EVENT OVERVIEW
Join us this spring at Devils Den State Park, an Arkansas icon nestled in the Lee Creek Valley, for the Styx & Stones Trail Races. Each of the three race distances will explore the beautiful new Monument Trail system, Devils Den’s unique rock formations and rock gardens, and given the time of year…you may experience running under a seasonal waterfall! The longer the distance, the greater the rewards including creek crossings, big climbs, and more remote technical running.
BACKGROUND
From its inception with Mark Den Herder as RD, Styx & Stones has been about celebrating the trail community and giving back; donating 100% of any race proceeds to support the West Fork XC team. In 2022 and beyond, we will continue to honor and expand that tradition. With the help of our sponsors, our goal is that 100% of ALL race entries are donated to support local XC teams, Friends of Devils Den, and The Spark Foundation that does tremendous work in NW Arkansas providing increased access to health & fitness education and opportunities to school age children.
REGISTRATION (prices do not include tax & registration fees)
*No refunds if you cannot make it for any reason and no bib transfers – 100% of race proceeds are donated, so consider it good trail karma. If you are caught running under another runner’s name, you will never be able to run Styx again.
Registration: Online via UltraSignup, registration closes Friday, April 15th at midnight. If you would like to make an additional donation beyond your registration, please look for that option when signing up.
RACE DATE & SCHEDULE
50k:
Check-in (at CCC Pavilion): 6:30AM
Race Start: 7:00AM
Cut-Off: 4PM (9 Hours)
25k:
Check-in (at CCC Pavilion): 7:30AM
Race Start: 8:00AM
Cut-Off: 2PM (6 Hours)
10k:
Check-in (at CCC Pavilion): 9:30AM
Race Start: 10:00AM
Cut-Off: 2PM (4 Hours)
RACE PERKS!
- Guaranteed Styx & Stones super soft cotton shirt if registered before April 1st
- Styx & Stones Sticker
- Chip timed race results
- Well stocked aid stations
- Complementary Food (TBD) & Beer at the finish (will begin around 11am)
- Podium awards for Overall male and female at each distance
PACKET PICK UP
Friday April 22, 5-8pm Fossil Cove Brewing in Fayetteville, Arkansas
Race morning 600-930am CCC Pavilion & Fireplace at Devil’s Den State Park
RACE DAY INFORMATION
Parking
- PLEASE consider carpooling; parking is going to be tight with over 160 runners and volunteers coming to the park which is shared with mountain bikers, hikers, and families who I’m sure will be coming to enjoy the park.
Arrive early and give yourself plenty of time to find parking and perhaps walk a bit to the starting area.
Please be respectful of the park and only park in designated areas. The park has been incredible partners and we want to be invited back next year!
Post-Race Food & Drink (around 11:30am)
We will be serving Jersey Mike’s subs to all runners and volunteers’ post-race (we’ll have some vegan options) along with a cold beer donated by Fossil Cove Brewing Company (please only take one). If you want more than one beer, please bring your own so we have enough for everyone.
Warm Weather Warning!
Weather will range from 70 degrees at the start of the 50k to reach over 80 degrees by midday. We have seen huge swings the past several weeks and many of us are not appropriately acclimated to this weather yet. So, be careful, be prepared, slow down if needed, drink plenty of water and remember to stay on top of your electrolytes and calories. Read that again please.
Safety Requirements
15min prior to the start of your race you must check-in, so we know whose out there. Be prepared to announce your number when you approach an aid station so that we can keep track of you; someone will be there taking down numbers. If you plan to drop from the race, make sure someone at the aid station knows you are dropping AND make sure you come to the start/finish area and let us know so that we can mark you as finished and safe. We do not want to be searching for runners on the course late into the night only to find out you left for home. *There’s NO cell service at the park, be prepared for that!!
Be Kind Rule
DO NOT litter. Carry out what you carry in or you’ll never be welcomed back (period). Help your fellow runners if needed; this is a trail race and there’s no prize money. Behave respectfully and carry yourself with grace; everyone involved with this race is a volunteer, it’s a not-for-profit race put on at a very affordable price.
TRAIL RUNNING & TRASH
Please respect the trails and the beauty of Devils Den State Park by disposing of any trash at one of our aid stations. DO NOT throw trash on the ground; any runner caught littering will be disqualified and prevented from all future races. If you see trash on the trail, sacrifice a few seconds of your race and pick it up. If you’re strong enough to run 10k-50k, you can carry a gel packet or candy wrapper a few miles to the next aid station!
CUPLESS RACE
In an effort to reduce the footprint of races and preserve the trails we love; Styx & Stones will be a cupless event. ALL runners of all distances will be responsible for carrying their own container to refill along the way. So, bring a collapsible cup if you want a sugary drink at the aid station and bring a hydration vest or water bottles and we’ll refill them for you at the aid stations along the way. Thank you for being great trail stewards!
VOLUNTEERS
This event would not be possible without the help of our amazing volunteers. Volunteer shifts range from just a couple hours in the morning to an all day aid station or something at the finish area. If you are new to volunteering, check out the job descriptions below to find the volunteer role that works for you! We promise you will have fun! If you’re interested in volunteering, here are our needs and how we plan to thank you:
Packet pickup (2ppl Fossil Cove, 2ppl Pavilion night before, 3ppl Race Day morning)
Course marking day before 2-3ppl
Course cleanup / sweepers on race day 2-3ppl
Help with food and drink service on race day 2ppl, post-race cleanup 2-3ppl
*each volunteer will receive ALL THE PERKS runners receive and a discounted entry into 2023 Styx & Stones races.
LODGING OPTIONS
Devil’s Den includes 17 cabins with kitchens and fireplaces and 6 camper cabins. The Park also offers 135 campsites (44 Class AAA, 24 Class D [no hookups], eight hike-in [tent only], and 42 sites with hookups in the horse camp that includes a bathhouse. Reserve here (we recommend that you book EARLY).
If coming in the night before and camping is not your thing, consider patronizing local lodgings in West Fork, AR via AirBnB or VRBO or spending a night in Fayetteville, AR which has plenty of great food and lodging options only 40min away.