Arkansas Outside

Cave City Easter Run
2023-04-08 08:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Cave City Park, W South St, Cave City, AR, 72521, United States
We have a distance for everyone! Join us for the 1/2 marathon, 10k, or 5k!. All races start and finish at the Cave City Park at 9 am. Mac’s Race Timing Service will there to provide chip timing.
About the course: The first 3/4 mile is pavement before it turns to a roller coaster of scenic gravel roads. The 5k and 10k are out and back routes. The 1/2 marathon goes out and you will do a “lollipop” style out and back. Aid stations will be along the course. This course is difficulty and challenging with rolling hills.
Unique finisher awards and top 3 Male/Female awards will be given for each race. Deadline to guarantee a t-shirt and finisher medal will be March 24, 2023. Post race snacks will be provided for participants at the finish line. All funds received through registration will be used to cover race expenses and benefit the Cave City Police Department.
Packet Pickup and day of registration will be 7-8:45 am on 4/8/2023.
*Please pick up your packet or have someone pick it up for you. If you cannot, please contact us to arrange a pick up. We will not ship your packet to you.*
Below is a list of area hotels that are a short 15 minute drive to Cave City for anyone that wants to get some extra sleep that morning. Don’t forget to mention that you are staying for the Cave City Easter Run.
Hotels: Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Suites, Ramada Inn, The Royal on Main
Be sure to like and follow the Cave City Easter Run Facebook Page to for updates!
NO REFUNDS-This is a fundraiser and no refunds will be given. The race will continue no matter the weather unless lightening is in the area. Then we may delay the start and go from there.

Run to Rebuild Rock City
2023-04-08 08:00 - 11:00 | W Capitol Ave. and Main St, W Capitol Ave. and Main St, Little Rock, AR, 72202, United States
On Friday, March 31, a devastating tornado ripped through Arkansas and caused extensive damage to homes and businesses. One of those businesses was the heart of the Central Arkansas running community – Rock City Running. In just over 24 hours since the tornado destroyed the store, hundreds of people have asked what they can do to support Rock City Running and Bill Torrey. While we are still unable to begin the massive cleanup that will be required for the store, we can begin to ease the financial burden on the store and its employees.
Rock City Running
On Saturday, April 8th, let’s gather downtown at what was planned to be the Capital City Classic 10km finish area and show our support of Bill Torrey and Rock City Running. Bill, the store, and all of its employees need our support! If there’s one thing our running community knows how to do, it’s how to show up in support of our people when they need assistance! Hugs, high fives, and fist bumps will be in abundance! This is a FREE event with food and drinks to be provided, however, donations are strongly encouraged. Please note that 100% of the funds donated to the event will go to benefit Rock City Running. Donations are encouraged by both attendees of the event, and those who just wish to be able to provide some financial support to Rock City Running in their time of need.
Group runs are encouraged, but please note that all of the surrounding streets will be open to the public, so please exercise caution on your runs when it comes to vehicular traffic. We will have a large group running the official Capital City Classic 10km course beginning at 8 am. That route will begin at Broadway and Markham and finish at W. Capitol and Louisiana, just a block away from the official gathering spot. If you don’t want to run or walk the Capital City Classic course, you are welcome to do another route. If you don’t want to run or walk at all, that’s ok as well! Just show up at Capitol and Main around 9 am to have some fun! The main thing is that we gather as a group to show our support for the people we love at Rock City Running!

DOOM
2023-04-08 - 2023-04-12 | Oark, Oark, AR, 72852, United States
A beautifully evil bikepacking route in the south.
Averaging over 100 feet of elevation gain/loss per mile, riders are either buckling up for a rowdy descent or gritting teeth for a torturous climb. The loop consists of 80% gravel and 20% pavement with surface types ranging from hardpacked gravel to unmaintained OHV trails. Creek crossings, cutty connectors, and a few Arkansas High Country classics—this route has it all. It’s 375 miles with a whopping 40,000+ feet of elevation gain. The resupply run-outs are huge and cell service is mostly nonexistent.

