3 Legged Monster Race

Steelville, Missouri. Mark Twain National Forest. The Ozark Trail. The 3 Legged Monster Race returns on Saturday, August 15, 2026 — a two‑person team relay combining trail running, mountain biking, and paddling. Long course: 13‑mile run, 30‑mile mountain bike (IMBA "epic" ride), 12‑mile paddle. Short course: 7‑mile run, 11‑mile bike, 12‑mile paddle. Run on the Ozark Trail through hardwood forests, bluff overlooks, and seasonal waterfalls. Bike on the Berryman Trail and gravel roads. Paddle crystal‑clear, spring‑fed Courtois and Huzzah Creeks to the Meramec River. All proceeds benefit the Ozark Trail Association. Paddles provided by Bass' River Resort — do not bring your own.

Location — Ozark Outdoors Riverfront Resort & Bass' River Resort, Steelville, MO:

• Ozark Outdoors Riverfront Resort is near Leasburg, MO (start for runners)
• Bass' River Resort is near Steelville, MO (start for mountain bikers, paddle start)
• Both resorts are on the Meramec River in the Missouri Ozarks, about 1.5 hours southwest of St. Louis
• The course lies within the Mark Twain National Forest and the Huzzah Conservation Area

Race Format — Two‑Person Team Relay:

• Each team has two members — one runner and one mountain biker (or you can split duties differently? The format: runner runs, then biker bikes, then both paddle together — check event website)
• Runner starts first, runs from Ozark Outdoors to Bass' River Resort (long or short course)
• Mountain biker starts at Bass' River Resort at a separate time (they ride while their partner is running)
• After both teammates arrive at Bass' Resort, they paddle together to the finish at Ozark Outdoors
• Bikers need to drop their runner at Ozark Outdoors and then allow 30 minutes to get to their bike start at Bass' Resort

Running Leg — Ozark Trail:

• Long course: 13 miles from Ozark Outdoors to Bass' Resort
• Short course: 7 miles
• Terrain: rolling hardwood forests, bluff overlooks, big mossy rocks, seasonal waterfalls, beautiful forests
• Aid station at Courtois Crossing (mile 5.2 on long course — water, medical assistance)
• Aid station at Bass' Resort (finish of run leg) — cutoff 2:00 PM

Mountain Biking Leg — IMBA "Epic" Ride:

• Long course: 30 miles (mix of gravel and singletrack — Berryman Trail)
• Short course: 11 miles (gravel and OT blazes)
• The Berryman Trail is an IMBA‑designated "epic" ride — scenic Ozark countryside, timbered stands of oak and pine, switchback climbs from low bottoms to cherty ridges
• Aid stations at 2265/OT intersection (mile 8.5 and 20.5 on long course — water, medical)
• Aid station at Bass' Resort (finish of bike leg) — cutoff 2:00 PM (for short course? check event website)

Paddling Leg — Courtois Creek, Huzzah Creek, Meramec River:

• 12 miles from Bass' River Resort to Ozark Outdoors
• Crystal‑clear, spring‑fed creeks — beautiful Ozark waterway
• The waterways WILL BE FULL OF PEOPLE (July/August weekend) — be respectful and have fun with it
• Paddles provided by Bass' River Resort — do NOT bring your own (keeps the playing field even)
• No on‑water aid stations — finish line at Ozark Outdoors (cutoff 8:00 PM)

What's Included:

• Event t‑shirt (guaranteed for registrations by July 15)
• Chip timing? Not specified — likely manual or app‑based timing
• Finisher award (not specified — likely medal or patch)
• Aid stations with water and medical assistance at key points
• Paddles provided by Bass' River Resort (canoes or kayaks? Check event website)
• Post‑race festivities at Ozark Outdoors
• Parking at both resorts

Not Included:

• Camping reservations (contact Ozark Outdoors or Bass' River Resort directly — not included in race fee)
• Bike rental (bring your own mountain bike)
• Personal paddling gear (PFD, paddle — paddle provided, but bring your own PFD? Check event website)
• Food (aid stations have water and limited snacks, but bring your own nutrition)

Logistics — Limited Cell Service, No Refunds:

• Limited cell service in this region — on‑course communications will be spotty at best
• No refunds of registration fees. An alternative date may be looked at should extreme weather cause postponement.
• Parking at Ozark Outdoors and Bass' River Resort
• Bib pickup: race morning at Ozark Outdoors (check event website for exact times)
• No dogs allowed on course
• Mountain bike required (gravel bikes allowed? likely yes for short course — check event website)

Navigation — RideWithGPS Routes Provided:

• Short run course: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48430359
• Short bike course: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48430563
• Long run course: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48430254
• Long bike course: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48430605
• Download GPX files for offline navigation (cell service is spotty)

Proceeds — Ozark Trail Association:

• All proceeds go to the Ozark Trail Association (501(c)(3))
• Their mission: develop, maintain, preserve, promote, and protect the rugged, natural beauty of the Ozark Trail

Nearby Attractions (post‑race):

• Ozark Outdoors Riverfront Resort — stay for the post‑race festivities
• Bass' River Resort — camping, swimming, canoeing
• Meramec River — floating, fishing, swimming
• Onondaga Cave State Park — guided cave tours, hiking trails
• Steelville — known as the "Floating Capital of the World" (canoeing and kayaking)

Contact: Event organizer via UltraSignup.