Syllamo Events
Syllamo Events was founded by Jake Anderson; an avid trail runner and outdoor enthusiast.
Races started in 2014 in Bull Shoals Arkansas with The Big Bluff Challenge.
In 2016, Jake created the Ozarks Highlands Endurance Run, his first event in the Sylamore Ranger District.
In 2020, the Legendary race director Steve Kirk offered Jake the race Three Days of Syllamo. This quickly became our flagship event, gathering hundreds of runners every year.
In 2021, Rusty Harvey and both of our wives joined the team to help manage the races.
When we are not managing races, we operate a brick and mortar store called Norfork Adventure Supply. Jake is a certified exercise physiologist and nutritional expert. Rusty is a certified bicycle mechanic who operates a repair shop at the store, and Melony operates 1906 Coffee Co, attached to Norfork Adventure Supply.
What is Syllamo and Sylamore?
Syllamo (pronounced Sill La Moe) was the name of a Native American said to have been a skilled hunter and well respected throughout the area.
Sylamore (pronounced Sill La More) is an Anglicized pronunciation.
Modern day, “Syllamo” generally refers to the multi-use trail system that connects to Blanchard Springs Recreation Area. Syllamo offers over 50 miles of interconnected mountain bike and foot traffic accessible trails.
Sylamore, on the other hand, generally refers to the entire region, which interconnects dozens of campgrounds, caverns, creeks, fishing holes, and hundreds of miles of trails.
The Sylamore Ranger District provides a lot of the “natural” in the Natural State of Arkansas. It is one of America’s most scenic and picturesque areas within the Ozark National Forest. Hundreds of miles of singletrack trail, and endless backroads is what we call our playground!
Our Mission
Provide fun, safe, and adventurous outdoor events that promote fellowship and the preservation of trails, natural landscapes and healthy lifestyles.
Trail Stewardship
The Syllamo Events Team contributes hundreds of hours to trail maintenance and preservation but we cannot do it alone.
Special thanks should be credited to
TTONCA - Trail Team of North Central Arkansas
OHTA - Ozark Highlands Trail Association and
The North Central Arkansas Master Naturalists.
They are groups of volunteers dedicated to maintaining the trails and ensuring we have trails to explore for years to come.
Each group is always looking for more boots on the ground, including us. If you’re interested in volunteering or learning more, click these links below!