From the Organizer
What Is The Next Loop?
The Next Loop Endurance Series is a loop-based endurance running event designed for every type of runner — from first-time 10K participants to seasoned marathoners, ultra runners, CrossFit, Hyrox, and tactical athletes.
You’ll run a 3.1-mile (5K) trail loop, starting a new loop every hour on the hour.
After each loop, you decide:
Run another loop
Or stop — no penalties, no DNFs
Every completed loop counts.
⏱️ How Scoring Works
This event uses a simple, transparent scoring system that rewards consistency, pacing, and endurance.
For each loop:
Time starts when the loop begins
Time stops when you cross the finish line
That loop time is officially recorded
Your overall score is calculated by combining the times of every loop you complete.
There are:
❌ No penalties for stopping
❌ No missed-cutoff failures
✅ Only completed loops counted. This allows athletes at every level to compete meaningfully.
👟 Why This Format Works for Everyone
New Runners:
Run your first 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon without pressure
Stop when you’re done — your result still counts
Compare performance with others completing the same number of loops
Marathon & Ultra Runners:
Test pacing, fatigue, and recovery across multiple hours
Analyze loop-by-loop performance
Use results as a benchmark — not just a finish time
Hybrid / Functional Athletes - (CrossFit, Hyrox, Tactical Games)
Measure recovery between efforts
Evaluate consistency under fatigue
Test endurance without committing to a fixed distance
🌲 Course & Event Environment
Scenic trail-based 5K loop
Clearly marked course
Start/finish located at a central base area
Aid station available each hour
Family- and crew-friendly atmosphere
🏁 How Far Will You Go? Loops Completed/Total Distance
1 Loop = 5K
2 Loops = 10K
4 Loops = Half Marathon
9 Loops = Marathon
10 Loops = 50K
You are never locked into a distance. Each loop is a new decision.
🎯 Who Should Register?
✔ Runners of all levels
✔ Athletes training for longer events
✔ Anyone curious how far they can go — one loop at a time
✔ Anyone who wants an endurance challenge without failure pressure
🧠 The Philosophy
This isn’t about speed alone. It’s about discipline, recovery, decision-making, and endurance.
Run the loop. Recover. Decide. Repeat.
📸 Results, Rankings & Bragging Rights
Official timing for every completed loop
Results ranked by loops completed and combined time
Post-race data you can analyze, share, and build from
Ready to See How Many Loops You’ve Got?
👉 Register now and find your next limit — one loop at a time.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
87°
Typical Low
66°
Chance of Rain
24%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Cahokia, 9 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
293,109
as of 2023
City Elevation
471 ft
Nearest Airport
STL
St. Louis Lambert International Airport · 9 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A big city race. Expect multiple lodging options and plenty to do the day before.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at The Next Loop Endurance Series | Cliff Cave Park, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
66
Days to train
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From Endurance Grid
This race spans more than one sport — here’s a guide to each, so you can understand what’s involved and decide if it’s the right fit. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Running off-road — dirt, singletrack, and mountain paths — from 5Ks to ultras. The terrain, not the pace, is the whole point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Next Loop Endurance Series | Cliff Cave Park
Aug 22, 2026