2025 - Another amazing year thanks to you guys!!

In the months and days leading up to Loup Garou, we do everything we can to set the stage for you guys to do great things, and you never disappoint us.  It is our job to put everything in place and be prepared for all possible scenarios, and by our doing this, we are fortunate to have front row seats to view your achievements firsthand.

We get to witness your triumphs as well as your lessons learned, and both are inspiring to us.  You guys put so much work into your training, and we are honored to be a part of your big day(s).  

Many of you thank us for putting on the race, which we love, but we want to say THANK YOU for trusting us with this huge life experience of yours.  We feel very blessed to be a small part of your life.

There are always cool parts of the race, but the finish line stories keep growing.  We have seen tears - so many tears - laughter, hugs ... you name it!  We have even been a part of a beautiful tribute where ashes of a trail runner who was lost to brain cancer were spread when his wife finished her 100 miler.  What a tremendous honor!  This year was no different as we watch one of our runners propose to his girlfriend, who had crewed him for the entire 100 miles, at the finish line.  It was not your traditional proposal, because honestly, I doubt he could have knelt at that point, but it was absolutely beautiful.  

So many incredible memories from this race, and now Loup Garou will be a part of the story that is told to their grandchildren one day.  Amazing.

We also watched one of our finishers drink his post-race beer out of his trail shoe - just thinking of it still makes me gag a bit.  We were also able to celebrate Mike Smith earn his 245th 100-mile finish and log 900 miles at Loup Garou.  I don't know if a jacket is enough for his 1,000-mile award next year.

I went from running alongside Mike at races to handing him buckles. He is a high-quality individual, and I strongly recommend you visit with him at the race next year if you have the chance.

These were the big, obvious moments, but the entire race was filled with quiet moments that are equally moving and life changing.  So many lessons were learned, and so many friends were made. What a wonderful way to spend the weekend.

This is what it is about - my amazing volunteers supporting you guys from before the race starts to after it ends and you just need a little help getting out of your chair. 

I will be opening up 2026 registration shortly. The official date is December 5th, so mark your calendar and get your training plan set!  All of our crew is excited to go out strong with the best event yet.  It will be bittersweet, and there will be tears - especially from me, but they will be tears of joy for the incredible people this race has brought into our lives and the lasting memories that have been made.  

Loup Garou will forever hold such a huge part of our hearts because of you guys, and I can't wait to celebrate with all of you next year!  

Until then, Happy Running! 

Edie

2025 Aid Station Distances Back to Normal

AID STATIONS ARE BACK TO NORMAL!  Special thanks to the AMAZING staff at Chicot State Park for working with us to give you guys the best possible experience! Click the Race Doc tab at the top of the page for all the info you need (and some you don't).

Get the most out of Loup Garou

 As most of you guys know, besides directing Loup Garou, I am also a full time non-profit Executive Director.  My days are busy, but when I started this race in 2017, I knew I wanted to make space in my life for trail race directing - for providing a safe place for people to chase their dreams while falling in love with our home trail at Chicot State Park.  While the little bit of money I make from the races is a nice bonus, much of what comes in goes directly back into the race - the aid stations, finish line food, awards, etc.

I probably could have poured myself into full time race directing and made a living off of it, but while I don't begrudge others who do, it was never about that for me.  I just wanted to give people an opportunity to learn life changing lessons and create life long memories.

200 and 500 Mile Club

One example of that is our 200 and 500 mile clubs.  Check the tab at the top of the website home page for more info on these.  These were created purely to reward folks who are loyal to this race, and come out year after year and bring their families to make it the best possible race environment. There is no extra charge to win these awards - my reward is seeing smiling faces wearing their 200 and 500 mile jackets, and you guys having an excuse to tell people about the incredible things you have done.  

That being said, I need to order the awards soon. I try to have those ready for the finish line with the jackets being custom ordered after the event and mailed to your home.

If you qualify for either of these awards, it is your responsibility to let me know!  There are lots of you and one of me - I can't keep up with who has run what each year, so just let me know by email at Edie.Couvillon@gmail.com and I will add you to the list. 

