Prepare for an extraordinary challenge at the Shawnee Trail Runs, set to unfold on October 3, 2026, in the rugged embrace of West Portsmouth, Ohio's Shawnee State Park and Forest. This premier event offers three demanding distances: the formidable 50-mile (actually 54 miles), the challenging 50K, and a stout 13.1-mile half marathon. Runners can expect typical race day conditions with highs around 74F and lows near 51F, with only an 11% chance of precipitation.

Widely recognized as Ohio's most challenging ultramarathon, the Shawnee Trail Runs plunge participants into remote wilderness with relentless elevation changes. The 50-mile course boasts a staggering 11,000 feet of gain, while the 50K tackles 6,500 feet, and even the 13.1-mile race features a significant 2,600 feet of climbing. Much of the course traverses the renowned Shawnee State Forest Backpack Trail, offering very few flat sections and a constant test of uphill and downhill prowess. The 50-mile route includes "The Dark Side," a unique 9-mile stretch through an 8,000-acre wilderness area where trail maintenance is done entirely by hand, showcasing the forest's most secluded and untouched beauty.

The Shawnee Trail Runs are celebrated for their grueling yet rewarding nature, providing an authentic ultra-running experience that pushes both physical and mental limits. Aid stations are strategically placed, though runners should note the event's commitment to sustainability with a cup-less policy, requiring participants to carry their own hydration vessels for refills of water, electrolytes, and other provisions. Starting and finishing at the lodge within Shawnee State Park, this race promises a deep immersion into one of Ohio's wildest and most scenic landscapes, leaving runners with an unparalleled sense of accomplishment.