Welcome to the Shawnee Trail Runs
The Shawnee Trail Run features a 50 Mile, 50K, and 13.1 Mile loop through Ohio's remote wilderness
Join us for Ohio's most challenging ultramarathon.
The 50 Mile has over 11,000 feet of elevation gain in its near-single loop course. The 50K boasts over 6,500 feet of elevation gain in one pure loop. You'll run through the most remote and rugged locations in Ohio.
In 2023 we added a half marathon (13.1 Mile) distance for the first time, making Shawnee a great option for all levels!
The Shawnee 50 Mile and 50K courses run mostly on the backpack trail that loops the 63,000 acre Shawnee Forest. Besides the lodge at the start and finish, runners will see just one building along the entire course - it truly is a remote and wild forest. With 11,000 feet of gain in the 50 Mile and 6,500 feet of gain in the 50K, runners will get an experience unlike anywhere else in Ohio. The 50 Mile course also features the only designated wilderness area in the state, which is aptly called "The Dark Side." The 13.1 Mile course is smaller lollipop design that gives runners a sweet and smaller dose of the full 50!
More info on The Course Page.
Online Registration
Registration Details
-
Registration opens January 1, 2025 @ 12:00am
-
Registration closes Thursday, October 9, 2025 @ 11:59pm
Pricing
50 Mile: "All-In Pricing*" - $110.00 after open | $131.30 after 2/28/25 | $152.605 after 6/30/25
50K: "All-In Pricing*" - $98.12 after open | $120.65 after 2/28/25 | $131.30 after 6/30/25
13.1 Mile: "All-In Pricing*" - $76.87 after open | $87.50 after 2/28/25 | $98.12 after 6/30/25
*All prices above include all taxes and fees associated with registration, and those charges issues by UltraSignup.com.
*Starting July 1st, 2024 UltraSignup implemented an "All-In" Pricing structure that is visible before checking out. These prices now include all the registration taxes and fees that were previously only shown at the checkout page. This new structure was implemented by UltraSignup without the Race Directors control, so the prices shown above reflect a higher price than what we previously listed due to UltraSignup's recent policy change. You can read about UltraSignup's new pricing and fee regulations HERE.
Capacity and Waitlist
The combined capacity for the 50 Mile, 50K, 13.1 Mile is set at 400 participants.
If we reach 400 participants, we'll begin accepting runners on the waitlist. If a waitlist is needed, runners will be invited into the field as runners withdraw from the field.
.jpg)
Race Details
50 Mile Race Information
Date: October 11, 2025
Distance: 54 Miles
Elevation: 11,000 feet of gain
Location: Shawnee State Park and Forest
Start Time: 5:00am
Cut-off: 17 hours
b 10:00pm
50K Race Information
Date: October 11, 2025
Distance: 50K
Elevation: 6,500 feet of gain
Location: Shawnee State Park and Forest
Start Time: 6:00am
Cut-off: 16 hours
Course Close: 10:00pm
.jpg)
13.1Mile Race Information
Date: October 11, 2025
Distance: 13.1 Miles
Elevation: 1,600 feet of gain
Location: Shawnee State Park and Forest
Start Time: 8:00am
Cut-off: no enforced cut-off
Course Close: 10:00pm
Participant Perks
-
Each participant will receive an entrant piece of apparel - hat, shirt, beanie, or other type of apparel (men's and women's specific options when applicable)
-
50 Mile finishers will receive a beautiful wooden finishers medal when finishing
-
50K finishers will receive a unique 50K award when finishing
-
Half Marathon finishers will receive a finishers award when finishing
-
A beautiful and well-marked course in the most secluded Ohio forest
-
Well-stocked and supported aid stations
.jpg)
Race Awards
50 Mile Awards
-
Top 3 Overall - Male and Female
-
Top Master (40-49) - Male and Female
-
Top Grandmaster (50-59) - Male and Female
-
Top Super Master (60+) - Male and Female
50K Awards
-
Top 3 Overall - Male and Female
-
Top Master (40-49) - Male and Female
-
Top Grandmaster (50-59) - Male and Female
-
Top Super Master (60+) - Male and Female
13.1 Mile Awards
-
Top 3 Overall - Male and Female
-
Top Master (40-49) - Male and Female
-
Top Grandmaster (50-59) - Male and Female
-
Top Super Master (60+) - Male and Female
Race Location
The Start and Finish, as well as Packet Pickup is located at the Shawnee State Park Lodge and Conference Center.
