Arkansas Marathon Returns to Booneville October 10, Marking 58th Year of Running Along the Ouachita National Forest

BOONEVILLE, Ark. — The South Logan County Chamber of Commerce announced that the Arkansas Marathon will return to Booneville on Saturday, October 10, 2026, continuing a running tradition that dates back to 1968.

This year, the race will begin at 7 a.m. starting at 123 N Broadway.  From there it follows a scenic out-and-back course along Arkansas Highway 23, tracing the northern edge of the Ouachita National Forest with roughly 1,150 to 1,600 feet of elevation gain.

This year you'll get four ways to participate:

     26.2-mile marathon (Boston Qualifying) 

     13.1-mile Bearcat Half Marathon

     10K

     5K run/walk 

Community aid stations are set up at every mile of the course, and every finisher receives a custom, full-color medal designed by local high school students. Marathon registration is $95 and is open now at raceentry.com.

The race coincides with Booneville's October Daze festival, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Booneville, giving runners and spectators a full day of activities after the finish line.

The men's course record of 2:26:52 was set in 1983, and the women's record of 2:58:34 in 1982. Over the years, the Arkansas Marathon has kept an intimate, small-town feel, but has drawn upwards of 150 runners across all four races in years past making it a great annual event for even accomplished Marathon runners.

Uncrowded roads, easy parking, and strong local hospitality along the entire route have brought runners from more than a dozen states and multiple countries including Japan, France, and Brazil to take part.

This year, the race is presented by the South Logan County Chamber of Commerce with SWEPCO (Southwestern Electric Power Company) as title sponsor.

Runners can register and find full course details at raceentry.com.

For more information, contact the South Logan County Chamber of Commerce at 210 E Main Street, Booneville, AR 72927, by phone at (479) 675-2666, or by email at director@southlogan.com.

For more details visit our Marathon Page Here!