HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, Arkansas — Trail runners and their four-legged friends, get ready—because the Fourth Northwoods Mullet Trail Run is back on May 10, and this year, it’s bigger than ever. The race has officially been added to the Arkansas UltraRunning Association (AURA) Ultra Trail Series Lite calendar, making it the grand finale of the 2024-25 season.
And for those wondering, dogs are still welcome to race alongside their humans.
Known as the Northwoods Mullet, this race draws runners from across the state to the award-winning Northwoods Trail system, often ranked among the best in the South. Participants can choose between 25K and 10K distances, and their canine companions can join the Dogs Division of each race. But there’s a catch—only 10 dogs per division are allowed, so anyone wanting to race with their pup should register ASAP at https://runsignup.com/Race/AR/HotSprings/NorthwoodsMulletTrailRun.

A Race with a Party Built-In
The fun kicks off at Cedar Glades Park with the 25K and 25K Dog Division races at 8 a.m., followed by the 10K and 10K Dog Division at 9 a.m. After the race, the Beaver Bash afterparty cranks up from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring live music, food, and beverages. Not a runner? No problem. The Beaver Bash welcomes party-only attendees for a $10 fee—because sometimes, skipping straight to the celebration is the way to go.

Packet Pickup and Registration
Packet pickup for the Hot Springs Northwoods Mullet Trail Run begins at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 9, with the location yet to be announced. On race day, registrants can pick up their packets at Cedar Glades Park from 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. for the 25K and until 8:45 a.m. for the 10K.

Race Officials Weigh In
Excitement is high among organizers and race partners.
“We’re pleased to be partnering with the Spa Pacers for the Fourth Northwoods Mullet and even more excited to be included in the AURA Ultra Trail Series Lite for the first time,” said Northwoods Trails Coordinator Traci Berry. “Arkansas has a wealth of great trail running events, and AURA’s choosing the Mullet Run for the UTS Lite speaks to the quality of our event. Come for the run, stay for the party. Don’t hesitate—get registered today.”
Spa City Pacers Board Member Steve Adkison echoed that sentiment:
“For its fourth go-round, the Mullet Run and Beaver Bash continues the buzz generated over the past three years, partnering with the Arkansas UltraRunning Association to welcome AURA runners from across the state to Hot Springs’ award-winning Northwoods trail systems. Between our stellar Mullet Run courses and the post-run party, we’ve got everything needed for a fine spring-fling celebration. Visit Hot Springs’ Northwoods Trails crew and the Spa Pacers will take care of you—come join us for a great run and an even better party.”
AURA President Stacey Shaver-Matson highlighted the race’s contribution to the trail-running community.
“We are delighted to have the Mullet Run in our 2024-2025 AURA Ultra Trail Lite Series. AURA works hard to include fun, well-established events that serve both the purpose of trail running in one of our state’s natural areas and raising funds for those natural spaces. We love to see the addition of trail events that are either improving Arkansas trails, protecting them, or both. I know our runners will enjoy the Mullet Run for years to come, and we look forward to working with them in the future.”
Berry added that enthusiasm for the event continues to grow:
“The Mullet was voted Number 6 in the 2023 Top 15 Arkansas Trail Runs by Arkansas Outside readers in just our second year. That says a lot, with so many great trail races taking place around the state.
“The foot race routes will take runners past amazing views of the three lakes that are such a great part of Northwoods’ attraction and through beautiful pine groves. The route will give them just enough elevation gain to feel a challenge. And afterward, they can enjoy the Beaver Bash party. It’s a trail running event you don’t want to miss.”
So whether you’re lacing up your running shoes or just grabbing a beer at the Beaver Bash, the Northwoods Mullet promises a race—and a party—you won’t forget.