4404 OH-125,
West Portsmouth, OH 45663
Parking: There is ample parking located at the Shawnee Lodge
Packet Pick-up
Location: Shawnee State Park Lodge
Time: Friday, 4:00pm - 7:30pm
Race Day Pack Pick-up: if you cannot pick up your bib on Friday we will be handing out packets race-morning, inside the Shawnee Lodge (start location) starting at 4:00am.
Lodging and Camping Options
Shawnee State Park Lodge
-
There are nice lodge rooms as well as individual cabins available to rent through the Shawnee State Park Lodge that is located at the start/finish area of the race.
-
The lodge has reserved a block of rooms specifically for the Shawnee Trail Run event at a reduced rate, but you must call the lodge in order to make the booking, at 1-800-282-7275.
-
When reserving your room on the phone you need to mention the Shawnee Trail Run.
Group Camping Option
-
You can select this option while checking out when you register for $5.00. If you wish to have a personal campsite at the park campground you will need to reserve it on your own. *this add-on is non-refundable
-
When picking up your bib on Friday, we will give you a permit tag to hang in car while at the park.
-
You can start setting up your camp area at 3:00pm on Friday and can camp through 11:00am on Sunday.
-
-
The group camp is a dedicated space for Shawnee Trail Run participants and is located just 1 mile down the road from the start and finish area.
-
You will still be able to go into the Park Campground area with your car permit tag, where you will have access to flush toilets, showers, laundry, and all the other amenities provided at the Shawnee State Park Campground.
Shawnee State Park Campground
-
For a private and individual campsite, you can reserve a site at the State Park Campground.
-
You can do this at THIS WEBSITE
The Shawnee Trail Runs is a cupless race! In an effort to cut down on the waste of hundreds of paper cups, lessen a burden on volunteers, and to stay current with trail running trends, we will not have cups at aid stations.
You will be able to fill up with soda, water, electrolyte drink, or other liquids with your handheld bottle, bladder, and/or collapsible cups.
We recommend purchasing a collapsible cup at your local running specialty store; collapsible cups can easily be stashed in your pocket or pack while running, and saves a massive amount of waste from paper cups that are just used once.. Here are two great products that we recommend:
UltraSpire: https://ultraspire.com/products/ultraspire-c2-cup/
Ultimate Direction: https://ultimatedirection.com/re-cup-4-pack/
Crew and spectator information, including a "Crew Guide", can be found on the Spectator/Crew Info. Page.
Shawnee 50 Mile, 50K, and 13.1 Mile Course Information
The Course
50 Mile Overview
Distance: 54 miles (87 km)
Elevation Gain: 11,000 feet
Forest Trail Miles: 50 miles
Gravel Road Miles: 3 miles
Pavement Miles: 1 mile
50K Overview
Distance: 31 miles (50 km)
Elevation Gain: 6,500 feet
Forest Trail Miles: 27 miles
Gravel Road Miles: 3 miles
Pavement Miles: 1 mile
13.1 Mile Overview
Distance: 13.1 miles (21K)
Elevation Gain: 2,600 feet
Forest Trail Miles: 10 miles
Gravel Road Miles: 2 miles
Pavement Miles: 1 mile
Course Description
The Shawnee 50 Mile and 50K Trail Run course features some of the most rugged terrain in Ohio and puts runners in the most secluded wilderness areas in the region. And yes, the 50 Mile course has four bonus miles giving you 54 miles total.
The 50 Mile route starts by running the 7 mile "Opening Loop" before completing a continuous 47 mile loop before finishing in the same location as the start. The majority of the course is ran on the 40 mile Shawnee State Forest Backpack Trail in a clockwise direction. The main deviation from the Backpack Trail is when the course reaches the remote "Campsite 6" at mile 36 - at this point runners exit the Backpack Trail to enter Wilderness Area Side Trail. The Wilderness Area is a unique 8,000 acre area of land that has limited forest activity, including no motorized tools or equipment being allowed; that means all trail maintenance is done by hand in this area. This 9 mile portion of the course is known as "The Dark Side" not only because it is from miles 36-45, but it is also the most remote area of the forest seeing very little sign of civilization. Once 50 Mile runners complete The Dark Side they will rejoin the Backpack Trail until the finish line 8 miles later.