2026 Loup Garou Showdown

While looking ahead to 2026 - the 10th and final year for Loup Garou - I knew I wanted to do something special.  I have many ideas of how every runner will feel the difference in 2026 - upgraded "10th Year" runner shirts and swag, newly designed medals and buckles adding in the "10th year", as well as other surprises, but I also wanted to add to the excitement of the race by bringing back all of the speedy folks, hence the 2026 Loup Garou Showdown.

When the registration for the 2026 race opens up, anyone who won first place male or female in any distance is eligible for a FREE entry into the distance they won in 2026. It would be fun to see some of these folks duke it out to be named overall LG Champion for each distance.

I'd say check the spreadsheet to see if you qualified, but I would hope you would know if you WON 1st place male or female in a race.  But, if it makes you feel better to see your name on the list (it would for me), here is the link: 2026 Loup Garou Showdown .  Reach out to me when the 2026 registration opens in the second week of December, and I will send you a code to register. 

Thanks again for making all of the hard work that my volunteers and I go through worth it. You guys never disappoint us, and I can speak for all of my peeps that we can't wait to see you in December!!

Happy Running!

Edie

2024 - What an amazing (but tough) year!!

 

Parker Harris (15) the final finisher of the 2024 Loup Garou 100 miler.

As usual, we are blown away and humbled by you guys!  Thank you for joining us for the weekend to run the 8th Annual Loup Garou Trail Run.  It was a tough year, but a great one.  So many amazing milestones were reached, from Mrs. Yvonne being our "Most Seasoned" finisher of the 20 miler at 78 years young, to TWO 15 year old 100 mile finishers, to Mike Smith(67) finishing his 229th 100 miler with us (and his 8th Loup Garou 100 miler).  

It is easy to get wrapped up with all of these accomplishments, but in no way do these overshadow the personal achievements of our other runners.  We had so many first timers attempting a new distance this year, and that is where the real courage is found - whether you finished or not, just reaching the start line of a race like this takes incredible bravery.  Thank you for trusting us enough to attempt to reach new goals here! 

The week leading up to Loup Garou was a wet one in Ville Platte, but we were hopeful that the trail would dry out. By Friday, when our expert trail marker, Aaron Artigue, did the loop, he felt like the trail was in pretty good shape.  Saturday morning brought a light drizzle that carried on throughout the day, making the trail good for the 20 milers but growing sloppier as the day went on for the ultra distances.  Combine the light rain with cold temps, and it made for an extra challenging overnight run.

Drop rates were the highest this year for the 100 miler since the covid years where the course was an out and back totaling 106 very hilly miles.  Everyone was feeling it by the end.  The added challenge of wet feet, sticky mud and cold temps caused over 1/2 of our 100 mile runners to decide that discretion is, in fact, the better part of valor, and end their races early.  For those who stuck with it, it meant slower finish times and extended discomfort.

In the end, regardless of distance run, the race was what I would consider a resounding success. What are the metrics that I use to declare an event a success?  Our overall registration numbers were a little down this year - isn't that disappointing?  No.  The people who showed up are the ones who were supposed to spend the weekend with us.  There were so many hugs and smiles this weekend, it really did feel like we were at a family reunion (but with family you want to visit with).  Yes, cool stuff happened on the trail, but cool stuff happened at the start/finish area as well.  Friends were made, phone numbers were exchanged, and REAL connections happened! 

Were there disappointing parts?  Yep.  Someone felt the need to steal candles out of two of the three porta potties at the start/finish. Really not a big deal, but those are put there for runner comfort to mask that late-in-the-race porta potty aroma.  Also, this year we had a higher than average number of litter bugs among our runners. That is the most disappointing part.  Some litter is accidental, of course, but the volume of it this year - cups, nutrition wrappers, etc., was really disappointing.  When we invite runners to share our home trail, we are inviting you onto hallowed ground. This is what many of us consider our sacred place, and to see it disrespected is pretty sad.  Thankfully, we have amazing runners who love our trail too, so they ran behind the litterbugs and picked up their trash.  How sad that that is necessary.

All in all though, 2024 went into the books as another amazing event because of YOU!!! Thank you for coming and thank you once again for trusting us with this major event in your life.  We know how important it is to you and believe me when I say that it is just as important to us! 

2025 registration is OPEN!  Hard to believe there are only two more Loup Garou's left, with 2026 being the final year, but we are all more committed than ever to make these next two years the best yet! See you on December 6th, 2025.  https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=122275 

Happy Running!

