The Last Boyscout

  • Date Sat 12th September 2026
  • Time 6:40AM CDT
  • Location Goreville, Illinois
  • Price $81.90 - $87.25
  • Races 31 races

Event summary

Get ready for an exhilarating challenge at The Last Boyscout, a thrilling Last Man Standing Race taking place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the scenic Ferne Clyffe State Park in Goreville, Johnson. This unique event invites runners to test their endurance on a formidable 4.167-mile loop featuring the rugged Boyscout Trail, where participants will face approximately 600 feet of elevation gain each loop. With a cap of 75 runners, this event promises a spirited atmosphere as both seasoned veterans and newcomers strive to push their limits and conquer the course.

Starting at 6:40 AM, competitors will have one hour to complete each loop, and the race continues until only one runner remains, crowned as The Last Boyscout. As the sun sets, the Night Loop begins at 6:40 PM, adding an extra layer of excitement with headlamps and reflective vests required for safety. This event not only offers a chance to earn a coveted spot in running history but also provides participants with memorable shirts and memorabilia to commemorate their efforts. Whether you're aiming for personal glory or simply want to embrace the spirit of resilience, The Last Boyscout is a must-attend event for trail running enthusiasts in Southern

Organiser's Description

The Last Boyscout is a Last Man Standing Race that utilizes the Boyscout Trail at Ferne Clyffe State Park. [https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.ferneclyffe.html]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 [https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/FerneClyffe.aspx]. For more information about camping within the park click this link: Camping Info [https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Camp/Pages/FerneClyffe.aspx]

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 [http://rrr.olm.net/], Broken Boulder 10 Mile Trail Race [https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Goreville/BrokenBoulder10Mile], Fly With The Eagles [https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Carterville/FlywiththeEaglesHalfMarathon] half marathon, and many other races. For more information about the River to River Runners, click this link: River to River Runners [https://runsignup.com/rivertorive.net] ***Club members will receive $10 off the entry fee!!

Races

  • The Last Boyscout

    Incl. $6.90 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $81.90

  • 1st Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    CLOSED
  • 2nd Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    CLOSED
  • 3rd Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    CLOSED
  • 4th Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    CLOSED
  • 5th Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    CLOSED
  • 6th Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    CLOSED
  • 7th Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    CLOSED
  • 8th Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    CLOSED
  • 9th Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    CLOSED
  • 10th Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    CLOSED
  • 11th Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    CLOSED
  • 12th Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    CLOSED
  • 13th Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    CLOSED
  • 14th Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    CLOSED
  • 15th Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    CLOSED
  • 16th Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    CLOSED
  • 17th Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    CLOSED
  • 18th Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    CLOSED
  • 19th Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    CLOSED
  • 20th Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    CLOSED
  • 21st Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    CLOSED
  • 22nd Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    CLOSED
  • 23rd Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    CLOSED
  • 24th Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    CLOSED
  • 25th Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    CLOSED
  • 26th Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    OPENS 11 APR 26
  • 27th Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    OPENS 11 APR 26
  • 28th Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    OPENS 11 APR 26
  • 29th Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    OPENS 11 APR 26
  • 30th Yard

    Incl. $7.25 Fee

    Sat 12th September 2026 (6:40AM CDT)

    $87.25

    OPENS 11 APR 26

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Location

Ferne Clyffe Dam, Goreville, 62939, IL, United States

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Sep 12, 2026

$81.90 - $87.25