Brace for one of the most rugged half-marathon challenges in Missouri’s Ozark Trail network. The Devil’s Toll Race is a 13.1-mile journey through Taum Sauk Mountain’s highest peaks, plunging past Mina Sauk Falls, ascending through Devil’s Toll Gate, and crossing the turbulent Black River at Johnson Shut‑Ins State Park.
Participants can opt for a run or hike, solo or in two-person relay teams. Solo runners begin at 10:00 AM CT, while hikers start at 8:00 AM (team times vary based on category). Registration closes late September, and there’s a strict no-refund policy—this is a self-supported, minimalist event where carrying enough water (2 L recommended) is essential since no aid stations are provided beyond the start.
Expect 1,400 ft of relentless elevation gain and loss, boulder-strewn paths, steep switchbacks, cliff-top corridors, and a final water crossing. Cell service is limited, and seasoned trail gear—strong shoes or boots, trekking poles, bug spray—is highly recommended.
This is not a PR course—it’s a true wilderness adventure that pushes both physical and mental limits. Unique features like team relay options, a rugged river crossing, and traversing Missouri’s highest elevation make it stand apart. Plus, proceeds benefit the Ozark Trail Association, dedicated to preserving these trails.