The 50K course bypasses the Opening Loop and heads straight to the start of the Shawnee State Forest Backpack Trail. After starting an hour after the 50 Mile race, 50K runners will likely join in with 50 Milers as they begin the Backpack Trail near the same time as you. From here the 50K course runs with the 50 Mile course on the Backpack Trail until around mile 20; the 50K cand 50 Mile courses split at a key junction on the Mackletree Bridle Trail. After this split the 50K course enjoys 4.3 miles of smooth ridge top bridle trail and gravel road running before joining back in with the Backpack Trail, and completing the same finishing 8 miles as the 50 Milers.
And new in 2023, the Shawnee Trail Runs includes a 13.1 mile race option to make this event more accessible to runners who don't quite want to bite off the ultra marathon distances. The 13.1 mile course still includes some notable hills, with 2,600 feet of elevation gains, and gives runner a quick dose of the two longer distances; but, the half marathon distance provides the smoothest and most runnable trails in the forest, giving runners of all abilities the chance to take part in the Shawnee Trail Runs!
A quick glance at the elevation profiles and you'll notice the frequency of the uphills. What this course is lacking in long sustained climbs of mountainous races will make up in the the frequency and steepness of the hills. There are very few flat sections along the course so you'll either be going up or down the entire route. Some say this frequency of ascents and descents can be harder than big mountain races because you'll never be able to get into a rhythm. This will eventually take a toll on your physical and mental capacity. Whatever race distance you choose at the Shawnee Trail Runs, you'll be treated with the best and most rugged terrain Ohio has to offer - we can't wait to see you at the Shawnee Forest!
Shawnee 50 Mile, 50K, and 13.1 Mile Course Maps
-toggle between distances in the upper left corner of map
50 Mile Course on Strava
50K Course on Strava
Route Highlighted on Forest Map
Shawnee State Forest Map
Shawnee 50 Mile, 50K, and 13.1 Mile Aid Stations
See information below about what will be at the aid stations.
54 Mile Aid Station Details and Chart
50K Aid Station Details and Chart
13.1 Mile Aid Station Details
Aid Station Locations for the 13.1 Mile Course
Mile 3: Water Only
Mile 6.15: Full Aid Station (and Course Turn-Around)
Mile 9.25: Water Only
Drop Bags: there will be a location on Saturday morning at the starting line to place your drop bags.
The Shawnee Trail Runs is a cupless race! In an effort to cut down on the waste of hundreds of paper cups, lessen a burden on volunteers, and to stay current with trail running trends, we will not have cups at aid stations.
You will be able to fill up with soda, water, electrolyte drink, or other liquids with your handheld bottle, bladder, and/or collapsible cups.
We recommend purchasing a collapsible cup at your local running speciality store; collapsible cups can easily be stashed in your pocket or pack while running, and saves a massive amount of waste from paper cups that are just used once.. Here are two great products that we recommend:
UltraSpire: https://ultraspire.com/products/ultraspire-c2-cup/
Ultimate Direction: https://ultimatedirection.com/re-cup-4-pack/
Crew and spectator information, including a "Crew Guide", can be found on the Spectator/Crew Info. Page.
Aid Station Size
There are 3 different “sizes” of aid stations shown on the chart. Here is the breakdown:
-
“Water Only” - Stations indicated as “water only” will not have anything except water.
-
“Medium” - Medium aid stations will look similar to most ultra marathon aid stations, with water, electrolyte drink, soda, salty snacks and sweet snacks.
-
“Full” - Full aid stations will look like the “medium” stations but will also include hot foods and/or real foods such as soups, pb&j, grilled cheese, potatoes, pierogies, etc., and/or etc.
Electrolyte Endurance Drink Mix
We will have Tailwind Nutrition at all the "full" and "medium" size aid stations. Tailwind is a tried and trusted Endurance Fuel for ultramarathon runners and endurance athletes. Tailwind is the perfect liquid source of complete calories, electrolytes, and hydration. Aid stations will have the correct ratio of mix in coolers, ready for you to just roll in, fill up, and head out. We'll only have the non-caffeinated Mandarin Orange flavor option. Visit this link for the complete details and nutritional facts of Tailwind.
