Ozark Trail 100 Mile Endurance Run

05/19/2026

Join the OTA today at https://www.ozarktrail.com/membership/

05/11/2026

Welcome to John Echele from Union, Missouri. Good luck John.

05/08/2026

Thanks Andrew!

🌲 Adopter Spotlight: Andrew Karandjeff 🌲

A huge thank you to Andrew Karandjeff for being such a steadfast adopter of the Ozark Trail. He maintains multiple segments across the Courtois and Taum Sauk sections totaling over 9 miles! That’s an incredible commitment, and it makes a real difference out on the trail.

Andrew has been involved with the OTA for years, first volunteering from 2008–2013 as part of the St. Louis Ultrarunners Group maintaining the Berryman Loop. After moving away, he reconnected in 2021 and has been an active adopter ever since.

Based out of St. Louis, Andrew enjoys running, hiking, biking, and backpacking—but giving back has always been a big part of what drives him.

“If we’re going to enjoy these incredible trails, we might as well be the ones helping to look after them and see them thrive.”

For Andrew, one of the most rewarding parts is seeing the direct impact of his work:

“I love passing through my section after completing a maintenance trip and seeing a visible improvement to the trail.”

And if you’ve ever thought about getting involved, his advice is simple:

“Jump in! Don’t be afraid to ask for pointers. There’s an amazing group of people who are passionate and willing to give advice and help out.”

👉 Want to make an impact like Andrew? Consider adopting a section of the Ozark Trail. Email [email protected] to find out more or visit the links in the comments to learn more.

05/02/2026

Welcome to Angelica Nuno from Cuba, Missouri. Good luck Angelica.

04/11/2026

Welcome to Kody Cox from Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Good luck Kody.

04/06/2026

Welcome to Adam Baer from Ballwin, Missouri. Good luck Adam.

03/27/2026

Welcome to Jacob Buster from Mount Vernon, Iowa. Good luck Jacob.

03/24/2026

Thanks Matt.

New Adopt-A-Trail Coordinator

Matt Westby will now be serving as your Adopt-A-Trail Coordinator. He is an OTA sawyer and adopter on the Courtois section. Matt has hiked the Ozark Trail extensively and has been volunteering with the OTA for the past 10 years.

We look forward to his contributions with the Adopt-A-Trail program!

03/18/2026

Welcome to Sam Arnold from Indianola, Iowa. Good luck Sam.

03/17/2026

Congrats James Mercer! Along with maintaining miles of the Ozark Trail he has multiple finishes of the Ozark Trail 100 Mile Endurance Run. Thanks James.

🌲 Adopter of the Year – James Mercer 🌲

The Ozark Trail Association is proud to recognize James Mercer as our 2025 Adopter of the Year!

James co-adopts four Karkaghne segments and two Taum Sauk segments-maintaining an impressive 21.5 miles of the Ozark Trail. His stewardship of the Karkaghne section spans several years, reflecting a deep and ongoing commitment to caring for this special stretch of trail.

Taking responsibility for even a few miles is meaningful. Caring for more than twenty miles, year after year, is extraordinary. James’ dedication ensures these sections remain safe, passable, and enjoyable for everyone who travels them.

Thank you, James, for your long-standing commitment and incredible service to the Ozark Trail! 🥾🌿