Devil’s Toll Race

Description:

The Devil’s Toll Gate Race is a 13-mile dual discipline event across one of the most scenic and rugged landscapes Missouri’s Ozark Trail has to offer. The event traverses from the highest point in Missouri, Taum Sauk Mountain down past the beautiful Mina Sauk falls and thru the rock formation known as the Devils’ Toll Gate before again climbing over and around Proffit and Wildcat Mountains with a tricky descent past the famous Scour of Taum Sauk reservoir, finishing with an amazing Black river crossing at Johnson Shut-ins State Park.

What makes this more intriguing is the team style concept! This event will have 2 options: Participants can opt for the running version or the hiking version. You will have the options to participate as part of a male, female, or coed running team OR partake as a male, female or coed hiking team. The event will be capped at 240 participants or 120 teams in combined events.

Runners prepare to engage in a rough and rugged portion of Ozark Trail where 1,400’ of elevation over 13ish miles may seem like a cake walk, but fear not there is enough rock to keep you rolling, enough hills to keep you panting, a few turns to keep you thinking and when rhythm comes to your stride prepare to lose it again as the rocky and technical terrain will let you know that won’t be happening often!

Hikers prepare once again for a gorgeous hike with some of the most amazing vistas, history and flora/fauna galore. We take you thru the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in an attempt to really put you “out there”

The entrance fee for the event will be $100 per team thru June 1st, price increase to $140 thru June 7th, entrance for solo runners is $50, increase to $70 June 1st, entries will include; a one-year membership to the Ozark Trail Association, race t-shirt,(guaranteed if registered by April 28th), a post-race meal for participants, finisher’s awards as well as shuttles from finish line/packet pickup to start line race morning approx. a 40 min route.

Hiker shuttles leave at 7:00 am sharp. The race starts at 8:00 am!
Runner shuttles leave at 8 am sharp. Running race starts at 9 am!

Participants do not have to take the shuttle if the family/crew is able to drop you off at the start line

There is limited cell service in this region. On-course communications will be spotty at best

A rain date may be looked at should extreme weather cause the event to be postponed

Race Rules/Requirements/Tips
All participant must be at least 16 years of age on race day.
Teams of 2 runners/hikers in 3 categories: all male, all female, coed
No pets allowed in races
Create a team name and/or sponsor
The first team in each division to finish together is crowned victor of that particular division
Hikers must remain at hiking speed up to brisk walk but not including running strides. Solo Runners or Hikers are eligible to participate as well. There will be no prizes awarded for the Solo entrants but the beauty of the trail, the ease of the shuttles, the swag, and the finish festivities are open to all
Teams will compete along the same course marked in a red blaze the initial mile before following the traditional OT blazes the remaining duration. There will be occasional directionals at bigger intersections on course
Official times begin when teams begin loop around upper Taum Sauk parking lot and end upon crossing the finish line at Johnson Shut-ins SP.
Teams must finish together to count in awards.
We practice and require everyone to practice in “No Trace left behind” policy while using the trails
Please engage in fair play and safe practices while keeping the spirit of competition in mind, should there be complaints of unsportsmanlike happenings it may be investigated by race officials and/or the OTA

This is a rugged and remote area of wilderness and the following are a few suggested items to carry while on course:
Bug spray
Strong trail running shoes highly encouraged
Strong hiking shoes/boots with tread also highly encouraged
Trekking poles and hiking sticks can be used
Food and electrolyte drinks encouraged
1L or more of water either in hydration pack/belt or handhelds
Water will not be supplied on course in the form of aid stations
Lifestraw can be used with several creek options

The concept of this event is minimalist in nature and is a fundraiser for the Ozark Trail Association. We expect anyone participating in this event to understand that this is potentially the toughest course around and support will be minimal by race officials. This means it is a self-supported race and carrying the proper water/nutrition with you to complete the race is key to having a great experience! We will work to have volunteers sweeping the course throughout the day but no guarantee. We also will have a course cutoff at 6 pm. i.e 9 hours for the hiking portion aided by a sweep crew to ensure all have made it off course safely.
No Refunds of registration fees

Awards and Swag
Awards will be handed out for teams in each discipline below:

Top Overall team
1st overall female team
1st overall male team
1st overall coed team
Solo Runners/Hikers are not eligible for awards

Race T-Shirts will be provided with entry for all participants who register prior to April 27th.

The Purpose
All Devil’s Toll Race proceeds benefit the Ozark Trail Association (OTA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, whose mission is to develop, maintain, preserve, promote, and protect the rugged, natural beauty of the Ozark Trail, a 400+ mile National Recreation Trail.

The OTA is the only nonprofit volunteer group that’s specific mission is to take care of the Ozark Trail. The organization was incorporated and held its first construction outing in December 2002. Today, the OTA is recognized as the premier backcountry trail organization in the state of Missouri and the Ozark Trail is one of the 20 longest backcountry trails in the country.