Little Rock, AR – Under skies likely typical for an Arkansas spring day, runners tackled the challenging and scenic Ouachita Trail 50 this past Saturday, April 12, 2025. The event, a staple in the Arkansas ultra-running community organized by the Arkansas Ultra Running Association (AURA), featured 50-kilometer and 50-mile endurance races. Below are the top Ouachita Trail 50 2025 results.
The courses, starting from Maumelle Park, led participants through Pinnacle Mountain State Park and onto the eastern sections of the rugged Ouachita National Recreation Trail. Runners navigated scenic, rocky, single-track paths, including a significant climb over Pinnacle Mountain and rolling hills along the picturesque north shore of Lake Maumelle. As one of the oldest AURA events, the race continues its tradition of providing a demanding yet rewarding experience, with proceeds benefiting Pinnacle Mountain State Park and the Central Arkansas Trails Alliance.
Ideal weather conditions greeted runners for the race. Participants enjoyed clear, sunny skies throughout the event. Temperatures were cool for the early morning start, before warming comfortably into the upper 60s or low 70s with light winds during the day, providing near-perfect conditions for tackling the challenging course
50 Kilometer Race
In the 50k distance, local athletes swept the top spots. Matt Pruitt of Little Rock claimed the overall victory, finishing the demanding course in an impressive 4 hours, 41 minutes, and 37 seconds. The women’s title went to fellow Little Rock resident Meghan Lewis, who crossed the line in 5 hours, 31 minutes, and 24 seconds, securing a remarkable 5th place overall.
- Men’s 50k Top 3:
- Matt Pruitt (Little Rock, AR) – 4:41:37
- Tim Stachowski (Memphis, TN) – 4:56:19
- Trevor Kemp (Kansas City, MO) – 5:17:43
- Women’s 50k Top 3:
- Meghan Lewis (Little Rock, AR) – 5:31:24 (5th Overall)
- McKensie Hopkins (Lead Hill, AR) – 6:05:45 (8th Overall)
- Lindsy Kemp (Donaldson, AR) – 6:33:15 (16th Overall)
50 Mile Race
The challenging 50-mile race saw Kenny Garner from Bryant, Arkansas, take the overall win with a commanding time of 8 hours, 21 minutes, and 37 seconds. In another strong performance for Arkansas runners, Sam Pruitt of Little Rock secured the women’s victory and an outstanding 4th place overall finish, completing the course in 9 hours, 12 minutes, and 15 seconds.
- Men’s 50 Mile Top 3:
- Kenny Garner (Bryant, AR) – 8:21:37
- Stan Ferguson (Maumelle, AR) – 9:03:32
- Clay Kopplin (Sioux Falls, SD) – 9:11:21
- Women’s 50 Mile Top 3:
- Sam Pruitt (Little Rock, AR) – 9:12:15 (4th Overall)
- Erika Ashley (Conway, AR) – 10:15:59 (8th Overall)
- Carmen Cheadle (Witter, AR) – 10:59:49 (12th Overall)
Competitors came from as far away as Alaska and South Dakota. Finishers were rewarded not only with the satisfaction of completing the grueling course but also with finisher awards and a post-race meal. Congratulations to all the participants who took on the Ouachita Trail 50!
Click for Full Ouachita Trail 50 2025 Results.
The next race in the Ultra Trail Series is the Mount Magazine Trail Run, don’t miss this classic mountain run with some of the best views in the state.
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!
