encouraged but hitchhiking is discouraged. Stay tuned for more information.

All proceeds from Hard Times Trail Run support Headington Hill Classical Academy in Springfield, MO. Your participation helps create a scholarship fund for students needing assistance with books, uniforms, and tuition. Headington Hill Classical Academy is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Learn more at https://headingtonhill.academy

Event's current local time: 11:24 AM CT