HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, Arkansas – The Northwoods Trail System in Hot Springs will be the stage for two exciting mountain bike events on April 12th and 13th: the Wildcat Marathon and the Northwoods Enduro, part of the Southern Enduro Tour.
The Wildcat Marathon, scheduled for Saturday, April 12th, will challenge riders on a demanding course featuring fast single-track, challenging climbs, and a mix of terrain.
“We’re thrilled to host the Wildcat Marathon and the final race of the Southern Enduro Tour here in Hot Springs,” said Traci Berry, Trails Coordinator for Visit Hot Springs. “The Northwoods Enduro attracts riders from across the country with its unique blend of technical challenges and rewarding descents. This event will showcase the incredible riding opportunities we offer.”
The Wildcat Marathon, encompassing the Cedar Glades and Northwoods trails, will offer both full and half-marathon distances.
- Full Marathon: Approximately 50 miles.
- Half-Marathon (Mildcat): Approximately 25 miles.

A pre-race course map with detailed lap information will be provided to all registered participants the week before the event.
The race will feature a mass start, with a short initial lap followed by two full laps for the marathon and one full lap for the half-marathon.
The following day, April 13th, the Northwoods Enduro will take center stage as the culminating event of the Southern Enduro Tour, a series encompassing races in Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma.
“The Southern Enduro Tour offers a diverse range of terrain throughout the Midwest, providing a challenging and rewarding experience for mountain bikers of all levels,” said Berry.

The Hot Springs Enduro is rated as follows:
- Skill: 7 (out of 10)
- Fitness: 8 (out of 10)
- Gnar: 7 (out of 10)
“Gnar,” in mountain biking terminology, refers to challenging sections of trail with rocks, roots, and steep drops.
The Enduro will be a one-day event with up to seven stages. While pre-riding is encouraged, most will likely occur on Friday and after the Wildcat Marathon on Saturday.
All riders, regardless of age or category, will tackle the same course and stages. “B-line” options will be available for more difficult sections, allowing riders to choose a less challenging route if desired.
Registration for both events is now open:
- Wildcat Marathon: https://www.bikereg.com/wildcatmarathon
- Northwoods Enduro: https://www.bikereg.com/northwoods-enduro
All photos are 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!