Edie

8th Year of Loup Garou is quickly approaching!

The way time is passing now, we will blink and it will be December 7th and you guys will be lining up to start the 8th year of the Loup Garou Trail Run.  It is always fun for me to watch so many people push their boundaries and attempt to finish a new distance or try for a new personal record.  There aren't many times in your adult life where you have permission to put your needs first and concentrate on yourself for a while.  Trail races give you that, and I think that is a huge blessing.  

When I first started participating in trail and ultra distance races, my kids were still little so most of my life was centered around them - where they needed to be and at what time, what had they eaten that day and generally, were all of their needs met.  My needs came last, which is the way parenthood should be, but when I discovered trail and ultra running, it was nice to escape that for a bit - even if just for an hour - and clear my head of everything except whether I needed to eat something or drink more. 

There is so much growth in long, solitary endeavors. When you are surrounded with people in your day to day life, having some time to listen to your own thoughts and form your own ideas and opinions is so freeing.

I am hoping you guys all have the opportunity to discover something about yourself at Loup Garou this year and you all leave a little more complete because of it.  

See you all at Chicot! 

Edie, RD

The spirit of trail running and my two cents

 Things are changing in trail running.  What used to be a crusty, niche sport is growing and shinier, larger races are being offered.  More people are learning about running trails and venturing into the woods for their races, and there is something to fit everyone now.  If you are a fan of running through crowds of cheering people and having your name announced on a speaker at the finish, or if you like a quiet finish with just a few friends and family clapping and celebrating your achievement, there are races to fit each scenario. 

I have always believed, and still do, that anything that attracts new people to our sport is good.  If you are coming from road races where you are accustomed to big crowds, a larger race may be in your comfort zone.  If you are trying to get away from that type of race, there are options out there for you as well.  I think that it is all good for our sport. 

But, one thing that does bother me to a degree is how expensive some trail races are becoming.  I don't like the idea of trail running becoming an exclusive sport only for those who can afford it.  I get it - you put out a product and set the price and if people are willing to pay it, then so be it.  The problem that I am seeing is that many times the cost itself makes the event more desirable - not the value of the event.  I am guilty at times of buying a more expensive version of the product assuming that along with the higher price comes better quality, and many times that is wrong.

Yes, race directors need to make a living too, but I think it can be done without scalping people.  Do your research on an event before you sign up to be sure your expectations match with the reality of the race.  Some race directors do what they do for a love of the sport, others are just greedy.  It's up to you to decide who is who. 

So, that was my two cents.  And here is what you can expect for the next three years of Loup Garou (if you haven't heard about the race coming to an end in 2026, read the earlier post) - there will be no price increases.  I will also continue to bring in quality merchandise for you to purchase to celebrate your race at a reasonable price. 

I want Loup Garou to be something you can bring your friends and family to, and where you can feel like a part of a trail running community.  That is what made me fall in love with the sport, and I want you to have the same experience.  Here's what I mean:

So many smiles! 

Our ace cooking team making the most of the weekend! 

Family and friends doing hard things together.

Enjoying a post race beer and waiting for a friend to finish.

Find a race that looks fun!  Find one that lights you on fire and makes your training exciting (as much as it can be). Find one that is hard enough to challenge you so that you can fully experience the joy of the finish line.  There is every kind of race out there - find the right fit for you and do big things. This is the BEST sport with the BEST people, and you are one of them. :-) 

Happy Running! 

Edie

Registration is open and a big announcement for Loup Garou!

 

This year's Loup Garou race is going down as the Year of the Smiling Runner.  There were so many happy faces and happy tears at the finish line this year, and we love it!  Each of our runners came to challenge themselves and spend some quality time out on the trail, and each one walked away with something they didn't have before the race - and no, I am not talking about chafing or black toenails - I mean insight. And hopefully a sense of pride in what they were able to accomplish whether they crossed the finish line or not.

The last 7 years of hosting Loup Garou has been a tremendous blessing for myself and our race crew.  We have been a part of many life changing moments, and we are honored to have been a part of every one of them.  And we are tired.  Putting on this race is seriously hard work, and the older we get (race director and volunteers), the harder it gets.  We have decided to continue the race until it's 10th year (2026), then call it a day.  

