Jim Rowland FCA River Valley Run
The FCA River Valley Run offers a flat, fast course through historic Fort Smith.
Race Date
Nov 7, 2026
Location
Fort Smith, AR
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Location
- Fort Smith, Arkansas
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 10K, 5K run
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 2,023
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The FCA River Valley Run takes place in historic Fort Smith, Arkansas, with the start and finish lines situated at The Bakery District. This USATF-certified course is designed for speed, boasting a negligible net drop and zero start/finish separation, making it a prime location for personal bests.
Runners can expect a flat terrain, ideal for chasing fast times. The event, first held in 2009 and now in its 15th edition, typically sees around 234 finishers, drawing participants from approximately 7 states. Despite a low repeat-runner rate, the growing field suggests a steady interest in this Arkansas race.
Participants receive a finisher's medal, and awards are presented to top finishers in various age groups. The event offers multiple distances, including a 5K and 10K, with staggered starts from The Bakery on 6th.
Race-provided description
The start and finish will be at The Bakery District located off of 7th St. The 5k, 10k, and half marathon will begin at 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at The Bakery on 6th in downtown Fort Smith, AR with a staggered start.
Age Categories include: 8-10, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+
Awards are given to male and female, each age group, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. All race day participants will receive a finishers medal.
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
AR19016WJT · River Valley Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Solid Pick5615 years running
~129 finishers a year
growing or steady
0% returning runners
USATF certified
runners from 7 states
winner 1:15:49
typical high 70°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
50°
Afternoon (High)
70°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.2"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
77%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 2,023 finishers actually crossed the line across 15 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
2,023
Median time
2:13:35
Latest turnout
234
States
20
Turnout by year
2016–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Jim Rowland FCA River Valley Run?
The Jim Rowland FCA River Valley Run is held on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
Where does the Jim Rowland FCA River Valley Run take place?
It takes place in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
What distances does the Jim Rowland FCA River Valley Run offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 10K, 5K run.
Is the Jim Rowland FCA River Valley Run course flat and good for a PR?
The Jim Rowland FCA River Valley Run is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Jim Rowland FCA River Valley Run?
HalfRuns has finish records for 2,023 runners who have completed the Jim Rowland FCA River Valley Run.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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