Arkansas Ultra Running Association Ultra Trail Series & Lite Series

The Arkansas Ultra Running Association is a 501(c)(3) organization that began in 1989. We organize, host or designate a number of races and fun runs to be included in our Ultra Trail Series each year. We are unique in that many of our events are free/donation based with our directors volunteering their time. This saves our runners money and frees up more funds to be donated to the communities that serve us. Winners of the UTS or UTS LITE (aka Kings and Queens of the Trail) are crowned at the completion of the series, based on the total of individual points awarded for each event completed. Male and female winners are recognized in Open, Masters, Grand Master, Senior, and Super-Senior divisions. Note that 2026X is a special series! Beginning in 2027, the AURA Ultra Trail Series will take place within the calendar year — departing from the original schedule that spanned July to May. Until then, we are bridging the gap with 2026X, using a new trial format for points scoring and race selection. To complete either the UTS or UTS Lite series, you will have to finish three events. Yes—you get to choose your adventure! However, there will be specific requirements based on the different categories of events. See the race schedule for the list of races and their categories, and additional rules and information on the series. The UTS and UTS-LITE 2026X will be a bridge series, with a menu of races from July to December of 2026. It will span the gap between the 2025-2026 Ultra Trail Series and January 2027--when a new calendar year series will commence. The 2026X series will use a new trial format in both scoring and race selection. The series schedule consists of events slotted into three categories, as follows: Under-Dog - These runs are less than marathon distance, on trail, or a mix of road/trail.Super-Dog - These are runs ranging from a trail marathon to 100K.Ultra-Dog - This category is for 100-mile events, or 24-hour runs—where a minimum of 85 miles must be achieved. To complete the UTS and be eligible for King or Queen of the Trail, you will need to finish one event from each category. For UTS-Lite the requirement is one Super-Dog event and two Under-Dog events. Scoring will be the same for each event: The top series-participant finisher of each gender gets 100 points.The event cut-off time (if established) or final official finisher for each gender represents 10 points. For time-limit runs, the defined minimum distance will earn 10 points.For all series finishers in between, points will be prorated based on finish time (or distance—for Sunset 12/24) to the nearest tenth of a point. Note that this provides an incentive based on performance—rather than placement.Age group Kings and Queens will still be recognized, but there is one scale per gender for each event. i.e., the 100-point performance mark is not reset for Masters, Senior, etc. Time and location for the award ceremony and post-race party for 2026X are TBD at this time, but will be posted here and broadcast through other club communication channels when finalized. So stay tuned--it is a party nobody wants to miss! Note that some of the UTS races are low-key, no-fee, no frills, minimal aid events (a.k.a. 'fun runs'), while others are full-fledged races. Please plan and prepare accordingly. Some of the races in the series are not put on by the AURA. *PLEASE NOTE: Due to weather and other uncontrollable forces, the UTS/UTS LITE schedule is subject to change.