Choose Your Distance
Marathon
The marathon distance offers runners a substantial taste of the challenging Berryman Trail terrain without the ultra-distance commitment of the 50-miler, making it an ideal stepping stone for those looking to test their technical trail skills over a classic distance. This option attracts both seasoned road marathoners seeking their first serious trail challenge and experienced trail runners wanting to focus on speed and efficiency rather than endurance management. The distance provides enough time on the rocky, root-filled singletrack to develop a rhythm with the terrain while still allowing for aggressive pacing strategies that longer distances wouldn't permit.
50 miles
The 26.4-mile Berryman Trail loop winds entirely through forested single-track in the Mark Twain National Forest. Runners face continuous rolling terrain with rocky, root-laden sections and multiple stream crossings. The most significant water feature occurs at Brazil Creek around mile 16, where runners should expect to get their feet wet. The western portion of the loop shares 12 miles with the main Ozark Trail corridor. Marathon runners complete one clockwise loop, while 50-mile participants tackle the circuit twice. The course maintains its technical character throughout, with stream beds that may contain water depending on recent rainfall conditions. Trail maintenance is provided by the Ozark Trail Association and local running groups, ensuring consistent trail conditions year after year.