.png)
Crew and Spectators
Crews and spectators are welcome to make their way around the course to help their runners. The Shawnee Trail Run course has some great access points along the route that you can see and help crew your runner. Below is a detailed document that you can download and print, or save to your phone, that will help you make your way to each crewable aid station. In addition to the "Crew Guide" please follow these rules and instructions:
-
You're welcome to hang out at the start and finish area, at the Shawnee Lodge. The lodge is open 24/7 and is a great place to stay warm and relax while you wait for your runner.
-
Crewing is only allowed at the designated crewable aid stations.
-
Spectating (but not crewing) can be done at any location along the course, but you must park at a designated parking lot and access the point of the course on foot.
-
Follow all rules in the "Crew Guide" at each aid station. The Crew Guide lists where to park and how to access each of the crewable aid stations.
-
Obey all traffic laws and drive slowly on the narrow Forest Service Roads.
-
ALWAYS listen to the aid station workers if they direct you to park in a certain area.
-
NEVER block roadways: some aid stations have parking lots and others you are parking along the side of the road. Move off the road as far as safely possible, into grass or the berm, and allow space for cars to pass through.
-
There will be location that you will drive on the same course as runners (just a short period) and several locations that you intersect the course. ALWAYS watch for and yield to runners.
Volunteer
It takes a lot of people to put on a 50 mile race, and we would love to have you help at the Shawnee Trail Runs. Whether you're an individual or part of a group or organization who would like to help out there are many positions that you could volunteer for. Check out the different type of volunteer positions and click the button below to sign up as a volunteer for free!
-
Aid Station Captain
-
Aid Station Worker
-
Course Sweeper
-
Course Marker
-
General set-up or tear-down
What you get as a volunteer:
-
All volunteers receive a race shirt
-
The satisfaction of helping other runners complete their journey in this hard race
-
Each position receives race credit and different perks to other SEOTR races outlined on SEOTR's website
All volunteers must agree to the event waiver while registering online at the above button. If you or an organization you are a part of have any more questions about volunteering at the Shawnee Trail Runs please use the contact page and send us a message.
Results & Photos
50 Mile Records
Men's Course Record: Benjamin Bruno - 8:43:08 (2019)
Women's Course Record: Mia Yeager - 10:00:48 (2022)
Age Group Records
M 23 and under: Wesley Harton - 10:05:00 (2019)
W 23 and under: N/A
M 40-49: Mike Cooper - 9:23:30 (2023)
W 40-49: Heather Sukey - 11:30:29 (2025)
M 50-59: Tim Crow - 11:31:10 (2018)
W 50-59: Jennifer Russo - 13:00:30 (2021)
M 60+: Bob Brashear - 13:21:59 (2019)
W 60+: Ruth Kohstall - 16:08:51 (2023)
M Oldest Finisher: Doug Hradek, 70 (2023)
F Oldest Finisher: Ruth Kohstall, 69 (2023)
13.1 Mile Records
Men's Course Record: Sam Nowak - 1:42:24 (2025)
Women's Course Record: Isabella Bacon - 2:15:31 (2025)
Age Group Records
M 23 and under: Sam Nowak - 1:42:24 (2025)
W 23 and under: Isabella Bacon - 2:22:38 (2023)
M 40-49: Court Lilly - 1:57:51 (2023)
W 40-49: Jadey Gilmore - 3:09:24 (2023)
M 50-59: Alvin Bramblette - 2:34:01 (2023)
W 50-59: Trish Busse - 3:13:27 (2025)
M 60+: Peter Westfall - 2:59:33 (2023)
W 60+: Penny Reed - 3:24:52 (2023)
M Oldest Finisher: Larry Riley, 74 (2025)
F Oldest Finisher: : Donna Poland, 65 (2025)
50K Records
Men's Course Record: Jared Hites - 5:32:51 (2023)
Women's Course Record: Shannon Capps - 5:51:21 (2025)
Age Group Records
M 23 and under: Benjamin Otto - 5:45:43 (2025)
W 23 and under: Ann Shelby - 9:42:30 (2021)
M 40-49: James Grennan - 5:49:32 (2022)
W 40-49: Kelly Burt - Shannon Capps - 5:51:21 (2025)
M 50-59: Scott Bond - 6:20:50 (2023)
W 50-59: Patricia Heyd - 8:29:29 (2021)
M 60+: Darren Gentry - 7:46:58 (2025)
W 60+: Stephanie Edgar - 9:25:15 (2022)
M Oldest Finisher: Herbert Michel, 68 (2021) and Randy Gage, 68 (2023)
F Oldest Finisher: Joan Cameron, 64 (2025)
Withdrawal/Refund Policies and Race Rules
Withdrawal/Refund Policy
-
drop 60 or more days prior to the event = 100% refund or rollover
-
drop 30-59 days prior to the event = 50% refund or rollover
-
drop 14-29 days prior to the event = 25% refund or rollover
-
drop under 14 days prior to the event = 0% refund or rollover
See all refund and withdrawal policies here.
