I liked the name Screaming Monkey in this running event. They used to have 100 miles, but this year 2024, they have a 50 mile, 50k, and 25k. I think they have shorter distances too.
When I registered online, I read the course description, I was like trails, okay, no Big deal, I've done trails before. That was basically famous last words, to be honest. These were single track trails with some parts of the course had a sudden steep drop on one side, so I had to balance myself to not fall over the edge. It was a challenge for sure. 85% of the course is windy single track trails. Sure it was beautiful and scenic, but single track trails that can leave you bewildered for days. You can also hear faint screaming monkeys nearby, since the course itself sits next to the Eddie D Jones Park in Keithville, Louisiana - a monkey sanctuary after they are retired from active animal testing. 3 ish laps for the 50 mile and 2 laps for the 50km race. I navigated 1 lap for the 25km or 15 miles but I took too long, so I settled for the half marathon (21k, 13.1 miles). There was a time limit of 14 hours for the entire event. I was disappointed but, in hindsight, it was probably better that I did, since I had a 50 mile race the next weekend and I wanted to be more or less fresh for that. Either way, I picked up my 1st round half marathon for Louisiana for my 50 state quest. Had I finished the 50km event, it would have been my 2nd round Louisiana marathon/ultra. Oh well, it is what it is. Next time, I get to travel back to Louisiana sometime. Not sure when though, but it would be great to return.
The overall experience here at the 2024 Screaming Monkey ultra distance endurance event was bittersweet, but knowing that I came here and accomplished something is good. Race morning came at 6:30am after arriving at the Eddie D Jones Park in Keithville, after being dropped off by an Uber. After picking up my packet and pinned my race bib to my person, I waited around for the start, not realizing that I didn't eat breakfast I purchased nor that I didn't fill up my cup with water before starting the race. The end result was me struggling for the first 5 miles before arriving at the first aid station. As I rehydrated myself there, I talked to the guy manning the aid station and he basically told me not to quit, since finishing a 10k wasn't the way to go. So, I kept going to at least finish the half marathon for my 50 states half marathon quest. There was a lot of ups and downs. More ups, inclines, flat areas than downs, but I covered one loop and it was good. Once I finished one lap, I looked at the time and knew I couldn't make the 2nd lap in time, so I bagged the 2nd loop. I assumed they will close timing after 14 hours and I would have not been able to secure the 50km credit to my name. It's okay. It was a tough course though and I told the race director that. He agreed. Not for the faint of heart by any means, unless you're a serious trail runner with experience with immediate level single track trails.
2024 Screaming Monkey ultra endurance event is staged at the Eddie D Jones Park in Keithville, Louisiana. As mentioned before, one lab is measured at 15.5 km or around 9 1/4 miles. Two laps makes 50 km and three laps plus a little more makes 50 miles. Registration can be done online at ultrasignup.com and a major credit card is generally required. Race morning parking is generally good, although, you would have to come here early enough to secure one of these parking before the gun goes off. For myself, though, I ended up taking an Uber to here. Thankfully, that I took the initiative of booking the Uber ahead of time so I can guarantee a ride to the start. There is definitely no public transportation options here. From Shreveport Louisiana to Keithsville is a good 20 ish minute drive. So best bet is to get a rental car if you're from out of state, or if your local Shreveporter, you will need to drive down. For the most part, though, it was an interesting way to see the northern part of Louisiana, especially when majority of the fun is generally in New Orleans. You can have fun here in Shreveport, running these ultras if you love Single track trails. You can consider coming to this race if you're looking to add Louisiana to your list of 50 states marathons / ultras, or try your first 50 mile race in single track trails, aka the hard way. Still the series is good and people are awesome. There is a few aid stations along the course but better to have a water ladder system on you to be sure.
5.0 stars for the overall experience, even though I did not make my goal of 50 km. It's a small race but a good one for Louisiana. I got what I came for even though it wasn't ideal.
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