The annual Screaming Monkey will kick off at Eddie D. Jones Park in Keithville, Louisiana this November. Eddie D. Jones is unofficially known as The Monkey Trails due to its proximity to a National Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Runners will hear the nearby primates during many sections of the trail as the …
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The annual Screaming Monkey will kick off at Eddie D. Jones Park in Keithville, Louisiana this November. Eddie D. Jones is unofficially known as The Monkey Trails due to its proximity to a National Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Runners will hear the nearby primates during many sections of the trail as the course encircles the sanctuary.
Monkey Trails is a Top 10 Mountain Bike destination in Louisiana and is large enough to support sizeable loops; runners will have the option of a 25K, 50K, or a 50 miler.
The course itself will feature miles and miles of undulating, technical single track, and select equestrian/utv trails. During the day you will also be serenaded by the bells from the Veterans Cemetery at the park entrance. The trail terrain varies from technical forest track to pine-straw-covered, rolling red-clay hills. There is even a ravine section that will make you wonder if you’re still in Louisiana. All 50 mile, 50K, and 25K participants will enjoy a quality 15.5-mile technical loop trail. Each loop has about 1050 feet of elevation gain and loss.
Course Details
The course itself is a 15.5 MILE LOOP; it’s about 75% single-track trails, 12% wide rolling hill equestrian trails, and less than 11% small gravel and 2% road. The soil is a moderately packed surface generously mixed with roots, rocks, and some water depending on the weather. This course has about 1100 ft. of elevation per 15.5 mile loop. It’s a up and down, in an out course with varied terrain. It’s tough but fair! This course is a beast but at the same time, it’s FUN! If you are up for a challenge and you want a good race at a good venue at a great price….surrounded by great people then this is the event you want to attend.
The cut for the 25k and 50k is the same as the 50 mile cut….you have plenty of time. Pacers are on a by permission basis and require RD consent. Drop bags are allowed and they will be at the aid station you pass at mile 9, and mile 14.
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I come back every year…
I mean the Screaming Monkey community is pretty awesome. I’ve done it about 4-5 times and can’t wait every year. The course is difficult, but to me, focusing on not … MORE
I mean the Screaming Monkey community is pretty awesome. I’ve done it about 4-5 times and can’t wait every year. The course is difficult, but to me, focusing on not tripping & falling from tree roots, will completely rejuvenate and decompress your mind. It’s just you, the woods, the screaming chimps, and the awesome trail community.
Great Race!
The course was very well marked, support was good, staff and volunteers were great. It's an especially good race for a support crew since you loop back to the same … MORE
The course was very well marked, support was good, staff and volunteers were great. It’s an especially good race for a support crew since you loop back to the same spot. Highly recommend this race, any distance, to trail runners in the area.
Difficult Trail Race, great weather
Very nice area outside of Shreveport, LA. Kind of disappointed to find out we couldn't run through the prison, but i understand safety first. Morning started at about 58 degrees, … MORE
Very nice area outside of Shreveport, LA. Kind of disappointed to find out we couldn’t run through the prison, but i understand safety first. Morning started at about 58 degrees, I ran the 50K (two loops), very good turnout. First lap everyone was fairly together for the first 2-3 miles, then the thinning of the herd started. The elevation changes on this trail, the roots, and switchbacks all made this a pretty serious trail run. I managed to do the first loop in a little over 3hrs, but after the barbeque lunch (which was very good) and a diet coke, I realized my pacing was off. The second loop was a slog for me, even though the weather was almost perfect (just a little warm, 74-75) during the early afternoon. Ended up doing a quick walk for the second loop for fear of twisting an ankle, heard about others that broke toes. Finished slightly before dark. I would imagine that the trail becomes very hairy if it were to rain either before the race or during.
First trail race
For this being the inaugural race I have to say it was put on by experts it seems. They had every thing down and the whole process was easy. The … MORE
For this being the inaugural race I have to say it was put on by experts it seems. They had every thing down and the whole process was easy. The course was hard or at least for me I would say it was. This was my first trail race. Towards the end their was a lot of confusion on if people took a wrong turn but that doesn’t knock the overall quality of the race.