Stretching across the rugged backbone of Missouri’s foothills, the Ozark Trail 100 Mile Endurance Run demands respect from anyone daring to take it on. Beginning and ending near Steelville, Missouri, this race challenges runners and hikers alike with roughly 100 miles of forested paths, rocky ridges, and steep climbs totaling over 14,600 feet of elevation gain. Here, the Ozark wilderness is fiercely itself—unforgiving but inviting, ancient forests whispering beneath a canopy that shifts with the season. The Ozark Trail threads through thick hardwoods, slipping over moss-covered rocks and crossing streams that dare you to stay dry.

This high-stakes ultramarathon course holds more than physical trials. Terrain is varied and relentless: technical rock scrambles mix with root-laced singletrack, sudden ascents that test lung capacity, and long stretches of rolling hills that push endurance. The forest isn’t just scenery; it’s a living entity that moves alongside you in the breeze, a steady presence in every step. As you race, the river crossings and creek beds push back with cold, clear waters, reminding you this is a contest of stamina and savvy.

Preparation isn’t optional. Hydration logistics mean planning for limited water points and unpredictable Missouri weather—hot days can turn to chilling nights in moments. Shoes with solid traction and durable uppers handle the unyielding rocky sections best. Nutrition needs to be balanced, with electrolytes to counteract sweat during long stretches where shade thins. Early fall is the preferred launch window, avoiding the humid summer mosquitos and the icy grip of winter’s early arrival.

Whether you’re here as a competitor or a support crew, Steelville becomes a hub of quiet energy each year, buzzing with anticipation and shared grit. The region offers limited but friendly accommodations, with campgrounds and small lodges poised to support every overnight stay on this intense journey. The Ozark Trail 100 isn’t simply a race — it’s an engagement with a landscape that commands attention and demands movement, a challenge that meets you with raw, authentic wilderness and the kind of hard-earned satisfaction only miles of trail can give.