Arkansas Outside

Firecracker Fast 5K
2026-07-04 07:30 - 10:00 (America/Chicago) | The Heights, 1825 N. Grant Street, Little Rock, 72207, United States
Come join us this Independence Day and run the course Runner’s World has called “One of the fastest in the USA!”
The Firecracker Fast 5K has been a tradition in Little Rock for families and friends for 50 straight years. This iconic course will take you winding down the heart of Little Rock on Kavanaugh Boulevard, swing by the Little Rock Zoo and finish around the outside of War Memorial Stadium.

Firecracker trophies will be handed to the first 50 men and first 50 women finishers
Overall male/female and age divison awards
Medals for all kids 12 years old and under who complete the race
Commemorative race shirts guaranteed for pre-registered participants

Brent Morrison Memorial No Runners Forgotten 8K
2026-07-11 07:00 - 10:00 | Mercy Chaffee Crossing Medical Clinic, 7003 Chad Colley Blvd, Barling, 72923, United States
Western Arkansas Runners is honored to be able to carry on the Annual Memorial Run honoring BRENT MORRISON who was an avid runner in the River Valley as well as the Hot Springs area. This year will mark the 10th year that a run of some form has been held and along with honoring Brent, we will also be honoring runners whose life’s have been taken too soon. Run in honor of that runner you knew who is no longer with us. Our Age Group awards are always an extra special treat and all runners will receive a finishers award as well as food, music and runner comradery afterwards !!! A portion of the proceeds will go towards our clubs plans to host a Jr. Run Clinic, Memorial Site for Brent, with the remainder to go towards day-to-day use of the Western Arkansas Running Club, a non profit organization, located in Chaffee on Taylor Ave, along with our weekly sponsored runs and events for runners. Western Arkansas Runners- WAR- supports Runners and Walkers of all ages and gender and live by the motto “No Runners Left Behind”. If you are unable to run/walk but are interested in volunteering or would like to make a donation please contact the race director : Sheri Nicholls @ brentmorrisonmemorial@gmail.com. You will run the certified course, chosen to be part of the 2025 Arkansas Grand Prix as a Championship Race however start/finish line had to be moved due to construction delays therefore is not certified. It is still measured as an 8K and next year we will return to original course. Race will be timed by Jaymax Timing. No dogs are allowed on the course

Paradise Found 5k Trail Run/Kids Fun Run
2026-07-11 07:00 - 10:00 | Coler Mountain Bike Preserve 1, 2003 NW Homestead Ln, Bentonville, AR, 72712, United States
Experience mountain bike trails in a new way at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, with the fourth annual Paradise Found 5k! Join us at the Paradise Found 5k on Saturday, July 11th,2026.
This race will begin and end at Coler Homestead, located next to Airship Coffee. This race is the perfect opportunity for those new to trail running to experience what it’s all about. All participants will receive a finisher medal and t-shirt. Awards will be given out to the top overall runners as well as the top 3 in each age group. There will be one aid station on the course available to all runners. Funds from this event will go directly to the Peel Compton Foundation, and their mission to connect the community through nature, education, recreation, and preservation.
The race is limited to the first 350 people to sign up. There will be no refunds on registrations, but your registration may be transferred.

Johnson County Peach Festival 4-Miler
2026-07-18 07:00 - 10:00 | Johnson County Court Square, 215 W Main St., Clarksville, 72830, United States
The Johnson County Peach Festival 4-Miler is held in conjunction with the longest running outdoor festival in Arkansas! We have divisions for runners and walkers and awards for the first 3 places in each age division.

