Catsmacker

Catsmacker

The Catsmacker is an Arkansas Ultra Trail Series fun run held in the Lake Sylvia Day Use Area near Perryville. This event serves as a season-closing celebration for the local ultrarunning community and operates on a donation-based model. Participants can choose between two main distance options:

• 20 miles (Catsmacker)
• 12 miles (Kitty Run)

Participants have the flexibility to select their preferred distance on the day of the event. The course utilizes a variety of terrain, including gravel Forest Service roads, sections of the Ouachita Trail, and small segments of pavement. The route features a combination of single-track and double-track trails.

The course is marked with signs, colored ribbon flagging, and flour arrows at turns and intersections. Given the nature of the terrain, there are limited intermediate markings, and runners are encouraged to carry maps. The event provides basic aid stations, with at least two stations for the longer course and one for the shorter route. Runners are expected to carry their own water bottles and personal snacks.

Following the run, there is a cookout-style lunch and an awards ceremony for the trail series. Dogs are permitted at the park provided they remain on a leash at all times. Parking is available at the Lake Sylvia Day Use Area, with overflow parking permitted on the west side of Highway 324. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.