Shawnee Hills Trail Races 2026
The Shawnee Hills Trail Races 2026 is scheduled for August 22, 2026, at Camp Ondessonk in Ozark, Illinois. Participants will navigate the diverse landscapes of the Shawnee National Forest, which includes sandstone canyons, lush forest cover, and various waterfall landmarks. Given the late August date in Illinois, runners should prepare for high heat and significant humidity. The event features a technical figure-eight loop course characterized by single-track dirt trails, creek crossings, and rolling to hilly terrain.
What distances are available for this event?
- →100 Mile: Consists of 1 short ~3-mile loop plus 3 × ~32-mile loops
- →100K: Consists of 2 × ~32-mile loops
- →50K: Consists of 1 × ~32-mile loop
- →Half Marathon: Approximately 13 miles covering the west section of the loop
What is the terrain and course character like?
The course is highly technical, consisting of approximately 80% single-track dirt trails with some fire roads. Runners can expect a demanding environment featuring rocks, roots, ruts, and creek crossings. The terrain is described as rolling to hilly, with total elevation gain ranging from roughly 2,500 ft to 7,500 ft depending on the distance chosen. Because of the technical nature of the footing, constant focus is required to navigate the course safely.
What landmarks will the race pass?
The route traverses several iconic locations within the Shawnee National Forest ecosystem, including:
- →Pakentuck Falls (the tallest free-falling waterfall in Illinois)
- →Jackson Falls
- →Horseshoe Falls
- →Cedar Falls
- →Bay Creek Reservoir
- →Salomon’s Ridge viewpoints
What aid stations and facilities are provided?
The event features 5 fully stocked aid stations positioned approximately every 5 miles (with a maximum gap of ~8 miles between stations). Support at these stations includes:
- →Water and electrolytes
- →Snacks
- →First aid
- →Volunteer assistance
Restrooms are available at the start/finish line and at key aid stations.
What weather and environmental conditions should I expect?
Participants should prepare for high heat and humidity levels typical of Illinois in late August. The environment is a dense forest consisting of oak-hickory, maple-beech, and pine. Runners should also be aware of potential wildlife encounters, including snakes, hornets, and bees, particularly during night running for the longer distances.
What race strategy is recommended for this course?
Due to the specific layout and conditions, the following insights are provided:
- →Prioritize technicality over speed: The rocky and rooted terrain will naturally slow the pace more than elevation alone.
- →Utilize the loop format: The figure-eight design allows runners to revisit familiar terrain, which can assist with mental pacing.
- →Manage heat strictly: Maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance is critical due to the humidity.
- →Maintain footing discipline: The course requires constant attention to avoid trips or falls on technical sections.