Hope Watermelon 5K State Championship
2026-08-08 07:30 - 09:00 | Fair Park – Hope, AR, 1359 Park Dr, Hope, AR, 71801, United States
•Race hosted by the Melonvine Striders.
*USATF Course Certification #: AR24012WJT
-Every participant receives a locally grown genuine Hope Watermelon 🙂
–High School Track Girls / Boys Team Competition (Need 5 girls and/or 5 boys for a team) Please email race for instructions.
Awards
Overall Top 3 Male and Female in Open, Masters, Grandmasters and Senior. Overall top 3 Male and Female Walkers, Top 3 Wheelchairs, Girls and Boys High School Track team award. Awards are given 5 deep in the following age groups: 0-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 and over.
Directions to the Starting Line
From I-30 take Exit 30 onto AR-Hwy 32/73, and proceed southeast into Hope. Drive ~1.5 miles, then turn right at the 3rd stop light onto US-Hwy 67 (3rd St). Drive west 3 blocks and take a left onto Fulton St. Drive (Hwy 174 ) south for 1/2 mile until reach Park Dr. Turn right and the start/finish area is right before park entrance. .
Address: 1251 Park Drive, Fair Park, Hope, AR

44th Annual ARK 5K Classic
2026-09-05 07:30 - 09:30 | Crystal Hill Elementary School, 5001 Northshore Dr, North Little Rock, AR, 72118, United States
We look forward to you joining us Saturday, August 30, 2025, for our 44th Annual ARK 5K Classic. If you have any questions, please contact me via email at ark5kclassic@gmail.com is the preferred method.
Stephanie Roberts
870-307-5382
ARK 5K Classic Race Director
We will continue with the option of tank or t-shirt as your giveaway. Be sure to select which type you want at registration. August 14, 2025 at 11:59pm is the deadline to guarantee a shirt!

Packet Pick Up will be offered the day before the race and the morning of.

Packet Pick Up will be the available on Friday, August 29, 2025 from 12pm to 6pm at Rock City Running. Located at Market Place Shopping Center, 11121 N Rodney Parham Rd Ste 37B, Little Rock, AR 72212 Your bag will include your chip for timing. If for some reason you pick up your packet but are not running, please make sure we get the shoe chip back from you. Failure to return shoe chip will result in a $25 fee.
Packet Pick Up will also be race morning between the hours of 6:00am – 7:00am. Please arrive in plenty of time to come pick up your packet, get your bib on, and take your shirt back to your car!

Registration

Registration will close online at 6pm on August 28, 2025. In-person registration will be available the day at Rock City Running from 12pm – 6pm. $35 cash or check. We will have race day registration $35.00, cash or check (made out to ARK) only from 6:00am – 7:00am.

Awards
Overall Top 3 Male and Female. Top 3 Masters (40 +) Male and Female. Top 3 Wheelchair Finishers.
Awards are given 3 deep in the following age groups: 0-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 and over.
Bib and Shoe Chip Info
Race will be chip timed with the chip being attached to your shoe. Please wear bib front facing in the torso area. Please make sure to return the chip prior to leaving the race. We will have people set up at the finish line to help clip those off. Failure to return chip will result in a $25 fee.

Very Important Note: Deadline to guarantee a shirt is to be registered by August 14, 2025 at 11:59pm.

MJ's Stampede
2026-09-19 08:00 - 13:00 | 121 Riverfront Drive, 121 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith, 72901, United States
Certified 5K/10K Race and Timed 5K Walk
Saturday, September 19
Start and Finish at Greg Smith River Trail, 121 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith AR 72901
7 a.m. Registration, 8 a.m. Race
Entry Fee: $30 before September 8 and $40 after September 8 through packet pickup, $45 race day registration.
Participant Packet Pick-Up and Expo Friday, September 18, from 1 to 6 pm at Glass Pavillion 100 N. B Street and Saturday morning from 7 am – 7:45 am at Greg Smith River Trail, 121 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith AR 72901.
T-shirts guaranteed for those who register prior to September 6th and at day of race, if available.
Overall Awards for Top three Male & Top Female Finishers in 5K and 10K, Top 3 Masters (40+), Grand Masters (50+), Seniors (60+) Male and Female in 10K.
Age Division Awards (5 deep) in 5 year age groups for 10 – 80 & 9 and under for 5K Run, 10K Run, and Timed 5K Walk.
This race goal is to raise funds to provide assistance to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS).
www.teamintraining.org
In 2022, LLS took bold steps to improve the futures of blood cancer patients and survivors dealing with more than 100 blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and Myeloma.
1. 14 new blood cancer treatment options were approved by FDA, many because of longstanding LLS support.
2. LLS funded 117 scientists and invested in 17 Therapy Acceleration Program (TAP) partners to advance next-generation blood cancer research.
LLS is thankful for our supporters and volunteers who help continue advancing the LLS mission in Arkansas providing life-saving resources, research, and financial support. Below is a snapshot of how LLS impacted the people of Arkansas in FY22.