To request a refund/rollover: You must have an UltraSignup account to request your refund/rollover. If you registered as a "guest" please email the race director and we will need to manually process your refund/rollover. Follow these steps:
-
Log in to Ultrasignup.com
-
Go into your account info and click "Registration History."
-
Click "edit" next to the race you wish to withdraw from.
-
After this scroll to the bottom of the page and click the red "Cancel Registration" button.
-
Once you select cancel registration a box will appear giving you an option to receiving either a Refund or Rollover.
-
Click "Process."
Please note that in some cases a bank will not accept a refund back onto a credit card if the original purchase was made over 90 days ago; in that case the race director will be notified and will send your refund via a check through the mail.
Further Rollover Policy:
-
Inside 14 days before the event we will not process any refunds or accept any rollovers.
-
Once your entry has been "rolled over" to next year's event you will be removed to the current year's race, then receive an invite into the next year's event via email once that registration for that year's event has opened.
-
Your Rollover credit is only valid for the next year's event and cannot be applied to other events or other runners.
Transfer Policy: SEOTR does not allow transfers of bibs to other runners at any of our races and strictly prohibits runners selling their bibs to other runners, wearing someone else's bib, or recreating a look-a-like. This is considered "Banditing" and it will get you banned to all future SEOTR events.
Distance Switch: Participants may transfer distances until the start of the race.. If you made an account on UltraSignup, and online registration is still open, you can do this yourself; otherwise, notify the race director. If online registration has closed, let the check-in team at the race know about your intentions to switch distances.
Cancellation Policy: The Shawnee Trail Run will take place rain or shine unless conditions become unsafe, ODNR revokes our permit, or there is any other unforeseeable event that warrants unsafe conditions. The Race Director will have the authority to make changes in order to best meet the group’s interests and the safety of participants, volunteers and spectators in case of extreme weather or other unforeseeable events. The Race Director will determine if and when the event shall be postponed, resumed, or canceled. The "Refund/Rollover Policy" listed above is implemented in the case of a cancellation.
Race Rules and Policies
If you are looking for our Refund/Rollover Policy, visit the Withdraw/Refund Section.
Rules that May Get you Banned from future SEOTR Races:
-
Runners must be officially registered for the race to start and complete the marked course. NO BANDITS
-
Runners must not sell their bib or wear someone else's bib.
-
Runners must not alter or remove course markings in any way.
-
Runners are expected to use good sportsmanship with all other runners, race volunteers, as well as the general public who may be using the trails, and must not use aggression, verbal or physical, at any time.
-
Purposefully cutting, or not running the full course in any manner is strictly prohibited.
More Rules
-
A waiver must be signed/initialed before registering during the online registration process.
-
No Dogs. Do not bring your dogs to run with during the race. This is not within our permit or insurance policy.
-
Runners must complete the entire run on foot and under their own power.
-
Runners must follow the entire marked course. If the runner gets off course they must go back to the last point along the course by foot and resume the correct route.
-
Runners may not cut switchbacks.
-
-
DO NOT LITTER. This isn't a road race. When you eat a gel, or have a cup of water at an aid station, plan to use the trash can at aid stations, or stash your trash in your pocket or pack. If you see trash along the trail please stop and pick it up. We want to leave the trail as good as we found it!
