REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
We sold out for 2026 and fully expect to sell out for 2027! Please register early so you can join us in the Shawnee!
Important Please Read!
This is the official UltraSignup registration page for the 2027 Shawnee Hills Trail Races.
IMPORTANT NOTE: We ask that you do not register until you have taken the time to review the official race website 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 2027!
Thank you – Micki and Chad
Course Details
Location:
Camp Ondessonk
Address: 3760 Ondessonk Rd.
Ozark, IL 62972
Overview:
Camp Ondessonk, in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest, serves as the home base and start/finish for the Shawnee Hills Trail Races. Runners will explore stunning sandstone formations and lush oak-hickory, maple-beech, and pine forests deep in Southern Illinois' Shawnee Hills Natural Division.
The route traverses Jackson Hollow, Bay Creek Reservoir, and Salomon's Ridge, passing several waterfalls including:
Pakentuck Falls (the tallest free-falling waterfall in Illinois)
Jackson Falls
Horseshoe Falls
Cedar Falls
The Course & Conditions:
Terrain: Figure-eight loop consisting of ~80% singletrack dirt trail with intermittent fire roads. Highly technical with rocks, roots, ruts, and creek crossings.
Elevation: Hilly profile with rollers ranging from 50–150 ft per climb (~2,500–7,500 ft of total gain per 50 miles).
Hazards: High heat and humidity, with potential encounters with native snakes, ticks, ground hornets, and bees.
Distances:
100 Mile: 1 short (~3 mile) prologue loop + 3 × ~32-mile loops
100K: 2 × ~32-mile loops
50K: 1 × ~32-mile loop
Half Marathon: A "heavy half" with an additional loop around camp prior to heading to the trails for 13 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.
*NIGHT 50K packet pickup 530p-630p Aug 22, 2026
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.
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 1, 2027**
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. They are primitive open air sleeping with a roof over your head, no doors or screens to interrupt your enjoyment of all things outdoors. They sleep 8, so prepare to meet a few new friends! 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, but camp sites are limited. 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, 2027
Tier 2 Price Increase - June 1, 2027
Guaranteed shirt with registration - August 1, 2027
Lodging Add-On - August 1, 2027
Distance Switch/Drop Down - August 1, 2027
Event's current local time: 1:25 AM CT