People in AR who received financial assistance through C0-Pay Assistance Program: $4,401,500.00.
In travel assistance provided to patients in AR: $66,000.00.
In Urgent Need financial assistance provided to patients in AR: $79,500.00.
People and caregivers served by education and services in AR: 916.

The Great 5K Pumpkin Run
2026-09-26 08:00 - 14:00 | Lonoke Historic Train Depot, 109 Front St SW, Lonoke, AR, 72086, United States
Our mission is to provide a community event open to athletes of all abilities, while promoting a healthy lifestyle through running and walking and raising money to youth and family needs in Lonoke.

Here's Johnny 10k Trail Run
2026-10-03 07:00 - 10:00 | Coler Mountain Bike Preserve 1, 2003 NW Homestead Ln, Bentonville, AR, 72712, United States
Get ready for a spine-tingling trail run like no other, at the Here’s Johnny 10k RedRun at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve. Lace up your shoes and tap into your inner Jack Torrence as you navigate the course through the woods of Coler.
All racers receive a finisher medal and t-shirt. Awards will be given out to the top overall runners as well as the top 3 in each age group. Costumes are strongly encouraged with special prizes awarded to our favorites.
Funds from this event will go directly to the Peel Compton Foundation, and their mission to connect the community through nature, education, recreation, and preservation.
The race is limited to the first 300 people to sign up. There will be no refunds on registrations, but your registration may be transferred.

Arkansas 20k
2026-10-24 07:00 - 11:00 | Boys And Girls Clubs Of Saline County, 1810 Citizens Dr, Benton, AR, 72015, United States
The Arkansas 20K will start and end at the River Center in Benton. All turns are marked with large signs with arrows. The race will be chip timed. The course will remain open until 11:00am. Temperatures can range from the mid-50s to mid- 80s. Humidity can sometimes be high. The 20K is an excellent test/training run for a fall marathon as well as a challenging race in its own right.

City of Colleges Half Marathon
2026-10-24 07:00 - 14:00 | UCA Foundation, 2490 Bruce Street, Conway, 72034, United States
Half marathon, 10K, 5K and Fun Run running festival. The half marathon distance will take runners through the city and into the countryside on the streets of Conway, Arkansas. Runners will experience the beauty of the UCA campus with tons of cheering students along the routes. Come enjoy a beautiful fall day with the start/finish line located on the UCA campus. Unique finisher medals and a fun post-event celebration for you and your friends and family.

CREEP ‘N CRAWL: HALF Marathon, 5K, & LIL’ MONSTERS DASH
2026-10-31 08:00 - 12:00 | Two Rivers Park, 6722 Two Rivers Park Road, Little Rock, AR, 72223, United States
Recently voted one of the top 10 best half-marathons in the nation for 2024 by the USA Today Reader’s Choice Awards, the Creep ‘N Crawl Half/5K & Lil’ Monsters Dash is a family-oriented event offering some Halloween fun with a healthy dose of physical fitness. Grab the scariest, funniest, wildest, goofiest, most creative costume you can think of and join us at Two Rivers Parks for a Howlin’ Ghoul Time! Part of the Run Local Race Series.
For more information, visit https://creepncrawl.com/

