Event Overview
The 3 Legged Monster Race is coming to the Ozark Trail on August 16, 2025! The 3 Legged Monster is a trail running, mountain biking and paddling relay race for teams of two set within the Mark Twain National Forest. The race consists of three legs: running, mountain biking and paddling.
RUNNING: The trail running legs takes participants on a stretch of the Ozark Trail to Bass’ River Resort through the rolling hardwood forests of the Huzzah Conservation Area and the Mark Twain National Forest. This portion of the race course boasts bluff overlooks, big mossy rocks, seasonal waterfalls and beautiful forests.
MOUNTAIN BIKING: While their partners are running through the scenic pine groves of the northern Ozark Trail, the mountain bikers will ride a stretch of trail, designated as an IMBA "epic" ride. They will traverse scenic Ozark countryside, winding through timbered stands of oak, pine and bottomland hardwood, climbing switchback fashion from low bottoms to high cherty ridges. This ride is considered a "must" in the mountain biking community.
PADDLING: After both teammates have arrived they will paddle along the crystal clear, spring-fed Courtois and Huzzah Creeks before merging onto the Meramec River and arriving at the official finish line on the eastern gravel bar just before the bridge.
SHORT COURSE
Run: 7 miles
7:45am meet-up for shuttles at Ozark Outdoors Riverfront Resort near Leasburg, MO - ozarkoutdoorsresort.com. Race will start at 8:15am.
MTB: 11 miles
8:30 am, Start at Bass, ride to first OT entrance off Butts Rd. and head south, follow the OT blazes through the 3 sisters and up until you hit Baxter Rd, turn left on Baxter Rd. and in 100ft turn left on Butts Rd and then ride the gravel road all the way back to Bass River Resort for the canoe leg.
Paddle: 12 miles
At Bass’ River Resort head north on Courtois Creek toward the finish line at Ozark Outdoors.
LONG COURSE
Run: 13 miles
7:45am start at Ozark Outdoors Riverfront Resort near Leasburg, MO - ozarkoutdoorsresort.com.
MTB: 30 miles
7:30 am, the long course mountain biking partners will begin their lap from Bass’ River Resort heading east on Floyd Tower Rd (FR2265) before circling a portion of singletrack along Berryman Trail, then returning back onto Floyd Tower Rd (FR2265)
Paddle: 12 miles
At Bass’ River Resort head north on Courtois Creek toward the finish line at Ozark Outdoors.
All proceeds will go to the Ozark Trail Association, a 501c(3) organization, whose mission is to develop, maintain, preserve, promote, and protect the rugged, natural beauty of the Ozark Trail.
T-Shirt Sizes
You must be registered by July 16th to guarantee your T-Shirt size.
Logistics to consider
• There is limited cell service in this region. On-course communications will be spotty at best.
• No Refunds of registration fees. An alternative date may be looked at should extreme weather or other underlying circumstances cause the event to be postponed.
• Bikers will need to drop their runner at Ozark Outdoors and allow 30 minutes to get to their bike start at Bass' Resort.
• Paddles will be provided by Bass’ River Resort, please do not bring your own.
• The waterways WILL BE FULL OF PEOPLE and will reduce your ability to “race”, be respectful and have fun with it!
• Post race festivities are at Ozark Outdoors!
• Participants will need to contact Ozark Outdoors or Bass' River Resort directly for camping reservations if needed (not included in race fee).
Base Location
This event will have two start lines. Runners will start at Ozark Outdoors Riverfront Resort near Leasburg, MO - ozarkoutdoorsresort.com. Mountain bikers will start at Bass' River Resort near Steelville, MO - bassresort.com.
Aid Stations & Cut-Offs
RUNNING LEG
OT from Ozark Outdoors to Bass’ Resort; 13 miles
• Aid Station #1: Courtois Crossing at Huzzah CA, mile 5.2 - None
• Aid Station #2: Bass’ Resort, mile 13 - 2:00 pm
MOUNTAIN BIKING LEG
Bass’ Resort along FR2265, around a portion of the Berryman loop, back onto FR2265 to Bass’, approximately 17 miles of gravel and 13 miles of singletrack
• Aid Station #1: 2265/OT intersection, mile 8.5 - None
• Aid Station #2: 2265/OT intersection, mile 20.5 - None
• Aid Station #3: Bass’ Resort, mile 30 - 2:00pm (Final route is TBD and may vary between 22-30 miles once finalized)
PADDLING LEG
Courtois Creek, Huzzah Creek and Meramec River from Bass’ Resort to Ozark Outdoors, 12 miles
• Aid Station #1: Finish Line at Ozark Outdoors, mile 12 - 8:00 pm
Support at the aid stations will include water and medical assistance if needed. (Please note, paddles will be provided by Bass river and we ask that you do not bring your own paddle. We will keep the playing field even on the paddle)
Course Navigation
These RideWithGPS routes can be used for course navigation.
Short Run Course - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48430359
Short Bike Course - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48430563
Long Run Course - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48430254
Long Bike Course - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48430605
Event's current local time: 4:09 AM CT