I feel like it is important to end the race on a high note, and leave people with good memories from it.  We have worked very hard to build our Loup Garou community, and we make every effort to make our race special - from the runner swag and merchandise to the gumbo and aid stations... we want all of our runners to know that if they do the work in training, we will take care of them during the race so that they have the best opportunity to reach their goal. 

This race is special to all of us, and I want to preserve the positive vibe and good memories from the event.  

So, if this is a bucket list item for you, you may want to get to training!  2026 will be here before you know it!  

Registration for 2024 is open in Ultrasignup, and we can't wait to see our running family again next December! 

https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=111472

Happy Running, 

Edie

Registration is OPEN and back on UltraSignup!

 We CAN.NOT.WAIT. to see you guys again in December!  Registration is open:

https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=104917

Potential 200 & 500 Mile Jackets

REMINDER:  I have moved the Loup Garou registration over to UR Ultra - a site that donates a portion of the proceeds to veterans charities.  The link for 2023 is here:  https://urultra.com/races/loup-garou-trail-run/

Just out of curiosity, I decided to compile all of the results from 2017 - 2022 to see who may be creeping up on a 200 or 500 mile jacket, and WOW the list is growing!  Many races have 500 mile jackets when you cover 500 miles at their race. I have one from Rocky Raccoon and it is my favorite jacket (4 - 100 milers and 2 - 50 milers).

When I started Loup Garou, I knew I wanted to do a 500 mile jacket for this reason, but I wanted to offer something to reward people who are loyal to the race but just don't want to run a 100 miler, so I came up with the 200 mile jacket milestone as well.   (Details on the qualifications here:  http://www.loupgaroutrailrun.com/p/200-500-mile-clubs.html)

Mike Smith was the first to earn a 500 mile jacket in 2021, and now has 600 miles on this trail.  I guess I have to come up with something for 1,000 miles as well now.  What a cool problem to have! 

We also have a couple of great guys who will be earning a 500 mile jacket with their next 100 mile finish:

Gerardo Ramirez and Rene Villalobos

I love these guys and can't wait to hand them their jackets!!  BUT, we also have a healthy list of people sneaking up on their 200 mile jackets.  If you read the requirements, you know that for this jacket, you can not have run a 100 miler, but any combination of shorter distances.  If you do the 20 miler for 10 years, you will get your 200 mile jacket!    Here's that list and the remaining miles to cover until they qualify for a jacket:

Myphuong Lam has 180 miles run, and only needs 20 miles!

Christopher Ange, Gwen Zywicke, Jerry Bueno and Sonia Burdett all have 160 miles run, and only need 40 more miles to get to their jacket.  Whether they knock it out in one try or split it over 2 - 20 milers is up to them. 

Sarah LeBlanc, Gennipher Ricks and Jonathan McCall each have 140 miles and only need 60 to get their jackets.  

Mary Skinner has 240 miles (4 - 60 milers) and slipped under the radar for her jacket!  She will be getting hers soon.

This is such a great testament to the loyalty that our runners show to this race, and it is an honor to offer this extra incentive to keep you all running and coming back every year!  We are so happy that you continue to choose Loup Garou and we are always working to make the race an even better experience than last year.

IF YOU ARE ONE OF THE PEOPLE MENTIONED ABOVE, and you plan on trying for your jacket in 2023, give me a heads up by email at Edie.Couvillon@gmail.com, so I can have them ordered in time.  Otherwise I will have to mail it to you after, but I would much rather hand it to you myself. ;-) 

REMINDER:  I have moved the Loup Garou registration over to UR Ultra - a site that donates a portion of the proceeds to veterans charities.  The link for 2023 is here:  https://urultra.com/races/loup-garou-trail-run/

"The Hot Year"

 

It was a HOT one, but it was an incredible year nonetheless!  What an amazing weekend to spend in the woods with my trail running family.  Thank you to all who came out to race and stayed to visit after.  So many people came for the beautiful trail and great support and stayed for the camaraderie, beer, gumbo and vegan chili after, it made my heart full.  Trail running is about racing and pushing yourself, but it is just as much about community and making new friends.  I love that we can provide a venue for both to happen.