Northwoods Social Media Scavenger Hunt
2023-04-08 - 2023-04-09 | Northwoods Trails, 300 Pineland Dr, Hot Springs, AR, 71901, United States
Have a bunny-hopping Easter, at the Northwoods! Hunt for prize eggs in the Northwoods on Saturday, April 8, and Sunday, April 9 for our Social Media Scavenger Hunt.
The Northwoods Easter Bunny has hidden 50 easter eggs throughout the Northwoods trail system, some with prizes inside like Gu, Clif Bloks, SiS energy supplement, Skratch drink mix, AND some with certificates for other prizes like a Gudrun MTB Festival Registration, Northwoods merch, a gift card to Spa City Cycling, and SO MUCH MORE!
How do you win? To claim your prize, snap a photo with your egg in the Northwoods and be sure to tag @northwoodstrails #northwoodstrails in your post. *If you find an egg with a certificate, please email tberry@hotsprings.org to claim your prize! All photos must be posted and tagged on Saturday, April 8th, and Sunday, April 9. One weekend only!
#northwoodstrails #socialmediascavengerhunt #easter #easteregghunt #mtbtrails #mountainbiking #bikehotsprings #visithotsprings

Ozark Mountain Bike Festival
2023-04-07 - 2023-04-09 | Devil’s Den State Park, 11333 West Arkansas Hwy. 74, West Fork, AR, 72774, United States
Devil’s Den State Park has been a haven for mountain bikers for nearly 30 years, and this April is no exception. This weekend (April 7-9, 2017) the park will celebrate its 29th Annual Mountain Bike Festival. Cyclists are always welcome to ride on one of the first mountain bike trails built in the state. However, the festival gives participants an opportunity to go on group rides with like-minded cyclists.
Guided rides will be geared from the beginner rider to the more experienced cyclist. Some of the rides are strictly for fun while others will focus on enhancing your riding skills. The kids are not forgotten; there will be an obstacle course with “skinny’s” and teeter-totters to practice on. Scroll down for the full schedule.
Assistant Park Superintendent, Tim Scott. The Godfather of Arkansas Mountain Biking and organizer of the Ozark Mountain Bike Festival.
Today, you will find mountain bike trails throughout the state, especially in Northwest and Central Arkansas. But the idea for the Ozark Mountain Bike Festival started 32 years ago when mountain bikes were just arriving on the scene in Arkansas state parks. In 1988, park staff traveled to the Fat Tire Festival in Crested Butte, Colorado, to observe the event. Devil’s Den State Park had its first festival in 1989. Basically, the rest is history and Devil’s Den is often considered the birthplace of mountain biking in Arkansas.
The Schedule
Friday, April 7th
7:30 pm FOSSIL FLATS – 16th ANNUAL DEVIL’S DEN STATE PARK NIGHT RIDE. Join NATHAN HUDGENS AND BIG JOHN SANDY for the annual Devil’s Den NIGHT Ride and a ONCE A YEAR experience as the trails normally close at dark! SPEED: Beginner to Intermediate DISTANCE: 6 miles START & END: Fossil Flats Trailhead in Campsite “A” near site 15 NOTE: All riders must have TWO light sources, and please use good judgment if considering taking children.
Saturday, April 8th
9:00 am PEDAL ASSIST GUIDED RIDE. Join MARK PALMER AND THE CARROLL BROTHERS for this inaugural e-bike-only ride. Meet at the Devil’s Race Track Trailhead and Campground parking lot. You will ride the outer loops and return to the campground for a 10 to 12-mile ride. Please remember only class one e-bikes are allowed on park trails and this ride.
9:30 am OORC’s RISH DIV AND JONATHAN SHAVER will lead you on the 2nd annual ride pedaling the new Monument Trails. You will travel the entire outer loop, including the downhill trail Sparky. Scenic and challenging, which makes for an inspirational morning ride. SPEED: Intermediate DISTANCE: 12 miles START: The Devil’s Race Track Trailhead and Campground parking lot. END: Campground A.
10:30 am ANNUAL LADIES RIDE on FOSSIL FLATS – Sorry, bros, but this ride is for the ladies! Join seasoned mountain bikers AMY KNIGHT and ALLIE CORLETT for our Annual Ladies ONLY Ride. Ask questions; these knowledgeable cycling enthusiasts will gladly help you improve your biking skills. SPEED: Beginner to Intermediate DISTANCE: 6 miles START & END: Fossil Flats Trailhead in Campsite “A” near site 15.
