Cossatot River Trail Run

Overview

The Cossatot River Trail Run is a trail running event held in the scenic hills of the Ouachita Mountains within Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area in Wickes, Arkansas. The event features two distances: a half marathon and a marathon. The half marathon is a point-to-point course, while the 10K is described as an out-and-back route. The event date is September 26, 2026.

Course Details

Both courses use the River Corridor Trail, which consists of rocky, rooty, grassy, and dirt single-track surfaces. The half marathon course covers approximately 12.5 miles with 2000 ft of elevation gain, while the marathon covers approximately 25 miles with 4000 ft of elevation gain. The half marathon starts at the Bushy Creek Recreation Area, and participants are shuttled there from the visitor center, which serves as the finish line for all distances. The marathon starts and finishes at the visitor center. A headlamp is required for the marathon start.

Aid Stations and Gear

The event is a no-cup race; participants must carry a handheld water bottle or hydration vest. Aid stations offer water, and some provide hot/cold foods, snacks, electrolytes, pickle juice, and ice. Specific stations are located at Ed Banks (water only), River Ridge, and Brushy Creek for the marathon. Drop bags for the marathon are available at the Brushy aid station. Crew access is allowed at all aid and water stations.

Participant Information

Packet pickup occurs at the visitor center. A cutoff time of 2 PM (8 hours for the marathon) is enforced. All participants who drop out must notify the race director at the start/finish line. Littering is prohibited and can result in disqualification.

Awards and Amenities

All participants receive a Cossatot River Trail Run t-shirt and a finisher medal. Trophies are awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place male and female finishers in each distance. A "dead freakin last" trophy is awarded for the marathon. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.