Berryman 50 Mile and Marathon

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The Berryman Trail races are held on the historic Berryman Trail in the Mark Twain National Forest. The single-track loop was designated a National Recreation Trail in 1980 and is a true gem, treasured by trail runners, hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. On its western half, the Berryman Trail shares approximately 12 miles with the main stem of the Ozark Trail. The SLUGs started gathering and racing on the Berryman Trail in the late 1990s and the Berryman Trail Race was formally established in 2000. Over the years, with trail improvements and re-routes, the distance of the trail has grown from a 24-mile loop to the current 26.4-miles, eliminating the need for adding out-and-backs to create the marathon and 50-mile distances. 

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The Race

The start/finish is located at the shelter of the primitive Berryman Campground (no water or electricity). The Berryman Trail is a moderately technical trail with plenty of roots and rocks, and total elevation gain/loss of 2500 ft/2500 ft per loop. Runners will cross Brazil Creek before and after the aid station at mile 16 (and mile 42 on 2nd loop). Brazil Creek is typically shin-deep, and the course crosses many other stream beds that may or may not have water in them depending on recent rainfall. Distance between aid stations varies from 4-6.5 miles, with additional water-only station midway through the longest section. Marathoners complete one full loop and 50-mile runners complete two full loops.

Camping and other lodging

While the Berryman campground is first-come/first-served and fills quickly, runners are allowed to park along the road and camp in the common area near the shelter. Developed campgrounds and cabins are available at Huzzah Valley Resort and Bass River Resort, located approximately 12 miles from the Berryman campground. Hotels and motels can be found in Potosi (18 miles from start/finish), Steelville (20 miles), and Cuba (28 miles).