The Northwoods Mullet Trail Run & Beaver Bash presented by Superior Bathhouse Brewery cemented its place as a premier Arkansas trail running event this past weekend. The third edition of the race saw a remarkable year-over-year increase, doubling its registration from 2023 with a total of 239 participants.
This year’s race welcomed runners from eight states and even a participant from Sweden, showcasing the event’s growing appeal. The scenic Northwoods trails teemed with activity as 169 runners tackled the 10k course and 70 runners braved the 25k challenge. Both distances offered a mix of technical singletrack, rolling hills, flowing descents, and shaded sections of double track, providing a true test for runners of all skill levels.
Innovation was afoot at this year’s Mullet, with the introduction of a dog-friendly division. Ten slots were opened for runners and their canine companions in both the 10k and 25k races, a rarity in the Arkansas trail running scene. The demand for these spots was overwhelming, particularly for the 10k. Organizers were presented with poems and photos showcasing the enthusiasm of aspiring dog-human running duos. Two particularly creative submissions stood out, earning their furry companions a coveted spot on the starting line.
The Northwoods Mullet’s reputation continues to soar. Having been voted #6 in Arkansas Outside’s top 15 trail runs in Arkansas last year, just after its second year, the race is quickly establishing itself among the state’s best. The combination of challenging climbs, breathtaking views, and a lively post-race party featuring live music, food, and drinks from Superior Bathhouse Brewery creates the perfect recipe for a memorable spring fling.
Adding to the lighthearted atmosphere is the event’s signature embrace of mullets (business in the front, party in the back) and fullets (fake mullets). Participants donned their most impressive mullets, competing for a range of fun awards – Best Mullet, Best Fullet, and more. The dedication to the theme extended to the organizers themselves, with Rose, owner of Superior Bathhouse Brewery, and Traci Berry, Northwoods Trail Coordinator, sporting custom-styled mullets created by local stylist Bethannie Newsom Steelman. The Northwoods Mullet Trail Run & Beaver Bash is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and a love for the outdoors.
“I think, even after opening our Northwoods Trails almost six years ago, people are still learning that they are open to hiking and running, not just mountain biking. It’s exciting to see a trail-running event have this much success,” notes Berry, “and we wouldn’t enjoy this success without the work of the Mullet Race Board, who created the courses and stage the event every year, Becka Gartner, Kim McAllister, and Susan and Steve Adkison, all from the Spa Pacers Running Club. Our volunteers and sponsors have been key too, and reflect our amazing community and awesome supporters.”
The Mullet Trail Run & Beaver Bash sponsors include Superior Bathhouse Brewery as presenting sponsor, Harrison Construction as the food and live music sponsor, Run Stop and Trail Mix, along with Rave Grafix, Charlie Sellers Heat and Air, Parkside Cycle, Phoebe n Friends, Campbell Electric, Arpro Painting, Earth Designs Hardscape Professionals, and the Trail Advocacy Coalition of the Ouachitas (TACO), as well as Relyance Bank, Garland County Arkansas, the Spa Pacers Running Club, and Visit Hot Springs and Northwoods Trails.
The 2025 event will be held Saturday, May 10th, back for our fourth year and better than ever. New for 2025, the Mullet Race Board is excited to announce, with the Arkansas Ultrarunning Association (AURA), that the Mullet Trail Run & Beaver Bash will be part of the 2024-2025 AURA Ultra Trail Lite Series.
“We strive to include fun, well-established events that serve both the purpose of trail running in our state’s natural areas and to raise funds for those areas,” says Stacey Shaver, AURA President, “we love to see the addition of such trail events, and I know our runners will enjoy the Mullet run for years to come. We look forward to working with them in the future.”
You can find results and photos from this year’s event at https://runsignup.com/Race/AR/HotSprings/NorthwoodsMulletTrailRun
Link to the 2024-25 AURA UTS (Ultra Trail Series). https://www.runarkansas.com/UTSraces25.htm
