KAISER, Mo. — The Lake of the Ozarks Endurance Runs returns to the state park on May 2, marking the event’s 8th year of trail-running competition.
The races will begin and finish at Public Beach #1, welcoming runners from across the Midwest and beyond. What began in 2019 as a single race—the Trail of Four Winds 25K—has evolved into a premier multi-distance event featuring three races in one day:
● LOZ Traverse – a 35-mile endurance challenge, including a unique paddle ultra component with 32 miles of running and 3 miles of paddling, connecting multiple trail systems within the Lake of the Ozarks State Park
● Trail of Four Winds 25K – the original race that launched the event
● Wandering Bobcat 5 Miler – a shorter, accessible course that also welcomes hikers
The 2026 event draws a diverse field, with registered participants representing 9 states—Missouri, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Nebraska—and 50 unique cities, highlighting the event’s growing regional appeal.
The races are organized by Ha Ha Racing Events, which has steadily expanded the event while maintaining a focus on quality and runner experience.
“Our primary objective is to put on a well-organized running event where runners can compete for the overall win or a personal best,” said John Shelby, owner and race director. “We want to introduce runners to the Lake of the Ozarks trail system. Many of them spend the night and take in other aspects of the Lake of the Ozarks. While our runners are in town, we encourage them to check out the work of Magic Dragon Trails, our nonprofit partner, as they continue their hard work of building new trails at Lake of the Ozarks.”
Magic Dragon Trails works to expand trail access throughout the Lake area, creating more opportunities for both local residents and visitors to explore and enjoy the region’s growing trail system.
Registration for this year’s event is still underway. Participants can sign up online by visiting: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=126862
Learn more about Ha Ha Racing Events and Magic Dragon Trails.