11:00 am BEGINNER RIDERS WORKSHOP at FOSSIL FLATS – NICA COACHES HB FINK, STEVE PEREIRA, and BOB CABLE will focus on riders’ basic bike handling skills and ascending/descending while negotiating rugged terrain. You have to be back by 12:30 for the BIG SPLASH. SPEED: Beginner DISTANCE: 4+ miles START & END: Fossil Flats Trailhead in Campsite “A” near site 15.
12:30 LEE CREEK SHENNANIGANS at the LEE CREEK CROSSING – The “BIG SPLASH” is back!! We’ll take a mid-day break with spectator-friendly Mountain Bike competitions featuring the Lee Creek Water Crossing, including a “Cannonball” big splash contest! A costume will get you extra points.
Riding the Devil’s Racetrack Trail.
1:30 pm. NEW TRAIL, OLD TRAIL. JOIN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS LAND TRUST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GRADY SPANN and ARKANSAS OUTSIDE EDITOR JOE JACOBS on a mountain bike ride consisting of the new Monument Trails and historic Fossil Flats. This ride will include the Gold Brick, Devil’s Race Track, Dollar-A-Day, and Racer’s Hill. SPEED: Beginner+ to intermediate DISTANCE: 7 miles START& END: Fossil Flats Trailhead Area A.
2:00 pm KIDS SKILLS CLINIC– Develop your cycling skills with CRYSTAL AND KEVIN COX PLUS NATHAN HUDGENS on our beginner-friendly obstacle course with skinnies, teeter-totters, and most importantly, a guided ride! START & END: Campsite “A” near site 14. Be sure to thank the CARROLL BROTHERS for the toys.
2:30 pm INTERMEDIATE GROUP RIDE at FOSSIL FLATS– Join JONATHAN SEBRING and BOB CABLE for this brisk group ride on portions of Hwy. 74, the Historic Butterfield Hiking Trail and Fossil Flats, including the day’s longest descent, ascent, and mileage SPEED: Intermediate DISTANCE: 15 miles START & END: Fossil Flats Trailhead in Campsite “A” near site 15.
Crossing Lee Creek.
4:00 pm “THE HALL/WEST MEMORIAL” POKER RUN at FOSSIL FLATS TRAIL – Join NICK BIONDI, REBEKAH MANN, THOMAS, and EMILY BESHEARS, CHRISTIAN JOHNSON, CALLIE STOLTZFUS, and young ELLIOTT and OLIVER JOHNSON as we conclude the day’s search for The White Squirrel on this family-friendly ride to four different stops, collecting cards to build a poker hand. The poker run is in honor of these two members of the mountain bike community that left us in 2019. So take your cards to the Cookout at 7 pm, where the best hands will win sweet swag! SPEED: Novice DISTANCE: 3 miles START & END: Fossil Flats Trailhead in Campsite “A” near site 15.
7:00 pm The 34th ANNUAL OZARK MOUNTAIN BIKE FESTIVAL COOKOUT at the LEE CREEK PAVILION Hosted by DEVIL’S DEN STATE PARK – Celebrate the 34th annual mountain bike festival with longtime CHEF DARRELL COX cooking chicken on the grill–thanks to DAVID VANSANDT and SIMMONS for the food donation. As always, we will make ice cream. So bring your cards from the poker run to claim your swag! ALSO, you will have the chance to participate in the infamous BIKE TOSS!!!
Sunday, April 9th
10:00 am LAKE FORT SMITH STATE PARK. Meet PARK RANGER, SHAWN GRIFFITH, in the Visitor’s Center parking lot for a 12-mile moderate-pace ride and an excellent chance to explore the park’s mountain bike trails.
REMEMBER: The Monument Trails have some challenging areas, and Fossil Flats terrain is rolling and rocky with two potential creek crossings – Rides are considered “No Drop” unless noted – Please choose rides within your limitations.
Helmets are REQUIRED for all participants – Please yield to foot and horse traffic – If you leave a group ride, tell the guide, and THANK YOUR GUIDE!
Are you looking for coffee Saturday morning? Arkie Outdoors will have samples of his java Saturday morning in Area A.
AND… MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE NW ARKANSAS MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIPS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH…
Ozark Mountain Bike Festival

Expedition Ozark
2023-04-03 - 2023-04-08
Choice of 8 hour or 5 days races.

