The Last Boyscout is a Last Man Standing Race that utilizes the Boyscout Trail at Ferne Clyffe State Park. The format of this type of race is simple and designed to reward the tough, not necessarily the fast. All participants will receive a shirt and memorabilia to remember their efforts! Registration is capped at 75 runners. Leaving us some room to add runners later who are truly going for the win!!!
In the 7 years we have had the event, we have reached 100 miles just one time. The course is tough. All you have to do is keep going. Just as return runners dig deep to best last years number, new runners set out to test their toughness. Each year is about resilience and continuing to push against a course that doesn't want you to succeed. While most runners meet or surpassed their goals, a few runners are not ready for the hills on the course. The 600 feet of climbing per loop will creep up on you.
Inspired by the original last person standing race, Big Backyard Ultra, this race follows the same rules. You can find those rules in the rules page.
At 6:40am the race will start. Runners will have 1 hour to complete a 4.167 mile loop. At 7:40am, runners must have finished the previous loop and be in the starting corral to start the next loop or they are eliminated. This will continue until only one runner finishes a loop. That person will be, The Last Boyscout.
THE COURSE: Runners will start the race on the Day Loop. This loop will consist of some single track trail, some jeep road trail, and finishes with a little over a mile on the road. The course is 100% runnable, with a few mildly technical spots and two good hills. With the Boyscout Trail being the steepest hill. If you are not accustomed to trails you will consider this trail to be very technical. The Day Loop has around 600 feet of elevation per loop. The Night Loop will start at 6:40pm and is an out and back course with a north turnaround and a south turnaround. Runners will be required to wear a head lamp and reflective vest during the night. The start/finish area is near the middle of this course. Runners will leave the start/finish area and go North up to the top of the Boyscout Trail, turn around and come back down. Run back towards the start area but stay on the road and run to the south turnaround. After the south turnaround runners will head back to the start/finish area. The night route is 75% paved road. Both courses have the potential for two creek crossing depending on the amount of rainfall. The start/finish area will be the only aid station on the course. It is a covered pavilion right next to the starting corral. The race will provide water, ice, food, and hot food later in the race in this area. Runners should be prepared to be self sufficient and not rely on the aid station. There are pit toilets in the start/finish area and the first 1/4 mile of each loop. Also porta toilets will be available.
THE VENUE: The Last Boyscout is located at the beautiful Ferne Clyffe State Park in the heart of Southern Illinois!! The Start/Finish area is located at the Hillside pavilion. The Park has electric campgrounds as well as primitive campgrounds. The park is located in between Interstate 57 and Interstate 24. Easy to travel to from surrounding states. For more information about the park click this link: Ferne Clyffe State Park. For more information about camping within the park click this link: Camping Info
River to River Runners Club: This race is a River to River Runners Club event. Dedicated to providing quality running events across the Southern Illinois region. Like the River to River Relay, Broken Boulder 10 Mile Trail Race, Fly With The Eagles half marathon, and many other races. For more information about the River to River Runners, click this link: River to River Runners ***Club members will receive $10 off the entry fee!!