-
Be Kind to other participants and volunteers. This goes without saying, but as a trail running community, we take pride in treating our fellow runners like close friends! Be courteous and helpful to everyone!
-
Crew/Pacing Rules
-
Pacers Are Not Allowed at the Shawnee Trail Runs
-
Please do not have any friend or family without a bib run with you. While this is a public park and open to the public it is forbidden to have a “pacer” during the event. If we find someone running with you without a bib you will be DQ’d.
-
Crews may not administer aid outside of "crew accessible" aid stations and runners may not store supplies or food of any kind along the course except at designated drop bag locations.
-
Aid station food and supply is for runners only, and crew may not use the aid stations for themselves.
-
Runners are responsible for their crews behavior and understand crew must follow the race rules as well, and obey all aid station rules.
-
-
Trekking poles Are Allowed
-
Please wear your bib visible and on the front of your body.
-
You MUST enter every aid station. We record bibs at every station to track runners.
-
If you drop out of the race at any point you must either inform the aid station captain or make your way back to the finish area and inform our timing officials.
-
If you are in the 50 Mile race and decide to take the 50K route at the 50M/50K split, you will be listed as a 50 Mile DNF in the official results. (we’ll still celebrate your 50K finish at the finish line though!). The reason for this is because of the difference in start times, causing 50 Mile runners to be an hour ahead.
-
Cut-off's are strictly enforced. Come into the race knowing the cut-off times and be a good sport if you are told to stop because of a missed cut-off. If a runner crosses the finish line after a race cut-off you will not be listed as an official finisher. Runners must check in and out of each aid station.
-
You may wear headphones but please either keep one earbud out or keep the volume low enough to hear others. Do not listen to music audible on speakers to where others can hear. Many runners want to enjoy the quietness of the forest.
How It Started
The idea for the Shawnee 50 started many years ago.
This is where I discovered trail running, and The Forest is the genesis of all the passion I have for this sport.
Whatever it is about the Shawnee State Forest, every time I go there I feel refreshed and the fire inside burns for more epic adventures. It was in 2007 when I ran cross country for nearby Shawnee State University that the team captain first brought me on a trail run to what we simply call "The Forest." I remember seeing the sun glisten off Turkey Creek Lake for the first time and the dust rise beneath my feet as I ran on the dusty trails. This day showed me a different side of running, and opened up a whole new possibility of adventure.
Over the next four years the Shawnee State Forest became my home. I studied the contours and explored the valleys and ridge tops under the power of my own two feet. Every marked trail was memorized and more. As I grew in my knowledge of Shawnee I became a faster collegiate cross country runner, and it was like the Shawnee Forest was building me into a stronger person. If you spend time in the Shawnee Forest you will get stronger.
The Forest soon became a very important training grounds for me and my teammates. Long hard runs over rugged terrain. We'd stop at the Buckeye Dairy Bar on the way back to campus an we'd get mad if someone brought up the milkshakes before we were halfway done with our run. Experiences and memories were being forged into me - it became a hangout with my friends, a vacation for my family, and the only place I could train when I was preparing to run a mountain ultramarathon. It was my --our-- little secret nestled in the deepest part of Southern Ohio.
There's nothing that particularly stands out about the Shawnee State Forest. There's no massive caves or rock outcroppings, no high mountain view, no ocean views, no historic buildings. But what it does have is wilderness; big remote solitude that makes you feel lost even in a spot you've been before. At the root of every trail runner I think there is this desire to test ourselves and to explore the depths of our physical and mental boundaries. The rugged hillsides and steep ascents and descents that are relentless and never ending at the Shawnee State Forest will test you. It's this type of challenge that will make you appreciate the Shawnee 50. You'll see the same thing for 50 miles, no time to rest, until you make it to the finish line. This is an old-time pure ultramarathon.
So it is with that that I present the Shawnee 50 Mile Trail Run, and then later the 50K and 13.1 Mile distances. I hope to share with you the passion that I have for the Shawnee State Forest so that you may experience it too. I know it may take time to forge those memories for yourself, but if you keep coming back, and explore The Forest during other seasons for personal adventures that you will consider it a special place.
Thank you for checking out the Shawnee Trail Run, I sincerely hope you come explore this forest.
Michael Owen, Race Director