Spa Running Festival
2026-11-14 07:00 - 2026-11-15 17:00 | Hot Springs Convention Center, 134 Convention Blvd, Hot Springs, AR, 71901, United States
Come Run With Us, November 15th, through beautiful Hot Springs National Park! The Spa Running Festival is an event for everyone …. kids, beginners to elite runners and those that like a challenge! The Squirt Race is for kids 2 – 10 years of age. The 5K is a fast and flat course! The 10K, now celebrating its 44th year, and runners enjoy the beauty of running West Mountain. This will be the 10th running of the Summit2Summit Half Marathon. Do you like a challenge – well you get to – the course takes you through the scenic National Park going summit to summit on Hot Springs Mountain/North Mountain AND West Mountain!
Benefits of the Spa Running Festival:
♦The beauty of Historic Downtown and Bathhouse Row
♦ Running through Hot Springs National Park
♦ Expo on Friday
♦ A great Long Sleeve Technical Shirt
♦ An awesome Medal for All Participants (5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Squirt Race)
♦ Fast and Flat Course for 5K
♦ Corral Start’s for 5K and 10K
♦ Team Registration
♦ Finish Line Festival area includes Grilled Burgers, Hot Soup, Pizza, Snacks and Beer Tent
♦ Live Music in the post-race finishing area, performed by Jacob Flores!
Recently voted in the 2024 Reader Choice Award – Best Local Performer!
Come enjoy the Expo on Friday at the Hot Springs Convention Center. Then, after the race, hang around to enjoy great food, the beer tent, picture taking, socializing and bragging rights that you conquered (BOTH) mountains.
Proceeds from the 2025 race will benefit these non-profit organizations: Friends of the Parks, Arkansas Spa Pacers Buzz Wilson Scholarship Program, Literacy Council of the Ouachita, Humane Society of Garland County, The CALL in Garland County.
The Spa Running Festival has a race for every family member so Come Run With Us through Hot Springs National Park, Saturday, November 15th, a landmark event in beautiful, historic downtown Hot Springs!

SPA 10K
2026-11-14 08:00 - 10:30 | Hot Springs Convention Center, 134 Convention Blvd, Hot Springs, AR, 71901, United States
The Spa 10k has been a part of the Arkansas Grand Prix Series since 1983. The course USATF Certificate Code is #AR13022DLP.
We have a cap of 675 race participants for the 10K race.

Participants should maintain a 19.21 pace per mile to complete the 10K course in 2 hours. Our race has a start line mat and finish line mat so your race time starts when you step on the start line mat.
All participants will receive a Long Sleeve Technical Shirt and Finisher’s medal. Once we have completed the 2025 design, we will post a graphic here.
Registrations are non-refundable and cannot be carried forward to the next year; however, we do allow a transfer to another event or person;, provides the races are not sold out; follow instructions on the “edit registration” tab at sparunningfest.com..
The race starts on Convention Blvd and takes you through beautiful downtown Hot Springs with its majestic bathhouse row complete with the spas and rich history. Next, the route takes you over West Mountain for 2 miles where the winding road meanders through pines and mixed hardwoods. Down the other side, you are met with the electric homes of the Quapaw Historic District and then finish back on Convention. The course is run on paved roads!

