Race Details

Spirit of Syllamo is a non-stop ultramarathon journey, covering the picturesque & challenging terrain located within the Sylamore Ranger District of the Ozark National Forest.

The race course utilizes the Syllamo Mountain Bike Trails for the first 35M Loop and then traverses the entire Sylamore Trail & Extension, along with parts of the Ozark Highlands Trail for the 100M.

The 100 mile distance alternates on even and odd years. Between the two races, nearly every trail in the Sylamore Ranger District.

The 35m has 9,200ft of elevation change and is nearly 100% singletrack.

The Even Year 100m is 107 miles long with 33,000ft of elevation change.

The Odd Year 100m is 99 miles long with 30,000ft of elevation change.

Both 100m courses are 90% singletrack and 10% Forest Service Road.

All distances require the runner to be self-sufficient with gear and nutrition strategy. Aid stations are far apart and course marking is limited to turns.

Blanchard Springs Recreation Area

Friday, 3pm - 6pm - Packet pick-up and gear check at Blanchard Springs Visitor Center. Drop bags may be dropped off here or race morning at the Start/Finish.

On site at Blanchard Springs

Group sites are reserved for participants and crew.

Individual sites are available first come, first serve. $15

All sites have water, restrooms, but no electric. Showers may be winterized during the first freeze.

or

Multiple cabins and vacation rentals in the Fifty Six, Allison, and surrounding area. Patronage is always appreciated.

Saturday:

5:15-5:45am - All Racers Check-In.

5:45 - Final announcements

6:00 - Both Races begin.

35Mile - 10hrs.

100Mile - 34hrs.

Detailed aid station cut-off times in runner’s packet.

Even Year, 107miles ~ 16,500ft gain / 320ft change per mile.

Even Year Strava Map

Odd Year, 99 Miles ~ 15,000ft gain / 303ft change per mile

Odd Year Strava Map

35m ~ 4,600ft total gain / 260ft change per mile.

35m Strava Map

Note: The Strava Maps are conservative estimates. We’ve consistently seen runners get the numbers we’ve listed above.

GPX Files:

Even Year Strava GPX Download

Odd Year Strava GPX Download

35 Mile Strava GPX Download

If you are new to GPX, directions to use will be different from device to device. We suggest YouTube if you have never used a GPX file.

Adequate flagging but nothing to prevent you from going off course.

If you’re prone to getting lost, you’ll get bonus miles.

Terrain:

Highly maintained single track trails that are rugged, rocky, steep, and densely forested. In a single mile, runners may cross a creek, climb a mountain, traverse boulders, and flow through smooth trail.

Water Crossings:

There’s lots of water crossings. Every crossing is a creek. No crossing is a significant waterway. Depending on rain, creeks could be completely dry. Safety will always be considered if creeks are deeper than normal.

There is no good way to predict if the creeks will be passable without getting wet. Creeks drain quickly, some in a matter of hours. On the other hand, recent rain could create hundreds of tiny creeks.

Livingston Creek just before and after Scrappy Mountain aid is often impassable without getting feet wet. This is the most significant crossing.

Cole Fork, between Barkshed and Cripple Turkey might be impassable without getting wet. This creek is typically very shallow and has some rocks to hop.

Both 100m routes have 1 creek before the turn around. If they are flowing, you will get wet. If it has been dry, they will be completely dry.

All other creeks will be small enough to hop over or splash through with ease.

Winter is Arkansas’ prime trail season. No better time of year to run in the Ozarks. Use “Fifty Six, AR” as your location on a weather App.

Hi/Lo temps in degrees Fahrenheit.

Dec. 11th, 2021 - 50/18, frost at night

Dec. 10th, 2022 - 48/42, daytime rain, intermittent night fog

Dec. 9th, 2023 - 60/35, slight rain for the first few miles

Aid and bags at the following locations:

Aid 1 - Scrappy Mtn. (Hwy. 5) Trailhead- Mile 10.5

Aid 2 - Bad Branch Trailhead- Mile 17.5

Aid 3 - Blanchard Springs (Start/Finish)- Mile 35

Aid 4 - Cripple Turkey- Mile 55

Even Year Aid 5 - Matney Knob- Mile 70

Odd Year Aid 5 - Spring Creek- Mile 67

Aid 6 - Cripple Turkey -

Even Year Mile 85

Odd Year Mile 81

We do not provide cups. Bring your own water bottle.

Standard Syllamo Events Menu:

Hydration: Electrolyte mix, ginger ale, Coca-Cola, and water

Sports Nutrition: various gels or chews

Solid Foods: Sandwiches, fruit, pickles, chips, candy (hard and/or chocolate)

Cooked/Warm Foods: Commonly prepared by our wonderful volunteers.

Note: Our aid stations are always well stocked and runners can expect the same items at each location. Specific brands could vary.

We do not supply NSAIDS or other pain relievers.

Every aid stations will have basic first aid.

Both distances. See Runners Packet for Details.

The pavilion in Blanchard Springs is surrounded by bluffs and mountains. It is a perfect location for music, food, and fun. This location serves as the finish for both distances and the 35 mile aid station for 100 milers.

All runners may enjoy a warm post race meal. Additional meals may be purchased for family/friends during registration.

We hope for beautiful weather and a lively crowd cheering on runners. Plan to stick around and join the festivities!

All of our events are low waste, low trash events. We do not provide plates, bowls, cups, or flatware.

Custom laser engraved wooden awards.

100M Distance:

Dec 2021 - 57.1%

Dec 2022 - 63.6%

Dec 2023 - 53.3%

syllamoevents@gmail.com

Our Runner’s Packet is good for both distances and it is thorough! Please consult this first, before reaching out.

100 Mile Finish Rates:

Dec 2021 - 57.1%

Dec 2022 - 63.6%

Dec 2023 - 53.3%