Dirt Circus Bentonville is making waves with an innovative approach to prize funding, aiming to engage the trail running community in supporting elite athletes directly. Partnering with Rush Running and Visit Bentonville, this year’s event will serve as the 2024 USATF 10K National Championship and the USATF 10 Mile Arkansas Association Championship, drawing a highly competitive field of elite runners from across the country. For a streamlined race, the men’s and women’s elite fields will compete separately, ensuring each division has an uninterrupted path to the finish line.
In an exciting twist, Dirt Circus Bentonville has launched a community-funded prize purse, allowing fans to contribute directly to the reward pool while watching the event live through a Mountain Outpost Livestream. Contributions will remain open until the first-place finisher crosses the line, adding a dynamic element to the race as the prize purse grows in real time. Initially seeded at $10,000 through support from Rush Running and Visit Bentonville, the prize purse could climb even higher with community contributions. Interested athletes can register here.
“We’re thrilled to be pioneering this new model, and we believe it has the potential to revolutionize the way prize purses are funded in our sport,” said Rob Goyen of UltraSignup. “By giving the community a stake in the outcome, we’re creating a more engaged and invested fan base, and that’s a win for everyone involved.”
Rush Running is this year’s primary sponsor, with plans to take over the event entirely by 2025. “We’re excited to be working with Rush Running to bring this innovative event to life, and we’re confident that they will take it to new heights in the years to come,” Goyen added.
Dirt Circus Bentonville is set to spotlight trail running’s finest, blending top-tier racing with a unique, community-supported prize model.
Event Schedule: Dirt Circus Bentonville
Friday, November 15
- 9:00-10:00 am: Rush Running Shakeout Run powered by Nike Trail
Join the Dirt Circus social shakeout at the race start, led by Mike Rush and featuring elite competitors. Nike will hand out 120 exclusive Dirt Circus T-shirts, designed by local artist Ryan Holler, available only during this shakeout run. Enjoy a relaxed 5K or 10K, then pick up your race packet. - 10:00 am-7:00 pm: Packet Pick-up at Race Location/Start
Saturday, November 16
- 6:00 am: Packet Pick-up on-site for 5K and 10K events at Handcut Hollow (UltraSignup tent).
- 7:30 am: Women’s 10K USATF National Championship race
Elite women athletes compete for top honors and a $10,000 prize purse on a challenging 10K trail. - 8:00 am: 5K Fun Run
All runners can join the fun on the scenic 5K trail. - 9:00 am: Men’s 10K USATF National Championship race
The men’s field takes off for their shot at the $10,000 prize purse in this elite competition. - 10:30 am: Awards Ceremony
- 6:00 pm: After-Party at Bentonville Brewing Company
Celebrate with fellow runners and keep the trail spirit alive at Bentonville Brewing!
Sunday, November 17
- 6:00 am: Packet Pick-up on-site for 10M, 5K, and Kids 1K events
- 8:00 am: 10Mile USATF Arkansas Association Championship race
Test your endurance on this thrilling 10-mile trail run. - 8:30 am: 5K Fun Run
- 9:30 am: Kids 1K Race
A fun run for the youngest racers, complete with medals!
LIVE COVERAGE:
Mountain Outpost will provide live coverage of Saturday’s USATF 10K National Championships, so fans everywhere can tune in to the action.
