HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, Arkansas — The 19th annual Stueart Pennington World Championship Running of the Tubs is set for Saturday, June 7, along the historic Bathhouse Row in downtown Hot Springs. This free, family-friendly event features costumed teams pushing customized bathtubs on wheels, aiming for trophies and bragging rights.
The festivities begin on Friday, June 6, at 6 p.m. with the Judging of the Tubs in Hill Wheatley Plaza, where teams showcase their decorated tubs. The main event kicks off Saturday at 9 a.m. with the Parade of the Tubs, followed by the races at 9:20 a.m. Awards will be presented at 11:15 a.m.
“Our bathtub racers — and many of our spectators — get wetter than any competitive team this side of the United States Olympic swim team,” Visit Hot Springs Special Events Manager Alexis Hampo said. “This year’s Running of the Tubs is going to be wetter than ever, and I think the teams are really going to bring it in the costume and theme department.”
Teams compete in three divisions
Traditional (cast-iron tubs), Modified (fiberglass or plastic tubs), and Stock (nonprofits with provided tubs). Each team consists of four “bath attendants” who push the tub and a captain who steers. The tub must start with water and retain at least 10 gallons by the finish line. Attendants carry specific items—a bar of soap, a bath mat, a loofah mitt, and a bath towel—throughout the race. Judges, known for their whimsical rule-making, may introduce unexpected challenges.
Spectator Participation
Spectators are encouraged to participate by bringing water blasters to soak racers as they pass. Water balloons are discouraged to minimize waste. The event also features the “Battle of the Badge,” a spirited race between the Hot Springs Police and Fire Departments.
“The Running of the Tubs is another of the great family-friendly celebrations that are so popular with our residents and visitors,” Visit Hot Springs Marketing Director Bill Solleder said. “The crowds lining Bathhouse Row and joining in the wacky fun by shooting Super Soakers at the racers have been growing every year as word spreads about this super free event.”
The Running of the Tubs honors the late Stueart Pennington, a local businessman who championed the event to celebrate Hot Springs’ bathing heritage.
For more information or to register a team, visit the official event page at hotsprings.org/events/world-championship-running-of-the-tubs.
All photos in the article courtesy of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. 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!
