Arkansas Marathon

The Arkansas Marathon is a hidden gem for runners seeking a quieter, more personal race experience. One of the oldest marathons in the South, this event offers an uncrowded, out-and-back course skirting the northern boundary of the Ouachita National Forest. The paved route rolls through gently hilly terrain, where sightings of deer, wild turkey, and squirrels are not unusual. With minimal traffic and no big-city congestion, runners enjoy a smooth, scenic journey through rural Arkansas. The race concludes right in the middle of October Daze, the local fall festival in South Logan County, where live music, crafts, and food give friends and family plenty to enjoy while you run. From easy parking to forest-lined roads, the Arkansas Marathon delivers small-town charm and natural beauty in equal measure.