I’ve said it before, for me running trails is so much more enjoyable than running on the road. It’s not necessarily the scenery or diversity, it’s something in my head. As best as I can figure it has to do with precise foot placement to keep myself from going face-first in the dirt. Much like mountain biking, when I’m on the trail with it’s rocks, roots, stream crossings and critters, I have to be totally in the moment. No thinking about work or what I’m planning to do tomorrow or next week, I have to be thinking about the next place my foot will strike. For this reason I come away from a trail run refreshed mentally.
Years ago I did short trail run events. Most of them shorter than 5 miles or so. Arkansas has a long history of ultra-marathons and long trail races. Events like the Arkansas Traveler 100, Sylamore and White Rock 50Ks and others are popular with elite, distance runners. But few shorter distance races existed in the state until last year. Welcome the Arkansas Trail Series (ARTS). Four races in the late winter and early spring where runners can give the trails a try. If you are comfortable with a 5k run you can probably do this.
The races are being managed by DLT Multisport.
- Cadron Trail Run – Conway – February 18, 2012
- Spa City Trail Run – Hot Springs – March 17, 2012
- Scout Trail Run – North Little Rock – April 7, 2012
- DeGray Trail Run – Arkadelphia – June 24, 2012
This is a point series. So if you are competitive you’ll want to run at least two or three of the races. Your points from your best three of the four races go to the final total. Get some friends together, clear your mind and have some fun running down some of the great trails Arkansas has to offer.
For more information on the series including rules, categories and how to tally your points, download the information sheet below:
