Set your sights on the challenging yet welcoming trails of the Shippey Endurance Runs, taking place on January 18, 2026, in High Ridge, MO. This event, known as "STL's Original 100-mile trail ultra," offers an accessible 20-mile distance, inviting runners to experience a unique course typically closed to the public within the beautiful Beaumont Scout Reservation. Expect a true test of grit on rolling wooded hills, where approximately 75% single/double track and 25% jeep roads will lead you through steep climbs – some with a formidable 35-40% grade – ridgeline traverses, and direct descents (the Boy Scouts, after all, "didn't believe in switchbacks" when building these trails). For 2026, the roughly 20-mile loop, composed of five diverse legs, will be run counterclockwise.

Runners can anticipate typical race day conditions with highs around 42°F and lows near 22°F, though St. Louis weather is notoriously unpredictable, so prepare for anything from crisp cold to warmer temperatures. What truly sets the Shippey Endurance Runs apart is its exceptional runner and crew-friendly atmosphere, fostering a strong sense of community where participants often "sign up as a runner but leave as family." The race features two indoor aid stations on the course, visited multiple times per loop, providing ample support with diverse food options and dedicated volunteers.

Adding to the convenience, indoor camping is available a mere 100 yards from the start/finish line at the Emerson Center, complete with restrooms, showers, and microwaves, ensuring runners and their support teams have comfortable amenities within easy reach. Drop bags are also permitted at both aid stations, further enhancing the runner experience. Whether you're a seasoned ultrarunner or looking to tackle your first significant trail challenge, the Shippey Endurance Runs offers a well-organized, community-focused event on a truly distinctive and demanding course.