Race the Base Trail Run 2026

Description

Race the Base Trail Run Returns to Pinnacle Mountain State Park This Fall!

Introducing the Race the Base Monumental Half Marathon New for 2026, runners can take on a trail half marathon that showcases the best of Pinnacle Mountain State Park, including sections of the Monument Trail system. This challenging and scenic course weaves together rugged single track, rolling climbs, and signature Monument Trail features, offering experienced trail runners a longer, tougher test while maintaining the natural beauty and technical character the park is known for.

The Half Marathon delivers everything trail runners love about Pinnacle — elevation, variety, and stunning Ozark foothill scenery — making it the perfect complement to the classic Race the Base experience.

The Original Race the Base (4 Miles) Featuring the iconic Base Trail, a scenic loop that encircles Pinnacle Mountain just west of Little Rock, first‑time participants can expect a moderately challenging trail run through shaded hardwood forest surrounding one of Arkansas’ most prominent natural landmarks.

The race begins on gravel, transitions to paved trail, and finishes with 2.75 miles of technical single track — with a little surprise thrown in toward the end. Known as “Joe’s Revenge,” participants compete for new King and Queen of the Mountain awards, given to the fastest runners up a brutal forest road that climbs roughly 200 feet in just one‑third of a mile.

From there, it’s all downhill (literally), as racers vie for their chance to win a “rock” — unique, hand‑painted trophies awarded to the top three male and female finishers in overall and age‑group categories.

🎃 Costumes, Kids, and Community Fun This year’s Race the Base coincides with National Trick or Treat Day (the last Saturday of October), and participants are encouraged to race in costume. Crowd favorites will receive something appropriately silly during post‑race festivities.

Also returning is the Kingfisher Kids Run, a free, ¾‑mile run on the paved Kingfisher Trail beginning around 10:00 a.m.

Open to kids 12 and under No fee, no frills — just fun Parents are welcome to run, walk, or stroll alongside their kids

Race Production & Atmosphere After a decade of production by Partners for Pinnacle, a nonprofit supporting Pinnacle Mountain State Park, the race is now produced by Ozark Foundation (beginning in 2025). Participants can expect the same family‑friendly atmosphere and high‑quality race experience that has made Race the Base a community favorite for over ten years.

Race Day Details Location / Parking / Start Line: Stuckey Field at Barrett Rd & HWY 300, directly across from Pinnacle Mountain State Park 9600 AR‑300, Roland, AR 72135

Start Times:

Race the Base 4‑Miler & Half Marathon: 10:00 a.m. Kingfisher Kids Run: 9:00 a.m.

Awards Awards are three deep for:

Overall Male & Female Age group awards by gender:Under 19 20–29 30–39 40–49 50–59 60+

Registration & Packet Pickup for Monumental Half Field limit: 250 runners (across race distances) Online registration: $65 before midnight on October 31, 2026 Includes commemorative technical t‑shirt and post‑race refreshments Race day registration: $70 (only if the race is not already full)

Registration & Packet Pickup for 4 Mile Classic Online registration: $45 before midnight on October 31, 2026 Includes commemorative technical t‑shirt and post‑race refreshments Race day registration: $50 (only if the race is not already full)

Pre‑Race Packet Pickup: Friday, October 30 | 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Fleet Feet 11525 Cantrell Rd Little Rock, AR 72212

Race Day Check‑In: Begins at 8:00 a.m. at Stuckey Field