A professional, AR World Series, expedition adventure race course set in the stunning Ozark Mountains

A fully supported event – no support crews required. Bikes and equipment boxes will be moved by our logistics team to race transitions managed by race volunteers

A spacious and well-equipped race HQ in Bentonville (bag storage will be possible during the race)

Two nights’ accommodation prior to the race, and one or two nights at the finish (depending on finish time)

Airport transfers – Fayetteville Northwest Arkansas (XNA) is an 8 mile/5 km trip (Dallas Airport (5.5 hours) will be arranged if there is demand)

A post-race festival and awards ceremony with the community in Bentonville, including food, music and other festivities

Two sets of race maps per team (waterproof)

Any equipment required for activities and ‘surprise challenges’. (everything except pack rafts and gear boxes included)

Support from our race safety and medical team

Custom designed Expedition Ozark race bibs (yours to keep)

Race garments and swag (shirts, buffs, local products etc)

Finisher gift

Live online tracking, professional photography, video and extensive media coverage for friends, family and sponsors to follow (photos will be freely available to teams after the race)

$20,000 in prize money

The winning team receives a free entry to the 2023 race

A fair and competitive event, adopting ARWS rules and refereeing standards

Iron Mountain XC
2023-04-02 08:00 - 17:00 | Iron Mountain MTB Trailhead – Corps Road, Iron Mountain Trial Corp Rd, Arkadelphia, AR, 71923, United States
The Iron Mountain XC is an AMBCS (Arkansas Mountain Bike Championship Series) mountain bike race contested on the lengendary trail system of Iron Mountain which is located on DeGray Lake just outside of Caddo Valley, Arkansas. This is a USA Cycling-sanctioned race and there are categories for all ages and levels. An annual licenses is required to race in the Cat 1 category. All others can race on a one-day license. NOTE: the Novice category entry fee includes the one-day license fee which is $10.
Chip timing, event t-shirt, post-race food and beverages (adult and youth), and awards are part of this great day of racing.
Also, check out the Iron Mountain Legend trail runs on Saturday, April 1 to make it a great weekend of soft trail competition.

Styx & Stones Trail Races
2023-04-02 | Devil’s Den State Park, 11333 West Arkansas Hwy. 74, West Fork, AR, 72774, United States
Event Overview:
Join us this spring at Devil’s Den State Park, an Arkansas icon nestled in the Lee Creek Valley, for the Styx & Stones Trail Races. Both the Full and Half Marathon race distances will explore the beautiful new Monument Trail system, Butterfield Hiking Trail, Devil’s Den’s unique rock formations and rock gardens, and given the time of yearâ€¦you may experience running under a seasonal waterfall! The longer the distance, the greater the rewards including creek crossings, big climbs, and more remote technical running that Styx & Stones is so well known for. This year, the event will be free, but we ask that you make a minimum donation of $20 to cover our costs and support the benefiting groups.
Event Background:
From it’s inception with Mark Den Herder as RD, Styx & Stones has been about celebrating the trail community and giving back; donating 100% of any race proceeds to support the West Fork XC team. We will continue to honor and expand that tradition in 2023. With the help of our sponsors and your donations, our goal is that 100% will be donated to support the West Fork XC teams, Friends of Devil’s Den, and Ozark Offroad Cyclists, who build and maintain most of our Ozark trails.

Hazel Valley Rally – Rule of 3 Gravel Experience
2023-04-01 10:00 - 17:00 | Hazel Valley Ranch, 16330 Olive Rd, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, United States
April 1st, 2023 we’ll gather together at Hazel Valley Ranch in Fayetteville and head out for some beautiful miles on NWA gravel. Expect routes of 45 and 64 miles in the Ozark National Forest. Afterward we’ll convene back together at the ranch for Bike Rack Brewery beer, food from our friends Devin Cole and Chamois Butt’r with stories shared by the fire.
NEW for 2023: This will be a timed event. Podiums at the after-party!
Two routes to choose from: 63.3 miles + 7,566 ft of elevation gain AND
44.52 miles + 4,285 ft of elevation gain
Please note: The courses will NOT be marked. The routes will be sent the week of the race. You must have a GPS computer or directions written down to navigate.
Aid Stations: The Meteor Cafe and OZ Cycling Tours will head up aid stations on the course. A SAG vehicle will also be provided by OZ Cycling Tours.
No refunds but you can transfer by MARCH 10th, 2023. In the event that the Hazel Vally Rally 2023 cannot occur due to unforeseen circumstances, you can defer to 2024 or receive a 50% refund.
Every registration enters you into a drawing to win a Kuat Transfer v2 2bike rack. Kuat will ship the winner the rack before race day to help you get to the race. Thanks, Kuat!
For information on the best places to stay, eat and explore near Hazel Valley Ranch, head to www.experiencefayetteville.com for all the info.
This event is supported by the Ozark Outdoor Foundation and Experience Fayetteville.

