Berryman Trail Races: 50 Mile and Marathon
May 16, 2026

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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

The primitive Berryman campground (pit toilets) is first-come/first-served and fills quickly, $15 per night for camping. There is another small primitive campground (no fees) at the Brazil Creek Campground and aid station, approximately 6.5 miles from the Berryman campground/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).

 

Parking

Day Use Fee = $5 per day (bring cash for US Forest Service self-pay station). If arriving Saturday morning for the race, please do not attempt to pull into the Berryman Campground and Day Use area (start/finish location). The very limited parking and camp spots will be filled on Friday. Park along Berryman Road on right side (north bound) only. Day Use Fee applies to anyone accessing the Berryman campground, shelter or trailhead area, including overflow parking on Berryman Road. Thank you for your cooperation. The USFS may issue citations for non-payment.