Jacob Wells 3 Bridges Marathon
2026-12-05 05:00 - 13:00 | River Mountain Park, River Mountain Road, Little Rock, 72212, United States
Aid Stations, Restrooms, and Medical Support
There are aid stations that average nearly every mile. There are numerous restrooms, including permanent restrooms on the River Trail and portable ones that we will place on the course. Medical personnel will be on duty at the Start/Finish and on the course. A clothing drop will be at Mile 2, where you may leave any clothing to be delivered to the finish line.
Awards
Awards will go to the top three males and females overall, master, grand master and senior and to the top five males and females in five-year age groups starting with 19 and under through 75+.
The awards ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. for the overall winners. Following the ceremony, age group awards may be picked up at the information booth as soon as the results in that age group have been verified and finalized by the timing company. Early starters may not pick up awards until their age groups have been verified and all regular starters in their age group have finished.
Course
The course is almost entirely on the Arkansas River Trail and is a 19-mile loop to the east and then a 7-mile loop to the west. The course crosses the Big Dam Bridge at Miles 1 and 18, the Clinton Presidential Bridge at Mile 9, and the Two Rivers Bridge at Miles 19 and 26. The course crosses the Start/Finish line going west at 19 miles. The course is mostly flat, except for the three bridges. The course is mostly paved trail. The course is USATF certified as AR13030DLP. See the Course tab for more detail.
All miles are clearly marked. Please carry your trash and dispose at the mile markers or aid stations. Mile 9 is prior to the Clinton Presidential Bridge going east. Mile 10 is on the Clinton Presidential Bridge on the return trip. Mile 18 is on the Big Dam Bridge going west. Mile 26 is on the Two Rivers Bridge.
Directions
See Parking tab for directions to runner parking and the Spectators tab for directions to spectator viewing sites.
Drop Bags
Numbered drop bags will be provided at packet pickup. We discourage placing valuables in drop bags.
The drop bag area is a U-Haul parked at the Start/Finish line area near where you will be dropped off by the 3 Bridges Marathon trolley. It will be December in Arkansas, so it could be 20 degrees or 70 degrees and may change that much overnight. Bring plenty of warm clothes for after the race. You may retrieve your bag immediately upon finishing, get warm, and enjoy food, music, and fellowship.
Early Start
An early start of 5:00 am will be allowed for those expecting to take between six and eight hours. Runners expecting to take longer than six hours are asked to take the early start option or may be removed from the course. Runners taking the early start and finishing significantly faster than six hours may be disqualified.
Indicate Early Start with your online registration. If you did not indicate so with your online registration, email your request to info@3bridgesmarathon.com with the email subject EARLY START. You may not take the early start option unless you have registered online with your normal race registration or received an email confirmation of your post-registration email request. Runners starting early without having registered to do so are subject to disqualification. If you are unsure, confirm at packet pickup that you are on the registered early start list.
See the Parking instructions for early starters. Early starters are responsible for being at the starting line at 5:00 a.m. Early Starters will park near the boat dock at River Mountain Park (4468 River Mountain Road, Little Rock, AR).
Early starters are eligible for awards in every age group but may not pick up their awards at the information booth until all regular starters in that age group have completed the race and the timing company has declared the results in that age group to be final.
Facebook
Check us out at www.facebook.com/3bridgesmarathon. If you aren’t a follower, please become one because this is a great benefit to our sponsors, and it is the quickest way to get up to the minute race information.
Fee
Registration fees for the 3 Bridges Marathon are non-refundable, but are transferrable through the RunSignUp site for a $20 fee. See Transfers and Deferral Option policy. Registration for the marathon is $120 plus service fee through November 10, then $140 through noon December 4. Late registration will be offered at packet pick-up for $160. There is no race day registration.
Half Marathon
There is no half marathon option or other race distance.
Information Booth
There will be an information tent at the Start/Finish where you may address issues and ask questions. Shirt exchanges will be accommodated based on availability by request at the information booth on race day FOLLOWING THE RACE START. Shirt exchanges will not be mailed after race day. Age group awards will be available at the information booth as each age group is verified and finalized by the timing company, following the 11 a.m. awards ceremony.
Medals
Every finisher gets a medal, which will be distributed at the finish line.
Packet Pickup
Packet pickup will be at Rock City Running in the Market Place Shopping Center, 11121 N Rodney Parham Rd Ste 37B, Little Rock, Arkansas on Friday, December 5, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. The phone number is (501) 313-4689. Rock City is owned by Bill Torrey, legendary Arkansas Hall of Fame runner. Packet pickup will also be available on race morning at the Start/Finish area from 4:30 a.m. until the last packet is claimed. We thank Rock City Running for hosting us!
Parking Instructions
Detailed Parking instructions are listed here. Do not attempt to drive down or to park on or at the bottom of River Mountain Road after the Early Start. This area is reserved for race officials, volunteers, and emergency vehicles. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in disqualification and ban from future 3 Bridges events.
Photographs
Race photographs will be taken by Marvin Winston and his team from Run Bike Swim Photos. Signs will indicate upcoming photographers. You will be contacted after the race with proofs and purchase information. Photos can be ordered at www.runbikeswimphotos.com.
Post-Race Activities
Post-race finish line activities will include the awards ceremony at 11:00 a.m. and food and beverages for runners, friends, and family.
Race Results
Race results will be provided immediately by Garner Timing Services on your smart phone through the RunSignUp.com Results app in your app store. Provide your bib number to your family and friends for an instant finishing time. Full race results will be posted at garnertiming.com. Race results will also be provided to MarathonGuide.
Safety
Medical personnel from Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) will be on hand at the Start/Finish and patrolling the course. Law enforcement will be on hand at the Start/Finish and at every section of the course that converges with traffic.
For the short sections of the Arkansas River Trail that converge with the roadway, runners must remain aware of vehicular traffic at all times. Runners must remain to the right side of the roadway, observe course monitors’ instruction, and proceed through intersections with caution. Race numbers should be securely pinned to the front of your clothing and visible at all times.
Strollers, rollerblades, skates, unauthorized vehicles, and pets are strictly prohibited to ensure runner safety. Pets are prohibited on the 3 Bridges Marathon trolley, except for service animals.
Shirts
Shirts are long-sleeve unisex technical fabric. Select from XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL at the time of registration. Shirt sizes may be exchanged on race day at the Rock City Running information tent subject to availability. Shirt exchanges will not be mailed after race day.
Spectator Guide
See the Spectators guide prepared for your friends and family to enjoy the day cheering for you along the course. You will not find another course on trails this beautiful that is also this accessible. The guide includes directions, descriptions, and approximate mile marks for numerous viewing areas. Your friends and family may see you many times, often twice at one stop in a short period. Better yet, have your friends and family volunteer for an early or late shift and cheer the other half of the day!
The course is almost entirely on the Arkansas River Trail system. However, in a few short stretches, roads with vehicular access converge with sections of the trail. Although we know you will be very mindful of traffic and there will be police officers at these locations, please remind your friends and family that if they drive near the course to be courteous and careful.
Time Limit
The race begins at 7:00 a.m. There is a 6 hour time limit for the regular start. There is an early start option at 5:00 a.m. for runners planning to take between 6 and 8 hours. There is an 8 hour time limit for the early start. See details under Early Start above. Runners expecting to take longer than six hours are asked to take the early start option or may be removed from the course.
Travel
There is no host hotel and no hotel within walking distance to the parking lots. Race shuttles will not offer pickups from hotels. Prior transportation plans are encouraged.
Participants staying at local hotels may have a cab bring them to the race parking lot, and then ride the shuttle to the starting line. Cabs will only be allowed to deliver participants to the starting line for the Early Start. Instructing your cab to drive down River Mountain Road for the regular start may result in disqualification and ban from future 3 Bridges events.
Volunteers
It takes a tremendous number of volunteers to carry out a marathon. See Volunteers for clubs and organizations involved. Every major running club in central Arkansas has committed members and resources to make the 3 Bridges Marathon possible. If you would like to volunteer write info@3bridgesmarathon.com.
Waiver
The marathon waiver is included with your online registration. Specifically note the Event Policies tab regarding cancellations, registration refunds, deferral option, waiting list, transfers, and inclement weather. Online signature of the waiver upon registration acknowledges your understanding and adherence to all event policies.
Thank you for complying with all runner instructions.

