Hard Times Trail Run

The Toughest Footrace in Greene County.

Welcome to the Hard Times Trail Run, the Toughest Footrace in Greene County.

The Hard Times Trial Run is an 8 mile loop course with over 1000 feet of elevation gain. With an invigorating blend of plush runnable sections, thrilling downhills, and exhilarating climbs, the course will challenge rookie and veteran trail runners alike. There will be small creek crossings, some briars, and lots of hills. Switchbacks are nowhere to be found on this course.
Race is limited to 60 runners.

Three distance options: 8 mile, 25K, and 50K. (25K and 50K runners will complete laps "washing machine style", alternating directions on each lap)

Location: Little Sac Woods Conservation Area, located north of Springfield and east of Willard. There isn't a physical address but the location is accurate on Google Maps and Apple Maps if you search for "Little Sac Woods Conservation Area East Parking Lot". For more information, check out https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/little-sac-woods-conservation-area

Race Start Times:
8 Mile and 25K starts at 9 a.m. (8 hour limit)
50K starts at 7 a.m. (10 hour limit)

Mandatory Race Briefing 15 minutes before start time.
Course closes at 5:00 p.m.

Packet Pickup: March 7, 2026 at Little Sac Woods Conservation Area East Parking Lot
50K: 5:45 - 6:45 a.m.
8 Mile and 25K: 7:45 - 8:45 a.m.

Two aid stations: Start/Finish and at the Halfway Point (4 miles) .
Drops bags (25K/50K runners) and personal belongings (All runners) can be left at the Start/Finish.
Porta-Potties and a million trees will be provided for runners' and spectators' comfort and convenience.

Cut-Off Times: 50K runners must begin their final lap by 2:00 p.m. and clear the Halfway Point Aid Station by 3:30 p.m. in order to be allowed to continue.

Swag: All runners will receive a shirt and a finishers award. 50K runners receive additional swag. Special prizes for first place overall male and female finisher in each distance event.

Swag Deadline: February 15, 2026. No guarantees on swag or shirt sizes for registrations after this date.


Refund Policy: No Refunds. Hard Times Trail Run will take place rain, snow, or shine. The only reason it would be cancelled is for safety reasons or factors beyond our control.

Dogs are allowed but must be on leash. No cats.
Bug spray and trail shoes recommended.
Trekking poles allowed and encouraged.

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT PARKING: Parking is very limited at the race location. On-site parking is for 50K runners ONLY. All other runners (8 Mile and 25K) must park at Noble Hill Baptist Church (3285 W Farm Rd 36
Willard, MO) and ride the free shuttle van to and from the Start/Finish. Carpooling is encouraged but hitchhiking is discouraged. Stay tuned for more information.

All proceeds from Hard Times Trail Run support Headington Hill Classical Academy in Springfield, MO. Your participation helps create a fund for students needing assistance with books, uniforms, and tuition. Headington Hill Classical Academy is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Learn more at https://headingtonhill.academy