Arkansas is located in the Southwestern part of the USA. A trip here is a great opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city to admire the magnificent southern nature of America while participating in races in Arkansas.
There are 59 national parks in the state that are open to tourists. Mountains and hills, rivers, natural and artificial lakes, green valleys and plains – there is a little something here for every taste. Visitors are always welcome in Arkansas, and local authorities do everything possible to create the best conditions for recreation.
5K Races in Arkansas
1. ARK 5K Classic
Sep 3, 2022 – Saturday
5K run
North Little Rock, AR
The 41st Annual ARK 5K Classic will be held on September 3, 2022. The race is hosted by Arkansas Running Klub, a non-profit organization of runners of all ages and backgrounds who share an interest in fitness and health. The club promotes these interests in the Central Arkansas community with regular meetings, training runs, and races.
On race day, there will be a registration fee of $25.00.
Top 3 Male and Female. Top 3 Masters (40 +) Male and Female. The top 3 Wheelchair Finishers and the first in age groups will receive awards.
2. Hurts Donut Glow Run – Little Rock
Sep 9, 2022 – Friday
5K run
North Little Rock, AR
The Hurts Donut Glow Run – Little Rock will be held on September 9, 2022. The 5k course is suitable for all ages and abilities. Run, walk, or even dance through the race.
Runners will receive a ticket for a tasty donut “trophy” from the local Hurts Donut to enjoy after the run! The event is “Glo” and is held in the evening, so wear all your glow accessories! It is a fun Little Rock AR 5k, so don’t miss a chance!
The registration fee includes a race t-shirt, a finisher medal, and a ticket for a Hurts Donut!
3. Celebration In The Sky 5K
Harrison, AR
Sep 10, 2022 – Saturday
5K, 2K run
Harrison, AR
The 10th Celebration In The Sky will be held on September 10, 2022. The race starts in the morning with a 5K and Fun Run/Walk at 9:00 am, followed by a 2K for children at 11:30!
The run will be located at 202 Old Stonewall Road, Harrison, AR 72601.
All proceeds will benefit Grandma’s House CAC and child abuse victims.
10K Races in Arkansas
4. Get Downtown 10K/5K
Sep 17, 2022 – Saturday
10K, 5K run | kids run
Paragould, AR
The Get Downtown 10k will be held on September 17, 2022. The festival includes a 10k, 5k, Kids Fun Run & Doggie Dash.
The 10k and 5k are located on the brand new 8 Mile Creek Trail in Paragould, Arkansas.
After the race will be a Block Party and a race packet pick-up opportunity. If you sign up before August 1st, you will receive a Get Downtown Festival t-shirt.
The 10K course starts at 1812 Pizza Company at 8 am and returns to the same point. The registration fee is $30.
5. Springdale Downtown Runaround
Sep 24, 2022 – Saturday
10K, 5K, 1M run
Springdale, AR
The Springdale Downtown Runaround will be held on September 24, 2022. All proceeds from the run will benefit the top 3 Springdale elementary or middle schools PE programs with the most participants!
All participants 15 and under will “pay your age” to enter the race. All finishers will receive a medal.
You need to select your school at registration to be included in the participation prize. Anyone can register for the school they would like to represent: parents, teachers, friends, siblings, etc.
There will be prize money: 1st place – $1000, 2nd place – $500, 3rd place – $250
6. Flour Power Run
Also Known As King Biscuit Blues Festival 5K
Oct 8, 2022 – Saturday
10K, 5K, 1M run
Helena, AR
The Flour Power Run will be held on October 8, 2022, in conjunction with the King Biscuit Blues Festival in memory of Kenneth Freemyer. Enjoy a weekend of the river, the race, and the blues.
You will run along the amazing Mississippi River and through historic downtown Helena.
Kenneth Freemyer was the Race Director of this 5K since 1996. He was an experienced athlete who had run 24 marathons, as well as this 5K, and other races. Kenneth was killed suddenly in a car accident in May of 2000. He had qualified for the Boston Marathon just before his death. This event remembers his contributions.
Arkansas Half Marathons
7. Heart & Sole Marathon
Sep 24, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M, 5K run
Jonesboro, AR
The Heart & Sole Marathon will be held on September 24, 2022, and is a Boston Qualifier. The Half Maraton, 10K, and 5K are USTAF-certified courses with rolling hills and flat areas.
The route will be marked and will have lots of volunteers. There will be aid stations with water and food all along the courses.
The half marathon will have a 3 and half hour time limit, which is 16-minute per mile.
8. Arkansas Marathon
Oct 8, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M, 10K, 5K run
Booneville, AR
The 54th Annual Arkansas Marathon will be held on October 8, 2022, and is one of the oldest marathons in the South. The Arkansas Marathon is a Boston Qualifier.
The run is not crowded, parking is easy, and you will see the scenic views! The course goes along the northern boundary of the Ouachita National Forest and is an out-and-back route.
9. Midsouth Championship Marathon
Nov 5, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M, 5K run
Wynne, AR
The Midsouth Championship Marathon will be held on November 5, 2022, and is a Boston Qualifier. The course goes along scenic rural American country, and you will also enjoy the fall colors of Crowley’s Ridge.
The run is out-and-back, winding through part of the historic district and continuing through fields.
There will be aid stations approximately every mile! The post-race will include a BBQ for all finishers and their families.
Arkansas Marathons
10. White River Marathon for Kenya
Nov 19, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M, 5K run
Cotter, AR
The White River Marathon for Kenya will be held on November 19, 2022, and is a Boston Qualifier. It will be a fast and flat course along the White River!
You will find a family-friendly atmosphere! The after-race party will include a pasta dinner.
11. Little Rock Marathon Weekend
Mar 4, 2023 – Saturday
10K, 5K run
Mar 5, 2023 – Sunday
26.2M, 13.1M run | kids run
Little Rock, AR
The Little Rock Marathon Weekend will be held on March 4 – 5, 2023, and is a Boston Qualifier. It is an awesome race with loads of southern hospitality and caring volunteers.
The Little Rock AR 26 miles marathon is a run through the picturesque streets of Arkansas’ capital city and has excellent finisher’s medals.
12. Hogeye Marathon
Apr 15, 2023 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M run | 26.2M relay
Apr 16, 2023 – Sunday
10K, 5K run
Fayetteville, AR
The Hogeye Marathon will be held on April 15 – 16, 2023, and is a Boston Qualifier. The Hogeye marathon route starts on Emma Ave. in Springdale, Arkansas. It is considered picturesque and safe, thanks to help from the Springdale Police, Springdale Fire, Johnson Police, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. There will be aid stations throughout the course.
The race starts and finishes on Emma Ave. in Springdale’s Downtown District. The timing will end 7 hours from the start.
The 26.2-mile race is suitable for male and female participants 15 years of age and older.
13. Arkansas Traveller 100
Oct 1, 2022 – Saturday
100M trail run
Perryville, AR
The 31st Annual Arkansas Traveller 100 will be held on October 1, 2022, and is one of the oldest ultramarathons in Arkansas and the country.
The course is a 17-mile loop followed by an 83-mile out-and-back through the Ouachita Mountains on forest roads, trails, and an 8-mile section of the Ouachita Trail. There will be 23 aid stations carrying volunteers.
This run is great for beginners or experienced ultramarathoners who enjoy a well-organized event.