The results from 2022 are up (see results page), and we are close to opening 2023. SAVE THE DATE!  December 2, 2023 will be the 7th installment of the Loup Garou Trail run and we are already excited to see all of you again.  

We are moving registration over to UR Ultra this year, away from Ultrasignup.  UR Ultra is a registration company owned by veterans who give a portion of their fees to veterans charities.  As a big fan of veterans (my dad was active duty in WWII, and my husband was active duty in the Gulf War), this is a win-win.  The registration will be open shortly, and the updated link will be on the Registration tab of this website.

If you are considering staying in the park, now would be a good time to reserve your cabin or camp spot.  When looking on the park map on the reservation site (https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/chicot-state-park), if you look at PV001, that is where the start/finish will be.  The south landing is the closest area for camping to the start/finish and there are "glamping" tents just a few minutes from the start as well. 

If you are on Facebook, like the Loup Garou page for updates, and consider joining the Loup Garoup (Thanks to Paul Hand for naming the group - still laughing at that!).

https://www.facebook.com/loupgaroutrailrun/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/221117288773059

For specific race questions, see the Race Doc tab. If you read through the race doc and there is still a question, feel free to email me at Edie.Couvillon@gmail.com.

Thank you and I can't wait to give all of you medals and hugs one day! 

Edie C Aymond, RD and proud "trail mom" to all of you! 

Something to look forward to....

 As the summer training miles add up, I thought I'd post a reminder of what you are working towards.  Chicot is such a beautiful park, and we are so happy that the full loop is once again open, giving you ALL of the incredible views!  Here is a short video filmed the first year of the race to distract you from your daily grind.  

Man, I love this sport!

 What a great (if incredibly hot) year at Loup Garou!  The course was in perfect shape, the aid stations were on point (as usual), and the runners who came out, came to spend a day in nature and enjoy the great company- and they did.  As usual, on a difficult year, the drop rate was higher than usual, but all runners made the right choice for them and returned home safely. 

We had some great accomplishments from a 3:18 loop by a 14 (almost 15 year old), Oliver Garber, to hard earned finishes in the 100 by folks with an axe to grind from a previous year.  So much good stuff happening! 

20 milers heading to the trail! 

So the registration for 2022 is open!  The date is set for Saturday, December 3rd.  We are hoping (and assuming) that the trail will be fully open by then, but there are no guarantees in life. There is a slim chance that it will be another out and back year.  I also hoped that the original lockdown period would work, yet here we are.  For those of you who are unaware, a portion of the 20 mile loop is closed due to its proximity to a Covid quarantine camp.  Once the virus wanes, they will reopen the trail and close the quarantine camp.  Please don't message me asking when I think that will be. You can predict this virus as well as I can.  

That being said, when you register, understand that the trail can be either version this year - full 20 mile loop or out and back. There will be NO deferrals because you don't like the trail set up (or didn't train).  This is a small race, and I put most of the proceeds back into the race to give you all a great experience.  I can not afford to carry over entries any longer.

The people that came out this year were amazing, and helped me to remember why we work so hard to put on this race.  Here are a few more pictures. Once I have all of the pics from the trail I'll post the link.

It's fun to run, but man, it feels good to finish. Especially when you get first place! 

Finish line hugs from friends are the best.

Our mascot - the Loup Garou was in her full glory.

Mud N Guts aid station. All of our volunteers are experienced ultra runners. They did a great job keeping people moving, or helping them make the right decision to drop when it was time.  Love my volunteers.

When it is scorching hot during the day and gets pretty chilly at night - you adapt with a little trail fashion.

You can click HERE to register.

Until then, see you at Red Dirt! 

Happy Running! 

Edie

Last course update before the race!!

 Man, I can not believe that we are 2 weeks out from the race!  Louisiana is finally deciding to join the rest of the country in winter weather, so there's hope for a nice cool run. Current long range forecasts (which are completely useless) are predicting a low in the mid 40's and a high in the mid 60's.  Perfect.  I know our northern friends never believe us until it is too late, but with the high humidity here, you will really feel the cold.  Bring extra layers.

