Packet Pick-Up:
Packet pick-up is race day only! It will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Packet pick-up is located at the start/finish line at Lake of the Ozarks State Park (entrance off Highway 42). Check out the location on the map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xqvQC9CoJuQgGWQPA

 

All runners must sign a USATF waiver at packet pick-up. This is a requirement — no exceptions.

Thank you for your understanding!

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Lake of the Ozarks State Park Update:

Lake of the Ozarks State Park is currently undergoing several capital improvement projects, which will become evident as you make your way to the start/finish line. Renovations to campsites, the addition of new yurts, and installation of a new water main are all underway.

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Some areas of the park may look like a construction site.

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The water main to the campsite area is expected to be operational before race weekend. However, water to the beach house will not be ready, so the beach house restrooms will be closed. Porta-potties will be brought in to accommodate runners.

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The restrooms near the Marine Store will be open and available for use.

Next year, we’ll all enjoy a new and improved state park. This year, we appreciate your patience and understanding — please excuse the mess!

 

Race Start Times:

• LOZ Traverse: 7:00 a.m.

• Trail of Four Winds 25K: 9:00 a.m.

• Wandering Bobcat: 9:30 a.m.

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Camping:
Camping will be allowed, but the State Park has not yet confirmed whether runners will use the main campground or the special events area. This depends on whether the water main is repaired in time. If you plan on camping — no problem — we’ll make a special announcement as soon as we know the details.

 

Photos:
Look for our photographer before, during, and after the race. In addition to capturing the start, on-course action, and finish line moments, they’re happy to take group shots upon request — just ask!

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The Courses: 

• LOZ Traverse starts at 7 a.m. (2800 plus feet of elevation gain) | Course Map, https://www.strava.com/activities/7104841795

• Trail of Four Winds 25K starts at 9 a.m. (1600 plus feet of elevation gain)  | Course Map, https://www.strava.com/activities/8981032900

• Wandering Bobcat 5 Miler (closer to 5.5) starts at 9:30 a.m. (700 plus feet of elevation gain) | Course Map, https://www.strava.com/activities/8024383726

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Important Note:
There is a reroute on a portion of the course that affects 25K and LOZ Traverse runners only.

 

If you’ve downloaded one of the above Strava files onto your watch, please keep this in mind — it may suggest that you're slightly off course around 8.5 miles into the race.

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The reroute parallels the old section and may not even trigger an off-course alert. If it does, ignore it and follow the course markers.

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The reroute is only about half a mile long.

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Course Overview:
This is classic Ozark topography: rocks, loose rocks, tree roots, leaves, and rugged trail — which may even resemble a creek bed at times. Trail conditions can vary significantly depending on the weather. You'll encounter single track, double track, and wider sections.

 

There are a few creeks along all three race courses, typically on the low-water to dry side, depending on recent rainfall. All three courses start and finish at the same location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xqvQC9CoJuQgGWQPA

 

Course Markings:
Look for the following markings:

• Orange ribbon (may vary in shade from dark to translucent orange — it’s all valid)

• Orange spray-painted arrows on the ground

• Orange cones (primarily near the start and finish)

• Directional signage (see pic below)

 

If you see an orange spray-painted “X”, do not go that way.

 

The Wandering Bobcat follows the exact same course as the Trail of Four Winds 25K until the first aid station (approx. 3.5 miles). At that point:

• Wandering Bobcat runners veer left, and follow orange ribbons and Trail of Four Winds directional signage back to the finish. 

• Trail of Four Winds and LOZ Traverse runners make a sharp right

 

Directional signage will be posted, and the aid station captain will assist.

 

Special Note on Trail Markings:
At the start, all runners should follow Trail of Four Winds signage (see pic below). This applies to all three races: Wandering Bobcat, Trail of Four Winds, and LOZ Traverse.

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LOZ Traverse runners complete the entire Trail of Four Winds 25K course, run through the finish line, then continue to the beach transition area. From there, they paddle to Passover Beach, then take two roads to reach the Honey Run Trailhead.

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That segment of the LOZ Traverse course is marked with:

• Orange spray-painted arrows

• Orange ribbon

• LOZ Traverse-specific directional signage

 

While on the paved road heading to Honey Run Trailhead, you may encounter a large dog. It often barks and runs toward the road, but I’ve run by it multiple times and never had an issue. State Park Patrol is aware of the dog.

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​​​Special Note on Orange Trail Marking Ribbon

Orange trail marking ribbon will always be on the runner's right hand side. When possible, it will be attached to the nail behind the state park trail markers. Sometimes the state park trail markers are on the runner's left hand side. When that happens, the orange ribbon remains on the runner's right typically hanging from a tree. Orange ribbon is every .25 miles, but typically is seen more frequently. In the event you see orange ribbon on your right and left hand sides, that's because you're running that section in both directions. Please study your course maps. 

