Southern Comfort -November 2005 Ozark splendor, gnarly terrain and icy waters greet Sylamore 50K-ers By Zoie Clift
For 12 years, trail runners have scurried to a remote corner of Arkansas' Ozark mountains every February like trophy trout chasing flies. The lure? A simple but powerful combination of thickly forested trails and a low-key race atmosphere-the Sylamore Trail 50K.
Held in and around the town of Allison, a blip of only 250 people in the north-central part of the state, the Sylamore course is like a secret fishing hole frequented by relatively few, but legendary in status. Says 33-year-old four-time Sylamore finisher Greg Eason, "Sylamore is held on one of the most beautiful trails in Arkansas, if not the whole South."
The region's name was given by early French and Spanish explorers who referred to the area as the land of the bows, or "aux arcs" in French, as a nod to the intricate and beautiful bows made by the area's Native Americans, the Osage and Cherokee tribes. The area was once lawless and remote and, nowadays, still basks in a mysterious aura.
From Allison, Sylamore runners tread the singletrack Sylamore Trail 15.5 miles out before turning and heading back on the same route. "For the most part, the trail is underutilized as it is kind of isolated," says Eason. "So this race is a fine excuse to explore and enjoy the trail." Along the way, the trail weaves around the sparkling clear waters of Sylamore Creek and the White River.
But the Sylamore is far from a leisurely cruise along sleepy creeks. Fern beds and lichen-covered limestone bluffs escort runners through a valley. Waterfalls cascade at points along the trail, such as at Slick Rock Hollow, and barns and old cellar holes mark where turn-of-the-century homesteads once stood.
One third of the way through the course, the trail funnels through a narrow rock fissure and suddenly emerges on a high narrow ledge overlooking the creek. Racers often lose time here savoring the view.
Bluffs and 2500 feet of elevation gain aside, water plays the leading role in the Sylamore. Says course record holder Dink Taylor, a veteran trail runner and owner of Fleet Feet Sports in Huntsville, Alabama, "There are times when you are so close to the creek that you can dip in your hand."
Two waist-high, 100-foot crossings of Sylamore Creek's frigid waters-in the very beginning and again near the end-also ensure that runners literally soak in the Sylamore experience.
These two spots have earned a dubious reputation amongst regulars, and have been described as either an "invigorating experience," or "catered to the whips and chains crowd," by racer Jim Stroup, a 57-year old machinist from St. Louis.
The water crossings explain why some Sylamore racers tote an extra pair of shoes during the race. "We see a lot of folks changing shoes after crossing the creek," says race director Randy Davidson. "But I don't recommend it as you will get your feet wet again in the next half mile."
Though relatively young, the Sylamore has quietly but quickly taken root in the trail-running community. In 2004, close to 300 runners took part. Taylor explains how certain events have stuck with him over the years, and the Sylamore is one of them. "It's still a secret and has a nice, laid-back feel."
Although the event might be grounded in a town so small it lacks a post office, there are still plenty of outlets for busy post-race revelry. Many runners often celebrate with a mixture of bonfire and barbecue at Jack's Fishing Resort, a local camping spot on the White River, where there's never a shortage of trail tales … or fish stories.
Sylamore Trail 50K Location: Allison, Arkansas Course Description: 15.5 miles of out-and-back single track along Sylamore Creek and the White River. Limestone bluffs and deceptively big climbs. 2500 feet of climbing. Two wide water crossings (brrrrr!). Race date: February 18, 2006 Info: www.runarkansas.com