Fayetteville Half Marathon
2026-12-05 07:00 - 13:00 | University of Arkansas Recreation Fields, 450 S. Razorback Road, Fayetteville, 72701, United States
Four distances to choose from…half marathon, 10K, 5K, and fun run. The race will visit some of Fayetteville’s most unique spots.
There are also virtual options.

Entry Fees are Priced with a T-Shirt

Entry Fees are priced with a long-sleeved ringspun cotton t-shirt, but a participant has the option to select no t-shirt and SAVE $5 or upgrade fabric to either a technical fabric short-sleeve shirt or a ringspun hoodie for $15. Shirt size not guaranteed after November 28. If a shirt is ordered and the size is not available then a refund will be issued at packet pickup.
Race T-Shirt Fabric Options and Styles:

NO Shirt Option – Save $5
Ringspun Cotton T-shirt (NO CHARGE) – 100% cotton unisex sizing.
Technical Fabric Short Sleeve Shirt ($15 upgrade fee) – men and women-specific sizing.
Ringspun Hoodie ($15 upgrade fee) – unsex sizing.

UGLY SWEATER RACE: 5K & ELF DASH
2026-12-19 09:00 - 12:00 | Two Rivers Park, 6722 Two Rivers Park Road, Little Rock, AR, 72223, United States
Dig out that ugly holiday sweater and celebrate the best of the season with a healthy dose of physical fitness! Part of the Run Local Race Series. For more information, visit www.uglysweaterrace.com
