The SKIPPO Trail Race
A Castlewood State Park trail tradition since 2009, the SKIPPO closes the Big River Trail Series with a half marathon shaped by the park's famous stairs.
Quick facts
- Trail half marathon at Castlewood State Park, run under the SKIPPO name since 2009.
- Stair climbs are the course signature on an otherwise runnable trail layout.
- Part of the Big River Trail Series, with 10K and 30K options across the weekend.
- Honors a longtime volunteer trail steward of Castlewood State Park.
About the SKIPPO Trail Race
Named for Skip MacDowell, the volunteer who spent years maintaining Castlewood's trails, the SKIPPO started as a 20K in 2009 and moved its signature distance to a half marathon in 2019. It anchors the Big River Trail Series and spreads across a two-day weekend, with the 10K on Saturday and the half and 30K on Sunday.
Course
The route runs Castlewood State Park singletrack and doubletrack above the Meramec River. Most of it is runnable and fairly flat by trail standards, but the park's stair climbs break up rhythm and decide plenty of finishes.
Race-day weather
Race day lands on the edge of Missouri's late fall, with starts often in the 30s or 40s. Leaf cover can hide roots and rocks, and wet years can turn sections of trail muddy.
Past SKIPPO Trail Race dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday, November 1, 2026 | Upcoming | — |
The SKIPPO Trail Race FAQ
When is The SKIPPO Trail Race?
The 2026 SKIPPO Trail Race is on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
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