Here is the layout of the course for you guys - main point being, be prepared to carry enough liquids / nutrition for an 8 mile stretch.  It's not ideal, but when I floated the idea to my buddies about resurrecting the temporary Cajun Aid station at mile marker 12, I had to move quick to avoid sharp flying objects.  Evidently boating in tables, tents, food and hundreds of pounds of water, then carrying all of that up hill for over a quarter of a mile to reach the spot was not something they were planning to do again.  And really, it is just 8 miles.  You guys will be fine.

One of the bridges you will run across. The water probably won't be this high though.

FOR THE 20, 40, AND 60 MILER

**These distances are approximate.  We are going off of mile marker signs at the park, which are constantly being moved.  The GPS measurement for this course was 21 miles last year.

So, the out and back course measures 21 miles from the Start/Finish to the Mud n Guts aid station at mile 8, then back to the Start/Finish.  When you leave the start, 4 miles later you will have the Sloths aid station (you'll recognize them - they are very rowdy, and VERY Cajun).  Once you leave the Sloths, you will have an 8 mile stretch until you hit the Mud n Guts aid station (and the Porta potties).  This is where you will be turned around and head back 8 miles to the Sloths, then 4 miles to the start/finish area.  

Repeat as necessary for your distance. Yes, the 60 miler will be 63 miles.  You get extra gumbo and beer when you finish.

FOR THE 100 MILER

This year we will have a sign at the 12 mile mark (site of last years Cajun Aid station), with a unique hole punch.  ON THE FIRST LAP, use  said punch to mark your bib, turn around and head back to the Sloths, then to the start/finish.  

Here's what your race will look like:

First lap - head to Sloths (4 miles in), then to sign at the mile 12 marker with the hole punch.  Punch your bib to prove you didn't cheat, head back to Sloths. This will still be an 8 mile stretch for you guys since you go out 4 miles from the Sloths to the sign then head back to the Sloths, then the start/finish. This first lap will be 16 miles.

Next four laps, do the full course - s/f - Sloths - MnG - Sloths, s/f for 21 miles each.  This will give you a total of just over 100 miles total.  

I'll go over the details again race morning, but it is pretty straightforward.  100 milers punch your bib at the mile 12 marker (8 miles into the first lap), then head back the s/f.  Every other lap is the full trip to Mud n Guts and back.

Feel free to message with questions, or just ask me when you get there.  See you guys in two weeks!  

Happy Running! 

Edie

A small part of the Loup Garou family! 

See you on Dec 4th!

 We are so excited to see you guys in less than a month!  Jambalaya, vegan goodness, and cold beer are all lined up. and we are ready to take care of you guys!  

No more rollovers, since now I have ordered shirts, medals, buckles, paid insurance, venue, etc.  Thanks to the ones who understand! Course details posted tomorrow.

Happy running!  Edie

2021 Loup Garou Course Info

 Well, we finally got word from the state about the trail conditions for Loup Garou, annnndddd.... it's another out and back year. Yeah, I'm not happy about it either, but we are fortunate that they are letting us have the race at all. Since the first big surge in Covid the Louisiana state government has been using state parks to house covid patients who either can't go home (no one to take care of them), or live in an assisted living facility and they want to isolate them from that population. Chicot State Park is the last park being used for this purpose, with the others having been opened back up as the Covid numbers go down. Because some of the areas where the patients are being housed are near the trail, portions of the 20 mile loop are closed temporarily, forcing this to be turned into an extended out and back.

But you will still get to see views like this!! 

The park really loves this event, and they have always been super supportive, and, like me, they don't want this event to go away, so they are opening as much as the trail as possible.

I know this will affect numbers, and that I will probably lose money on this race. I have been in a deficit with the races since Covid, but have supplemented them from my personal income to keep them going because I know that Loup Garou and Red Dirt are run on the two most beautiful and diverse trails in Louisiana, and the community that the races are building deserves it.

The race will be 10 mile out and backs, so 20 mile legs. (Yes, just 100 miles for the 100 miler this year - lol) For those of you who are signed up and choose not to do it this year, I will roll your registration over til next year. For those of you who choose to come out to help keep this race alive and enjoy this beautiful trail and the fantastic volunteers who dedicate their weekends to helping you reach your goal, thank you and welcome! We will have the same great food, same high level of support, and beer. Maybe extra beer this year.

You can expect the same Cajun hospitality! 

