Trail Running in Arkansas
Arkansas has 10 upcoming trail-running races scheduled for 2026. Little Rock is the busiest city with 2 races, ahead of Fayetteville (1) and North Little Rock (1).
Showing all 10
Trail Running
Mitchell's Mountain 5k Trail Race + 1k Dash for Hope
June 27, 2026
Fayetteville, AR
Trail Running
SCORCHIN' SQUIRREL TRAIL RUN (10k, 11m, 15m, 20m)
August 15, 2026
Little Rock, AR
Trail Running
SCORCHIN' SQUIRREL TRAIL RUN (10k, 11m, 15m, 20m)
Little Rock, AR
Trail Running
SCORCHIN' SQUIRREL TRAIL RUN (10k, 11m, 15m, 20m)
August 22, 2026
Little Rock, AR
Trail Running
Ozark Trail Festival "Run to the Wagon" 5K Fun Run
October 3, 2026
Heber Springs, AR
Frequently asked questions
What is trail running?▾
Trail running takes place on unpaved surfaces like dirt paths, mountain trails, and forest roads. Distances range from 5K to 100+ miles. Trail running emphasizes scenery, elevation, and technical terrain over pace.
What shoes do I need for trail running?▾
Trail running shoes have aggressive lugs for traction, rock plates for protection, and a more durable outsole than road shoes. Popular brands include Hoka, Salomon, and Altra. Choose shoes based on your local terrain.
How is trail running different from road running?▾
Trail running involves more elevation change, uneven footing, and slower paces than road running. Expect to run 20-40% slower on trails compared to roads. The focus shifts from pace per mile to effort and time on feet.
What are the best trail running destinations in the US?▾
Colorado, California, Oregon, and Utah offer world-class trail running. Iconic areas include the Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest forests, and Appalachian trails. Browse trail events by state on RACE.