Talimena 13.1 Run & Relay
2023-04-01 08:30 - 15:00 | Downtown Mena – Church & DeQueen, Church & DeQueen, Mena, AR, 71953, United States
Free t-shirt to first 150 registrants. Please note your size on the Registration form. Don’t forget to order additional t-shirts (above) for your family and friends!
4-Person Relay Participants: You will NOT sign up individually. Your team leader should have all information available and register each person on the team at the same time
13-Person Relay Participants: You will NOT sign up individually. Your team leader should have all information available and register each person on the team at the same time.
Packet pickup will be Saturday, March 21 from 7:00am-8:15am at Janssen Park (starting line).
Visit our website for more information about this beautiful run up the Talimena Scenic Drive!
http://www.talimenarunandrelay.com

Hoof it For Heifer
2023-04-01 08:00 - 14:00 | Petit Jean State Park – Petit Jean Mountain Road & Red Bluff Drive, Petit Jean Mountain Road & Red Bluff Drive, Morrilton, AR, 72110, United States
Hoof it For Heifer is a 20k trail run on the Boy Scouts of America Trail in Petit Jean State Park near Morrilton, AR. On this trail, you will pass through many of the diverse plant and animal habitats on Petit Jean Mountain – from the lush vegetation of Cedar Creek Canyon to the desert-like conditions of Seven Hollows. All are represented on this trail. The trail is technical and beautiful.
This is the 10th edition of Hoof it for Heifer, and this race has raised more than $60,000 for Heifer to date. All of the net proceeds from Hoof it for Heifer are given to Heifer International. Heifer International’s mission is to end world hunger while saving the earth. Heifer has worked in 125 different countries. For more information about Heifer International go to: www.heifer.org.
If you would like to volunteer to help us host this event, or if you are bringing a loved one that would like to help, please register to volunteer. There will be 2 aid stations, 2 road crossings, and a start/finish area that will all need volunteers.
Check-in will be from 6 AM to 7:45 AM before the race.
Register now! This race has sold out for the last few years, and the price increases are designed to encourage you to sign up soon. The capacity is 215 runners.
Course Description
This course is on extremely technical terrain, and there are about 2000 vertical feet of gain. Although your watch may log a little less than 12 miles in the race, it will feel more like 16 miles. The first ¾ of a mile is on relatively flat and open terrain. This will allow runners to space themselves out before hopping on the single track. The first aid station comes at the 4.8 mile mark after a 300-foot climb out of the Blue Hole crossing. The second at station comes at the 9.3-mile mark after you complete the 7 Hollows Trail. You will cross a bridge 0.5 miles from the finish line. This is the time to turn on your afterburners and have a strong finish! You will finish at the same place you started.
The trails are mostly single-track, and passing runners may be hazardous. Please be courteous to one another and offer to let others by as they come up behind you. Also, announce yourself as you approach hikers or other runners to let them know your there with a friendly “on your left” or “good morning”. We are all just out here to have fun and enjoy one another’s company!
Aid Stations
This is a cupless event! Remember Heifer’s mission is to end hunger while saving the earth. We plan to demonstrate this on a much smaller scale by providing you with much-needed nutrition and eliminating excess waste. Please plan to bring your own collapsible cup or water bottle to fill at the aid stations. Aid stations will be at the 4.8-mile mark, the 9.3-mile mark, and at the finish (~12 miles).
Finish Line
As in previous editions of Hoof it for Heifer, you will receive a finisher medal as you cross the finish line, and we will have refreshments and food to help you recover. We recognize the top 3 overall male, top 3 overall female, top master (40+) male, top master female, top senior (60+) male, and top senior female.
Cancellation / Refund
If you registered but find out that you cannot run, please let us know so that we can make your spot available for someone else. If you cancel before March 15, you may receive a 50% refund, or you may choose to defer to next year for a 75% credit toward next year’s race.
We are also allowing bib transfers through Ultrasignup this year. Ultrasignup provides you a link to edit your registration. There you can choose to transfer your bib to someone else by providing their name & email. The deadline for this is Tuesday before race day.
Sponsors Welcome!
If your business would like to sponsor Hoof it for Heifer this year, please reach out to the race directors by clicking the “ask a question” button on the right side of the page. The tiers for sponsorship follow:
$150 – Heifer Level Sponsor
$500 – The Ark Level Sponsor
$1500 – Presenting Sponsor
Thank You Wanda!
Wanda Eason started this race and directed Hoof it for Heifer from its inception in 2012 through 2021. Her core group of volunteers poured their lives into making this a truly meaningful event. Despite passing the race directing responsibilities on, she still comes back to volunteer at the finish line! Your new co-race directors starting in 2022 are Carrie Satterfield and Shane Poland.

