HOT SPRINGS, Arkansas — Business in the front, party in the back. That’s the Mullet Run motto, and after five years, it still fits perfectly.
The Fifth Annual Northwoods Mullet Trail Run and Beaver Bash is set for Saturday, May 9 at the Northwoods Trail System in Hot Springs, and if the past four years are any indication, this one is going to be the best yet. With a new presenting sponsor, a spot as the grand finale of the Arkansas Ultrarunning Association Ultra Trail Series Lite, and a post-race party that would make even a non-runner consider lacing up, there has never been a better time to get in on this spring tradition.
The Run Part (You Know, the Business End)
All races kick off from the Cedar Glades trailhead with the 25K and 25K Dog Division rolling out at 8 a.m., followed by the 10K and 10K Dog Division at 9 a.m.
The courses wind through the award-winning Northwoods Trail System, offering a satisfying mix of technical singletrack, rolling hills, flowing descents, and shaded double track. Runners will pass stunning views of the three lakes that make Northwoods such a beloved destination, along with beautiful pine groves that have a way of making you forget how tired your legs are. There is just enough elevation gain to feel like you earned something, but not so much that you dread the party afterward.
The Northwoods Trail System has been voted among the best trail running venues in the state, earning a spot on Arkansas Outside’s Top 15 Trail Runs list in just its second year. It has only gotten better since.
Your Dog Can Race Too (Yes, Really)
One of the quirkier and most beloved features of the Mullet Run is the Dog Division, available in both the 10K and 25K. Runners and their four-legged training partners can hit the trails together, though spots are limited to just 10 dogs per race. If you want your pupper on the starting line, do not wait around. Registration fills up fast, and nobody wants to explain to their dog why they got left behind.
Dogs must remain on leash and under the full control of their human at all times. Owners may be asked to remove dogs that show aggressive behavior, which is a very polite way of saying your trail dog needs to be a team player.
The Party End (The Beaver Bash)
Once the miles are done, the real event begins. The Beaver Bash runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cedar Glades Park, featuring live music, food, and cold beverages. Not a runner? That is fine. Spectators and party enthusiasts are welcome to skip straight to the celebration with a ten-dollar Beaver Bash ticket. Honestly, it is a bargain.
Previous years have featured the kind of post-race atmosphere that keeps people talking long after the finish line mats have been rolled up. It is a trail running party done right.
Mullets Are Mandatory (Or at Least Strongly Encouraged)
The name is not just for show. Mullets, fullets (that’s a fake mullet for the uninitiated), and creative hairstyles of all kinds are celebrated here. Past events have featured costume contests, awards for Best Mullet and Best Fullet, and the kind of spirited commitment to a theme that makes the whole thing feel more like a festival than a race. Even the organizers have gotten in on the fun, with Visit Hot Springs Trails Coordinator Traci Berry and others showing up with custom-styled mullets. If you are going to run in a race called the Mullet Run, you might as well commit.
Fleet Feet Little Rock Joins as Presenting Sponsor
This year brings a big addition to the sponsor lineup. Fleet Feet Little Rock steps in as the presenting sponsor, bringing a long history of supporting Arkansas runners on both road and trail.
“Fleet Feet Little Rock brings a long history of serving and growing Arkansas’ running communities, both trail and road, to support the Mullet Run, leveraging their expertise and offering educational resources and training opportunities to runners throughout our region,” said Berry.
Harrison Construction returns as well, sponsoring the live music and grilling area. That is a combination that tends to produce very happy post-race runners.
AURA Ultra Trail Series Lite Finale
The Mullet Run earns a significant honor this year as the 14th and final race on the Arkansas Ultrarunning Association 2025 to 2026 Ultra Trail Series Lite calendar. AURA runners from across the state will be making their way to Hot Springs to close out the series on some of the best trails Arkansas has to offer.
“The Northwoods Mullet looks forward to welcoming AURA runners from across the state to our trails here in Hot Springs, ranked among the best in Arkansas,” Berry said.
AURA President Stacey Shaver has been enthusiastic about the partnership since it began, noting that the organization looks for events that serve trail running in natural areas while also giving back to those spaces. The Mullet Run checks every box.
What the Organizers Are Saying
Spa City Pacers Board Member and AURA member Steve Adkison put it simply: “Between our stellar Mullet Run courses and the post-run party, we’ve got everything needed for a fine spring fling celebration. Visit Hot Springs’ Northwoods Trails crew and the Spa Pacers will take care of you. Come join us for a great run and an even better party.”
Berry added her trademark call to action: “Come for the run, stay for the party. Don’t hesitate, get registered today.”
Race Day Details
Start times:
- 25K and 25K Dog Division at 8 a.m.
- 10K and 10K Dog Division at 9 a.m.
Packet pickup:
- Friday, May 8 at Cedar Glades Park Pavilion from 4 to 7 p.m.
- Race day pickup available until 7:45 a.m. for the 25K and 8:45 a.m. for the 10K
Registration: runsignup.com/Race/AR/HotSprings/NorthwoodsMulletTrailRun
Five years in, the Northwoods Mullet Trail Run and Beaver Bash has grown from a scrappy local event into one of the most anticipated dates on the Arkansas trail running calendar, drawing runners from multiple states, dog-human duos with serious competitive instincts, and people who just really love a good mullet. May 9 will be no different.
Get registered. Tease your hair. See you on the trails.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
