Shawnee Hills Trail Races

Course Details Camp Ondessonk 3760 Ondessonk Rd. Ozark, IL 62972 Camp Ondessonk, in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest, is the home base for Shawnee Hills Trail Races. Runners get to explore some of the most stunning and extraordinary rock formations and waterfalls that Shawnee National Forest is well known for, vegetation consists largely of oak-hickory, maple-beech, and pine forests. The course takes you deep into the sandstone canyon systems of Southern Illinois' Shawnee Hills Natural Division while traversing Jackson Hollow and the Bay Creek Reservoir and several waterfalls along the course including Pakentuck Falls (the tallest free-falling waterfall in Illinois), Jackson Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Cedar Falls along with some inspiring views from Salomon's Ridge. THE COURSE is a figure eight loop with a combination of 80% single track trail, all dirt with some fire roads. The course is hilly; total climb between 50 feet - 150 feet (2,500 feet - 7,500 feet in 50miles), the terrain is technical with lots of rocks, roots/ruts and creek crossings to keep you present. Runners will be exposed to heat and humidity along with possible encounter with Snakes, Ground Hornets and Bees that are native to the area. DISTANCE 100 Mile Run (1 short 3-ish mile loop at the start and 3 x 32-ish mile loop) 100K Run (2 x 32-ish mile loop) 50K Run (1 32-ish mile loop) 1/2 Marathon (13-ish 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