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Aid Station Locations (Approximate):

• 3.5 Mile Marker | Aid Station Captain: Cody Eubanks

• 10 Mile Marker | Aid Station Captain: Heather Corcoran

• 13.5 Mile Marker | Aid Station Captain: Jake Grossbauer

• 22 Mile Marker (LOZ Traverse only)
  LOZ Traverse competitors hit this aid station three times: 22, 26.5, and 29 miles | Aid Station Captain: Jenny Stipp

• Finish Line | Aid Station Captain: Chris Boyle

 

All aid stations will have Tailwind (various flavors) as the electrolyte, water, and a variety of aid station food.

 

⚠️ Heads up! Don’t expect gels or salt tablets. If you want those, bring your own.

 

🚫 Don’t skip the first aid station — finish your bottle and fill up. It’s a long haul to the next station. Consider bringing a hydration vest.

 

📢 Reminder: This is a cupless event.

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Course Support:
Ham radio operators will be stationed on the course to help us track runners. Their locations:

• Start/Finish Line

• 10 Mile Aid Station

• Passover Beach Check-In

• Honey Run Check-In

 

Finish Line Amenities:

• Post-race meal

• Beverage: Beer from Lake of the Ozarks Brewing Company
  Your bib includes two coupons — one for your meal and one for a beer.

🍺 Additional beer available for purchase — please bring cash!
(Cell service is spotty, and electronic payments may not work.)

 

🪑 Bring your camping chairs, blankets, and hang out at the finish line.

 

🎶 Live music: Dance Monkey Dance

 

👟 Also at the finish line: Fleet Feet Columbia and Altra — with Altras available to demo.

 

Restrooms & Parking:
(The restrooms will have toilet paper, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own — and hand sanitizer too!)

• No restrooms on the Wandering Bobcat and Trail of Four Winds 25K courses — plan accordingly.

• Two restroom locations near the start/finish line:

  • First: Right at the start/finish line

  • Second: Near the Marine Store parking lot, a short walk away

• LOZ Traverse competitors: After crossing the finish line arch, you may use the restroom before heading to the beach transition area — cross the finish line first.

• Additional restrooms are located at Passover Beach on the other side of the lake (LOZ Traverse runners only).

 

🅿️ Note: Parking areas are indicated on the race map.

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LOZ Traverse Competitors Only

There will be a drop bag area at the start/finish line, marked between the finish line and the beach transition area.

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You may also use your kayak as your drop bag area for extra water, snacks, and gear.

 

👉 Important: You must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket before leaving the beach transition area. Failure to do so may result in disqualification. Only one person per boat – this is an individual competition, not a team event.

 

After paddling approximately 1.5 miles to Passover Beach, you must check in with Gary Thompson, the Passover Beach Check-In Captain, by clearly giving him your bib number. It is your responsibility to ensure Gary hears it.

 

From Passover Beach:

• Run up Passover Road (gravel)

• Turn left on McCubbins Drive (paved)

• Run to the Honey Run Trailhead (on the right)

This road portion (~1.5 miles) will be marked with orange cones and orange spray-painted arrows.

 

⚠️ Please run against traffic, following standard road-running protocol.

 

At the Honey Run Trailhead, you will enter the Uplands Flatwood Section of the Honey Run Trail System.

• Run approximately 3 miles to the aid station and check in with Jan Pyrtle, the Honey Run Check-In Captain, by giving your bib number.

• Next, run the North Loop clockwise, return to Jan, and check in again.

• Then, run the South Loop clockwise, return to Jan, and check in a third time.

• After your final check-in, return via the Uplands Flatwood section to McCubbins Drive.

• Turn left on McCubbins, then right on Passover Road back down to Passover Beach.

 

At Passover Beach:

• Check in with Gary one more time

• Put your life jacket back on

• Paddle back across the lake to Public Beach #1

• Beach your boat and make the short run up the hill to cross the finish line

 

Reminders for All LOZ Traverse Competitors:

• You must provide your own boat and Coast Guard-approved life jacket

• Bring your boat with you on race morning

• Carry your boat to the designated transition area near the beach at the start/finish line — it will be marked

• No outside assistance is allowed in transition areas during the race

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FYI: We’ll be giving away race shirts from previous years — take as many as you want!

I hope everyone has a great race. Safe travels! If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at HaHaRacingEvents@gmail.com.

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See you soon!

John Shelby
Race Director
Ha Ha Racing Events

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