Capital City Classic 10K
2023-04-01 07:30 - 12:00 | Downtown Little Rock – Broadway & Markhan, Broadway & Markham, Little Rock, AR, 72201, United States
Once the largest road race in Arkansas, the Capital City Classic 10K is back on its way to the top. This is a point-to-point race through downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock. The 2023 race is part of the Arkansas Grand Prix Series.
More information about the race can be found at https://www.littlerockroadrunners.com/our-races/capital-city-classic-10k/.

Iron Mountain Legend
2023-04-01 07:00 - 16:00 | Iron Mountain Marina, 134 Iron Mountain Marina Drive, Arkadelphia, AR, 71923, United States
Iron Mountain Legend trail run is held on the epic trails of Iron Mountain just outside Caddo Valley on DeGray Lake. With 10K, 28K, and 42K options…there is something for everyone. Post-race food and drink, plus a unique finisher medal will make it a day to remember. The start/finish line will be at the Iron Mountain Lodge & Marina. On-course aid stations with lots of tasty treats to keep you fueled for a day in the Ouachita Mountains.
A long-sleeve ringspun cotton shirt comes with entry, but a person can choose no shirt and save $5 or upgrade to a fleece hoodie for $15.

The Sandtown Shuffle
2023-03-25 09:00 - 14:00 | Sandtown, 1355 Skyview Ln, Batesville, AR, 72501, United States
The Sandtown Shuffle is an experience in rural Arkansas that will include 2 days of challenging gravel rides, live music, and food.
Route Description:
Both routes will depart from the Pool’s Chapel church and travel 5 miles of Sandtown Rd. (chip seal) before transitioning to gravel. These routes have a nice mix of sandy, rocky, smooth, and raunchy gravel. There are various low-water bridges on the routes. So, depending on water levels on race day, your feet may get wet!
Elevation: These routes average just under 1000 feet of climbing every 10 miles! The hills are rolling and consistent!
Saturday: 3/25- The Sandtown Shuffle
Option 1:
30mi-Big T loop –
Half of the battle, but a whole lot of fun!
Re-supply mile: 16.5.
Option 2:
63mi-Big T & Sidney Shakeout loop-
This route splits from the Big T loop at mile 16.5 (aid) and heads north to enjoy the Sidney Shakeout loop. It has a resupply at mile 41.5. The roads on the shakeout loop are the fastest gravel that will be encountered on the route! Throwdown!
Sunday- 3/26
Dirt Church/Guion run
Complete self-supported ride from Sandtown to Guion, AR
More details to come!
Race- All distances are open to being raced. If you choose to submit a GPS file for your effort after your ride we will record, verify, and log it into our files. There will be Strava Segments available on both routes up for grabs, signs will mark the start of each segment.
Course Markings:
Small Signs will be present throughout the routes on Saturday; however, we strongly recommend having cue sheets or GPS devices. These routes have ALOT of turns, and plenty of opportunities to get lost! Be prepared!
Aid and Support:
Phone Service can be spotty on the routes. Support/support line will be available; however, we ask all participants to be self-supported as possible. We understand that things happen!
Support vehicles will also be on the courses. These are all run by volunteers, and they are there to help you.
Registration
Registration is available online until the night before the event.
Day of registration available, however, t-shirt not guaranteed.
All riders must have a waiver on file
Start Information/Headquarters
Pool’s Chapel Church in Sandtown, AR
Check in- before 8:00 a.m.
All riders must check in before the start, at the 16.5mi aid station, and at the finish.
Food/Drink/Entertainment:
Pancakes and Coffee will be served from 6:30-8 am
Lunch and dinner TBA
Rockin’ Luke Stroud – Jammin Jerry Lee Lewis Classics at 3pm
General Vital Info
All riders must wear a helmet.
All riders must check in prior to the start, and after the finish, and have a waiver on file.
Weather
Arkansas weather is unpredictable. The average high at the beginning of March is 70 degrees while the average low is 48 degrees. Anything could happen! To accommodate our riders, our support team will collect gear (either at a support stop or a support vehicle) and leave it at the Dirt Church for pick up upon completion of the ride. This gear check is available as a courtesy to all riders. In the event of a weather emergency, all riders should take cover immediately. Aid stations will serve as communication points for riders and SAG drivers will aid riders if any severe weather arises.
