Spa Running Festival
Summit2Summit Half Marathon: a challenging, scenic run through Hot Springs National Park.
Race Date
Nov 14, 2026
Location
Hot Springs, AR
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, November 14, 2026
- Location
- Hot Springs, Arkansas
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + Spa Running Festival, 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 1K
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 3,036
Highlights
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Summit2Summit Half Marathon takes runners from summit to summit through Hot Springs National Park, a route that combines historic Bathhouse Row with the demanding climbs of Hot Springs Mountain and West Mountain. With a field of about 490 finishers from 26 states, and over a third returning each year, this race has built a loyal following for its unique challenge and breathtaking views.
The course is a true point-to-point, starting atop one mountain and ending atop another, rewarding runners with a finish line festival featuring grilled burgers, hot soup, pizza, and a beer tent, all accompanied by live local music. The Expo on Friday adds to the weekend feel, and every finisher earns a long-sleeve technical shirt and a standout medal. This is a destination race for those who want to conquer the Arkansas hills and soak in the spa city's charm.
Race-provided description
The Spa Running Festival presented by Window Mart - Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & Squirt Race Come Run With Us, November 14th, through beautiful Hot Springs National Park! The Spa Running Festival is an event for everyone .... kids, beginners to elite runners and those that like a challenge! The Squirt Race is for kids 2 - 10 years of age. The 5K is a fast and flat course! The 10K, now celebrating its 45th year, and runners enjoy the beauty of running West Mountain. This will be the 11th running of the Summit2Summit Half Marathon. Do you like a challenge - well you get to - the course takes you through the scenic National Park going summit to summit on Hot Springs Mountain/North Mountain AND West Mountain! Benefits of the Spa Running Festival: ♦The beauty of Historic Downtown and Bathhouse Row ♦ Running through Hot Springs National Park ♦ Expo on Friday ♦ A great Long Sleeve Technical Shirt ♦ An awesome Medal for All Participants (5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Squirt Race) ♦ Fast and Flat Course for 5K ♦ Corral Start's for 5K and 10K ♦ Team Registration ♦ Finish Line Festival area includes Grilled Burgers, Hot Soup, Pizza, Snacks and Beer Tent ♦ Live Music in the post-race finishing area, performed by Jacob Flores! Recently voted in the 2025 Reader Choice Award - Best Local Performer!
Come enjoy the Expo on Friday at the Hot Springs Convention Center. Then, after the race, hang around to enjoy great food, the beer tent, picture taking, socializing and bragging rights that you conquered (BOTH) mountains. Proceeds from the 2025 race will benefit these non-profit organizations: Friends of the Parks, Arkansas Spa Pacers Buzz Wilson Scholarship Program, Literacy Council of the Ouachita, Humane Society of Garland County, The CALL in Garland County. The Spa Running Festival has a race for every family member so Come Run With Us through Hot Springs National Park, Saturday, November 14th, a landmark event in beautiful, historic downtown Hot Springs!
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Start Time
7:00 AM
Giveaway
Performance Quarter Zip Pullover (Unisex sizing)
Start Location
134 Convention Boulevard, Hot Springs, AR, 71901
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Mountain, Small Town
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
-0.20 m
Separation
1.5%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
AR18027WJT · SPA Running Festival Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8510 years running
~490 finishers a year
growing or steady
35% returning runners
USATF certified · 4 timing sources
runners from 26 states
winner 1:23:33
typical high 69°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
48°
Afternoon (High)
69°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
68%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 3,036 finishers actually crossed the line across 8 years.
Most recent
2023
Total finishers
3,036
Median time
2:29:58
Latest turnout
463
States
39
Turnout by year
2015–2023
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the Spa Running Festival?
The Spa Running Festival is held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the Spa Running Festival take place?
It takes place in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
What distances does the Spa Running Festival offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus Spa Running Festival, 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 1K.
Is the Spa Running Festival course flat and good for a PR?
The Spa Running Festival is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Spa Running Festival?
HalfRuns has finish records for 3,036 runners who have completed the Spa Running Festival.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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