
Race the Base Trail Run
Race the Base offers a challenging trail half marathon in Arkansas's Pinnacle Mountain State Park.
Race Date
Oct 31, 2026
Location
Roland, AR
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, October 31, 2026
- Location
- Roland, Arkansas
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 4 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Mixed
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Race the Base Trail Run returns to the stunning Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Roland, Arkansas, offering a true test for trail enthusiasts. The half marathon course is designed to showcase the park's natural beauty, weaving through rugged single track and featuring rolling climbs along sections of the Monument Trail system. This challenging route promises elevation, variety, and breathtaking Ozark foothill scenery.
The original 4-mile race encircles Pinnacle Mountain on the Base Trail, a scenic loop that winds through shaded hardwood forests. This route begins on gravel, transitions to paved trail, and culminates in 2.75 miles of technical single track. A notable challenge known as "Joe's Revenge" includes a steep, roughly 200-foot climb over one-third of a mile on a forest road, testing even experienced runners before a rewarding downhill finish.
Race-provided description
Race the Base Trail Run Returns to Pinnacle Mountain State Park This Fall! Introducing the Race the Base Monumental Half Marathon New for 2026, runners can take on a trail half marathon that showcases the best of Pinnacle Mountain State Park, including sections of the Monument Trail system. This challenging and scenic course weaves together rugged single track, rolling climbs, and signature Monument Trail features, offering experienced trail runners a longer, tougher test while maintaining the natural beauty and technical character the park is known for. The Half Marathon delivers everything trail runners love about Pinnacle — elevation, variety, and stunning Ozark foothill scenery — making it the perfect complement to the classic Race the Base experience. The Original Race the Base (4 Miles) Featuring the iconic Base Trail, a scenic loop that encircles Pinnacle Mountain just west of Little Rock, first‑time participants can expect a moderately challenging trail run through shaded hardwood forest surrounding one of Arkansas’ most prominent natural landmarks. The race begins on gravel, transitions to paved trail, and finishes with 2.75 miles of technical single track — with a little surprise thrown in toward the end. Known as “Joe’s Revenge,” participants compete for new King and Queen of the Mountain awards, given to the fastest runners up a brutal forest road that climbs roughly 200 feet in just one‑third of a mile. From there, it’s all downhill (literally), as racers vie for their chance to win a “rock” — unique, hand‑painted trophies awarded to the top three male and female finishers in overall and age‑group categories. 🎃 Costumes, Kids, and Community Fun This year’s Race the Base coincides with National Trick or Treat Day (the last Saturday of October), and participants are encouraged to race in costume. Crowd favorites will receive something appropriately silly during post‑race festivities. Also returning is the Kingfisher Kids Run, a free, ¾‑mile run on the paved Kingfisher Trail beginning around 10:00 a.m. Open to kids 12 and under No fee, no frills — just fun Parents are welcome to run, walk, or stroll alongside their kids Race Production & Atmosphere After a decade of production by Partners for Pinnacle, a nonprofit supporting Pinnacle Mountain State Park, the race is now produced by Ozark Foundation (beginning in 2025). Participants can expect the same family‑friendly atmosphere and high‑quality race experience that has made Race the Base a community favorite for over ten years. Race Day Details Location / Parking / Start Line: Stuckey Field at Barrett Rd & HWY 300, directly across from Pinnacle Mountain State Park 9600 AR‑300, Roland, AR 72135 Start Times: Race the Base 4‑Miler & Half Marathon: 10:00 a.m. Kingfisher Kids Run: 9:00 a.m. Awards Awards are three deep for: Overall Male & Female Age group awards by gender:Under 19 20–29 30–39 40–49 50–59 60+ Registration & Packet Pickup for Monumental Half Field limit: 250 runners (across race distances) Online registration: $65 before midnight on October 31, 2026 Includes commemorative technical t‑shirt and post‑race refreshments Race day registration: $70 (only if the race is not already full) Registration & Packet Pickup for 4 Mile Classic Online registration: $45 before midnight on October 31, 2026 Includes commemorative technical t‑shirt and post‑race refreshments Race day registration: $50 (only if the race is not already full)
Pre‑Race Packet Pickup: Friday, October 30 | 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Fleet Feet 11525 Cantrell Rd Little Rock, AR 72212 Race Day Check‑In: Begins at 8:00 a.m. at Stuckey Field
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, October 31, 2026
Start Time
10:00 AM
Giveaway
Unisex Tech Tee
Start Location
Pinnacle Mountain State Park Day Use Area, Roland, AR, 72135
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
mixed
Scenery
Forest, Mountain
Surface
Dirt Trail, Paved
Difficulty
Hilly
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
first year
no finisher counts yet
small race — neutral
needs a few years of results
3 timing sources
no finisher data yet
no winner time yet
typical high 66°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
50°
Afternoon (High)
66°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.2"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
74%
Humidity
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Race the Base Trail Run?
The Race the Base Trail Run is held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM.
Where does the Race the Base Trail Run take place?
It takes place in Roland, Arkansas.
What distances does the Race the Base Trail Run offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 4 Miles.
Is the Race the Base Trail Run course flat and good for a PR?
The Race the Base Trail Run is a hilly, loop course course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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