About This Race
Set in the heart of Illinois' Shawnee National Forest, the Shawnee Hills Trail Races offer runners a weekend immersion in the state's most dramatic wilderness. Based at Camp Ondessonk near Ozark, the event showcases the sandstone canyon systems and waterfall-rich landscape that define Southern Illinois' Shawnee Hills Natural Division. The figure-eight course design takes runners through oak-hickory and maple-beech forests, past towering rock formations, and alongside multiple waterfalls including Pakentuck Falls, Illinois' tallest free-falling waterfall. The technical terrain demands constant attention, with rocks, roots, and creek crossings punctuating the predominantly singletrack trails. Elevation changes are moderate but persistent, accumulating significant vertical gain across the longer distances. The August timing brings the full challenge of Midwest summer conditions, with heat and humidity adding another layer of difficulty to an already demanding course. With distances from half marathon to 100 miles, the event caters to various experience levels while maintaining its wilderness character. The unique accommodation options at Camp Ondessonk, including treehouses and hostel-style rooms, create a distinctive race weekend atmosphere that extends beyond the running itself.
The course follows a figure-eight loop design through the sandstone canyons of Shawnee National Forest, with 80% singletrack trail and connecting fire roads. Technical terrain dominates, featuring rocks, roots, creek crossings, and persistent elevation changes that range from 50 to 150 feet per segment. The route traverses Jackson Hollow and skirts Bay Creek Reservoir while linking multiple waterfall systems including Jackson Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Cedar Falls, culminating at Pakentuck Falls.
Distance variations use different combinations of the loop system: the 100-mile starts with a short 3-mile section followed by three 32-mile loops, while the 100K covers two full loops, the 50K runs one complete loop, and the half marathon follows the western section. Scenic highlights include views from Salomon's Ridge and passage through the diverse forest ecosystems that characterize the region.
Practical Info
August conditions typically bring high heat and humidity, with temperatures potentially reaching the 80s-90s Fahrenheit and significant humidity levels typical of the Midwest summer.
Camp Ondessonk offers unique lodging including rustic treehouses (open-air sleeping with roof coverage), traditional camping areas, and limited climate-controlled hostel-style rooms with private bathrooms that sleep 8 people.
Best For
Notable Features
The race stands out for its access to Illinois' most spectacular waterfall collection, including the state's tallest free-falling waterfall at Pakentuck Falls. The unique accommodation options at Camp Ondessonk, particularly the open-air treehouses, create an immersive weekend experience that combines serious trail running with rustic outdoor lodging in one of the Midwest's most pristine wilderness areas.