Spirit of Syllamo
Run with passion and an unbreakable spirit - the journey through the forest is rugged and beautiful.
-Rusty Harvey, Race Co-founder & Finisher
Overview
New in 2025 -
13.1 Mile Option! 7am Start
Start in the daylight and traverse a scenic and challenging stretch of trail. The 13.1 mile is a lollipop route following the same course as the 35m and 100m for 4.5 miles. It then it turns toward the White River Bluff Trail loop and treats runners to one of the most impressive overlooks in the area.
The 13.1 Mile will have about 1,500 feet of elevation gain and offers 1 aid location that runners get twice (out then back).
35 Mile Option - 6am Start
The 35 mile course is a lollipop course. The first 4 miles starts in the dark and takes runners up to the Syllamo Mountain Bike Trails. On the return, runners will get to see this section in the daylight. The Syllamo trails ebb and flow from smooth to pretty darn gnarly. Because these are mountain bike accessible, there are dozens of bailouts that force runners to stay alert for turns. In the creation of this route, the race directors test ran the 35m several times as a self supported fastest known time. To recreate this experience, this route offers only 2 well stocked aid stations. This race is intended to require experience and strategy as runners cover long sections without race provided aid.
The 35m course has about 4,600 feet of elevation gain.
100 Mile Option - 6am Start.
Even Year Course - This covers the 35m course and then proceeds North to the terminus of the Ozark Highlands Trail - North Section. The total distance is close to 105 miles with 16,500 feet of elevation gain. This course offers faster sections but more climbing and miles to cover.
Odd Year Course - This covers the 35m course and then proceeds West to the beginning of the Ozark Highlands Trail - North Section. The total distance is close to 99 miles with 15,000 feet of gain. This course is more technical and relentless by comparison to the even year route.
Venue
Blanchard Spring Recreation Area
This venue is located in Fifty Six Arkansas, within the Sylamore Ranger District of the Ozark St. Francis National Forest.
Known as the Ozark Highlands, it is by definition a karst region, carved out by water over millions of years. The result is a remarkably stunning landscape described as broken.
The Start/Finish at Blanchard Springs alone is jaw dropping.
Camping
Onsite and covered by the race...
or
Numerous vacation rentals nearby.
Terrain
Highly maintained singletrack trails that are rugged, rocky, steep, and densely forested. There’s lots of water crossings. Depending on rain, creeks could be completely dry or waist deep. Safety will always be considered. In a single mile, runners may cross a creek, climb a mountain, traverse boulders, and flow through smooth trail.
Aid
Aid stations for this event can range from 5 to 13+ miles apart. It offers both relief and requires strategy by the runners as they are not spaced evenly apart.
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
We do not supply NSAIDS or other pain relievers.
All aid stations will have basic first aid.
Swag, Post Race, and Awards
Standard Syllamo Events Swag includes a race shirt, stickers, and some giveaways from sponsors. Every event offers hats and other items available for purchase.
All Syllamo Events offer a lively, family friendly atmosphere with food, music, and activities. Meals are provided for all runners and extra meals are available for family/friends.
Spirit of Syllamo awards are custom made and substantial.
35 mile finishers receive a laser engraved award.
100 mile finisher receive a large laser engraved award and belt buckle.
Both distances receive a finishers magnet.
Should you DNF, you earn a glittery DNF bumper sticker. No judgements if you aspire to earn one, but maybe some side eye.
Runners Packet
Our website offers a downloadable runners packet with tons of info for either race.
Event's current local time: 7:08 AM CT
