2025 Shawnee Hills Trail Races at Camp Ondessonk

Presented by Stack’d | August 23-24, 2025

The 2025 Shawnee Hills Trail Races are officially in the books, and what a weekend it was! From the opening check-in on Friday afternoon to the final finisher crossing the line on Sunday, the Shawnee Hills once again delivered an unforgettable experience for runners, families, and friends.

This year’s race saw a record-breaking 209 registered runners from 20 states, including the youngest participant, a 10-year-old who successfully completed the half-marathon. Each came ready to take on the rugged terrain, sandstone canyons, and breathtaking waterfalls of Southern Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest.

A Weekend to Remember

Runners tackled distances ranging from the Half Marathon to the grueling 100-Miler, each course showcasing some of the Shawnee Hills Natural Division’s best features:

• Pakentuck Falls – Illinois’ tallest free-falling waterfall
• Jackson Falls and Horseshoe Falls
• Sweeping overlooks of Bay Creek Reservoir
• Trails winding through oak-hickory and maple-beech forests

The atmosphere was electric at Camp Ondessonk, where runners and their families stayed in treehouses, cabins, tents, and even a few climate-controlled guest rooms. From rustic campfires to post-race celebrations, the sense of community was just as memorable as the miles themselves.

2025 Shawnee Hills Trail Races Winners

100 Mile –

• Male: Jeremiah Sullivan from Springfield, Ill. (with the second fastest time in the history of the race) 20:56:38
• Female: Lauren Duncan from Madison, Wis.- 32:17:42

100K –

• Male: Zachary Dicken from Springfield, Ill., with the new course record time of 12:40:55
• Female: Crystal Wheatley from Louisville, Ky.- 15:44:57

50K –

• Male: Jason Teitloff from Clarksville, Tenn.- 5:27:35
• Female: Genevieve Nadeau from Memphis, Tenn.- 5:10:46

Half Marathon –

• Male: James Pratt from Crystal City, Mo.- 2:04:57
• Female: Lezlie McConnell from Johnston City, Ill.- 2:26:08

Full race results will be available soon at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=119489

More Than Just a Race

Thanks to Race Directors Micki and Chad Colson and a dedicated crew of volunteers, the weekend ran seamlessly. From carefully flagged routes to live GPS tracking, runners were supported every step of the way.

Families and friends enjoyed the weekend, too, with the chance to explore Camp Ondessonk’s trails, waterfalls, and rustic lodging. The race continues to grow as a destination event, drawing both elite trail runners and first-time ultramarathoners alike.

Until Next Year…

As the last runners departed Camp Ondessonk on Sunday afternoon, one thing was clear: the Shawnee Hills Trail Races are more than a test of endurance—they’re a celebration of nature, resilience, and community.

Mark your calendars for August 2026—because the trails of the Shawnee Hills are waiting for you.

Full results and future registration info available at shawneehills100.com