Arkansas Marathon
Arkansas Marathon: a quiet, historic out-and-back through Ouachita National Forest.
Race Date
Oct 10, 2026
Location
Booneville, AR
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Location
- Booneville, Arkansas
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2M, 10K, 5K run
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 304
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
The Experience
The Arkansas Marathon, one of the oldest in the South, winds along the northern boundary of the Ouachita National Forest on a quiet out-and-back road course. With only a few hundred runners, you’ll share the pavement with deer and turkey rather than crowds. The race finishes in the heart of Booneville’s October Daze fall festival, where family and friends can enjoy music, shopping, and a celebratory atmosphere.
Despite its small scale, the marathon draws runners from about five states and boasts a loyal following—roughly 19% of entrants return in later years. The field has been shrinking, but that only adds to its low-key charm. With easy parking, a scenic forest route, and a festive finish, this is a hidden gem for those seeking a no-frills, community-centered race with deep roots.
Race-provided description
The Arkansas Marathon is one of the oldest and most unique marathons in the South. The race is not crowded, parking is easy, and the scenery is great! In fact, you may even find yourself sharing the road with deer, turkey, squirrel and the odd rabbit or two. The road course takes you along the northern boundry of the Ouachita National Forest and is an out-and-back course. The best times for the race are:Male: 2:26:52 on 02/05/83Female: 2:58:34 on 03/06/82 The race also finishes in the middle of the local October Daze fall festival so your family and friends can shop, listen to music or just hang out while you run.
Course Info
Course Type
Out & Back
Terrain
road
Scenery
Forest, Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
8 years running
~29 finishers a year
small race — neutral
19% returning runners
7 photos
runners from 5 states
winner 1:23:38
typical high 82°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
60°
Afternoon (High)
82°
Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration
0.0"
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
57%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 304 finishers actually crossed the line across 8 years.
Most recent
2024
Total finishers
304
Median time
2:22:37
Latest turnout
27
States
22
Turnout by year
2014–2024
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Arkansas Marathon?
The Arkansas Marathon is held on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
Where does the Arkansas Marathon take place?
It takes place in Booneville, Arkansas.
What distances does the Arkansas Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2M, 10K, 5K run.
Is the Arkansas Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Arkansas Marathon is a rolling hills, out & back course.
How many people run the Arkansas Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 304 runners who have completed the Arkansas Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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