I am being assured that this is not permanent, and the trail may be fully open by early next year, but they are hesitant until they are confident the Covid numbers will continue to drop. It is just crappy luck on our part.

So, if you are looking for a rollover, email me at PaixRunning@gmail.com.

I suspect this will be one of the best parties Loup Garou has seen to date. Looking forward to seeing you all out there and happy running!

Edie

Latest Course Info

 As of now, a portion of the trail at Chicot State Park is still closed.  The state was using the North campground to house Covid patients during the first surge of the pandemic.  The latest word from the state is that they will know by September if they are keeping it closed or reopening the entire trail.  We are currently planning for either possibility with the race - either repeating the out and back scenario from last year (shaving a few miles off of the 100 miler so it won't be quite as long), or, best case scenario, we will have the whole loop and go back to the way the race is meant to be run.

Thank you to everyone for your patience with this. It has been very frustrating on our part, but it is completely out of our control.  As always, you will be well taken care of but some of the best volunteers out there, and you will be well fed when you finish.  Here's hoping we get to go back to our full loop course!  I will keep you updated as I learn more.

Edie

Race week email!

 Here is the email that went out today to all runners with last minute details.  See you all this weekend! 

Happy December!  

Crazy that this year is almost over, but the even better news is that we get to spend this weekend together in a beautiful place! 

Here are the last minute details, including a much simpler route now that we have the distance nailed down.  Also below are crew instructions, and other important info, and it will make all of our lives easier if you take the time to read this all the way through.

COURSE: We suspected the backside of the loop (where you will be running) held some of the shorter "miles", and we were correct.  The distance from the pavillion all the way to the Mud N Guts turnaround just before the mile 8 marker is approx 10 miles.  We used 4 different devices to measure, and of course they were all different, but the average reading for the distance is slightly over 10 miles.  So there will be no intermediate turn arounds on the trail.  EVERY distance will run the whole segment to the Mud N Guts aid station, where your drop bags will be waiting for you as well as a fully stocked aid station.  You will hit an aid station every 3 - 4 miles on the trail, and each aid station will have warm food and vegan options, especially for the ultra distances during the later hours. 

20 milers - 1 out and back; 40 milers - 2, etc.  Each lap, you have to come back to the start/finish aid station to check in.

DROP BAGS
As mentioned, Drop Bags will be at the halfway turnaround point(East Landing Trailhead).   Bring your drop bags to packet pickup on Friday evening, or to the pre race packet pickup on Saturday.  Bib numbers are assigned on Ultrasignup, so be sure to write your bib numbers on your bag as that is how it will be sorted.  

CREW ACCESS 
Your crew will be able to see you at the start/finish and at the East Landing Trailhead (turnaround point).  The East Landing Trailhead is on Spillway Road.  We ask that when your crew waits at either aid station (East Landing or Start/Finish) that they keep well away from the aid station itself in order to respect the social distancing guidelines, and to stay out of the way of our aid station workers.

DO NOT speed in the park, you will get a ticket.  Any crew caught speeding by the park staff risks causing their runner to be disqualified.  

PLEASE let your crew know that all food and drinks (INCLUDING COFFEE) at the aid station is for runners or pacers ONLY.  If they need coffee, it might be a good idea for them to bring their own. This has been a strain on our aid stations in the past as the crews can impede the volunteers' ability to properly care for the runners.  We are happy to have your crews out there, but the supplies provided are not for them, but for the runners and pacers.

PACERS
Pacers can be picked up at the Start/Finish or East Landing Trailhead.  Pacers do not need a bib and have free access to all aid station fare as well as food and drink at the finish line.  Check out the Race Doc at www.LoupGarouTrailRun.com for more details on pacers.

DNF/Dropping/Left the Iron on at home
The ONLY aid stations to drop at are the Start/Finish and East Landing Trailhead (turnaround).  If you decide to drop, it is very important that you tell the aid station so that we aren't looking for you all day Sunday.

COURSE CONDITION
While marking the trail yesterday, there were a few wet spots from last weekend's rain, but overall the trail is in fantastic shape.  There are a few reroutes because of some of the larger trees that the hurricanes knocked over, but they are easy to follow and will be well marked.  For the newbies to this trail - it is pretty rooty in spots, but Mother Nature was kind enough to give you a soft blanket of leaves to cover the roots. Also, the wooden bridges yesterday were a little slick in spots, so I strongly recommend walking those, especially when you are passing someone.  They are wide enough to pass, but as a courtesy, walking as you pass someone would be welcome.