Accommodations:
Pools Chapel Church AKA Dirt Church
This is a redundant church that is privately owned by members of the Sandtown community. The church was built in 1953 and is one of the two original buildings left standing in our small town. There are zero operating businesses in Sandtown, so plan accordingly. Cave City, Cushman, and Mt. Pleasant will be the closest open businesses with food and beverage options.
Lodging Options:
1) Roughly 15 miles south of Sandtown, Batesville has various hotels and AirBNB’s available.
2) Camping: On site, camping spots will be available.
The church will act as a safe haven in the event of a storm/weather. First, come, spots will be available in the church for camping. It will be open all weekend to host you!
A firepit will be on site to enjoy as well!
Feel Free to reach out for more info!
History
Sandtown is an unincorporated mining town that started around 1886 with 7 “dig” sites stretching 5 miles to the small town of Cushman. The Sandtown Shuffle is a grassroots gravel event that centers on the rural unincorporated community located on Sandtown Road. Sandtown is five and a half miles west-southwest of Cave City (Sharp and Independence counties) and about nine and a half miles north of Batesville (Independence County). Local historians believe the settlement’s name comes from the white sand (or silica) found on the sandbar at the confluence of Sullivan Creek and Dry Creek in Sandtown.
In the late 1800s Manganese was discovered and started to be mined in the Sandtown area and went on to boom in the 50s when the federal government initiated a policy to stockpile the Manganese.
The sandy soil in the area is known to grow the “World’s Sweetest Watermelons” in the small neighboring town of Cave City.
This road used to be the route that the “mine” sights would use to transfer their iron ore to the White River in Guion via railroad!
Cause-
Rural Innovations Group is dedicated to promoting and preserving local, small communities. The goal is to create and host outdoor, health, and wellness events in local communities that showcase their unique heritage and history and develop avenues for boosting local economies. Sandtown

Beer & Bagel Run
2023-03-25 09:00 - 12:00 | War Eagle Mill, 11036 High Sky Inn Road, War Eagle, AR, 72738, United States
The BEER & BAGEL OFF-ROAD RACE SERIES is coming back to Northwest Arkansas for 2023. We are excited to be back at the War Eagle Mill east of Rogers, Arkansas. This is a favorite event for runners throughout the area, who come each year for a challenging trail run with a fantastic post-race party. Oh yes! We can’t forget our legendary shirts with either “I’m a Drinker with a Running Problem” OR “I’m a Root Beer Drinker with a Running Problem” printed across the back.

Ouachita Challenge
2023-03-25 - 2023-03-26 | Oden School, Oden Schools, Oden, AR, 71961, United States
The Ouachita Challenge Race Association has been working hard behind the scenes to bring you a fun and safe 2023 Ouachita Challenge. We are in the final stages of getting our permits and approvals for the event. The OC must still follow state and local guidelines. Check the OC Facebook page for any changes or updates.
There are a couple of changes for this year’s OC. The biggest change is a Saturday Gravel Grinder. The gravel course will be using some of the same roads the tour course used, roads that are parallel to the trails, and the same aid stations. The Gravel Grinder will be 100k in distance. Map coming soon.
The Sunday Mountain Bike Race will remain the same.
We also have a category for those daring enough to sign up for both days.
The waitlist will be on the Ouachita Challenge FaceBook page this year instead of the bulletin board.
We are still having breakfast each morning as well as Saturday night dinner. We will be able to seat 19 family groups in the school cafeteria at a time and will have some outdoor seating as well.
Riders will still be able to sleep in the gym and it will be and will be set up to keep safe distancing from each other. Tent camping will still be allowed on the school grounds but safe distancing needs to be maintained.