COURSE MARKING 
We will have plenty of contractor flags along the trail that have a reflective strip - very easy to spot day or night.  When heading out they will be on your right, when heading back to the start/finish ... yep, they'll be on your left.  It will be very hard to get lost, but I have faith that someone will find a way...

Please see the race doc at www.LoupGarouTrailRun.com for the address to plug into your GPS. Don't enter Chicot State Park - it gets you to an old group camp area, nowhere near the start.

There is a $3 per person fee to enter the park for the day.  When you stop to pay it, please be sure to thank the park staff for allowing us to have the race under these crazy circumstances, and thank them for working so hard to clear the trail from hurricane damage in time for the race.

START LINE - We will be starting our 7:00 runners (ultra distances), and our 8:00 runners in waves this year.  We will start with the lowest bib number and start you in groups of 20 to allow for space between runners in the starting area as well as on the trail.  Waves will be in 1 minute intervals, and any time you spend waiting in the start area will be deducted from your time before it is uploaded.  Please follow instructions the morning of the race so that you start in the right wave.

FINISH LINE - We are happy to provide one free bowl of gumbo or vegan chili and a local craft beer to each runner and pacer.  This is expensive on our part, but we want you all to get the full Cajun treatment.  Please help us to continue to offer this service by sticking to a single serving (it will be generous), and reminding your crew to bring their own food.  

I think that should cover it (but I know there will be additional questions). For general queries, visit the website = www.LoupGarouTrailRun.com.  

Safe travels and see you all this weekend!!!! 
Edie

 Paix Running

2020 Covid Protocol

• Race Start

• Each race start will have staggered start times.  Groups of 20 will be released every minute based on bib number.  

• Only when your group is due to start next can you enter the start area.

• Participants will be encouraged to keep their distance while waiting to start - there is plenty of space at the start/finish for this. 

• Masks are required until the race starts (we will have volunteers to pick up disposable masks after the race starts).  

• Aid Stations

• Volunteers with masks and gloves will be in front of the table to hand individual servings of food items to runners.

• Volunteers will fill runners bottles / packs.

• Please keep a safe distance from other runners while at aid stations.

• Hand sanitizer spray will be available at aid stations.  Volunteers will be available to spray runners’ hands if desired.

• Aid station workers will put on fresh gloves often during the event.

• Any point of physical contact at the aid station (water jugs, etc) will be sanitized often.

• Finish area

• Social distancing is in place, there is plenty of room to spread out. 

• Our food volunteers will hand food and drinks to runners.

• Crews are welcome to set up in the designated areas as long as they keep their distance from other crews.

Update on our 2020 event!

Well guys, I have been in steady contact with the State Parks Department and the park management, and the 2020 Loup Garou Trail Run is a go! All of the necessary permits are in hand, medals and buckles ordered, and our finish line gumbo guy is practicing vegan recipes to add a hot vegan option at the finish as well.

As we speak, a four mile of the trail is closed since they are housing elderly Covid patients in one of the campgrounds, and they closed the trail that goes even remotely near there, just to be safe.  Our State Parks guy is pretty confident that will no longer be the case by race day, but just in case we do have a backup route in place for you guys.  If by mid November it looks like plan b it is, I will post details of the route, aid station distances, etc.  Hint: any course records will have to be denoted with an * since it will cut out a few of the more hilly miles.

Either way we run. Can't wait to see all of you!

Happy Running - 

Edie

Another Great Year!

Well, 2019 was another great year at Loup Garou.  We had 23 states and 3 different provinces in Canada represented, with a total of 170 finishers.  Here are the finisher percentages per distance:

20 miler - 100%

40 miler - 95%

60 miler - 76%

100 miler - 62.5%

The weather was about as good as it could possibly be, with the trail in near perfect condition.  All pictures from the event, including cool ones like this: (thanks Shipley!)

Check out all of the pictures on the Race Pics page.  

We are already looking forward to 2020 Loup Garou and can't wait to see you all out there! Register for 2020 HERE!  

Happy Running!

Edie