White River Marathon
The White River Marathon offers a flat, fast, and fun half-marathon along the scenic White River.
Race Date
Nov 21, 2026
Location
Cotter, AR
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, November 21, 2026
- Location
- Cotter, Arkansas
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 5K
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 4,313
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The White River Marathon, first run in 2010 and now in its 16th year, has become a beloved fixture for runners seeking a fast and scenic experience. Typically drawing around 570 finishers, this race attracts participants from approximately 19 states, a testament to its growing reputation.
Runners consistently praise the flat course along the White River, which is USATF-certified and known for its potential for personal bests. The course features a slight net drop and a 6% separation between start and finish, contributing to its reputation as a Boston Qualifier. The atmosphere is described as family and runner-friendly, with a strong community feel.
The event offers a generous race shirt as swag and a popular pasta dinner. With a registration cap of 750 participants, it's advisable to sign up early. The race concludes with a festive finish in the park, and a significant portion of participants, around 29%, return year after year, highlighting the race's loyalty and overall positive experience.
Race-provided description
Everyone loves finishing in the park! White River Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K Boston QualifierShoe Recycling Drive - bring your old shoes to us!Flat Course along the White River!Registration is limited to 750 participants - sells out!Family & Runner friendly atmosphere!Pasta Dinner is back! Schedule: Nov 20 | Friday: 5:30 - 7:30pm Packet Pickup & Pasta Dinner at Cotter Schools Nov. 21 | Saturday | 5:30 am - 6:40 am Packet Pickup at Cotter Schools Nov. 21 | Saturday | 7:00 am All race start Nov. 21 | Saturday | 2:00 pm Race cut-off time (all distances)
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, November 21, 2026
Start Time
7:00 AM
Giveaway
Awesome Race Shirt
Start Location
181 Mabel, Cotter, AR, 72626
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Lake River
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
+1.56 m
Separation
5.7%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
AR21004WJT · White River Half Marathon
Net downhill course — fast finishing times are common.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8916 years running
~570 finishers a year
growing or steady
29% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources
runners from 19 states
winner 1:15:49
typical high 59°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
40°
Afternoon (High)
59°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.1"
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
68%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 4,313 finishers actually crossed the line across 16 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
4,313
Median time
2:09:14
Latest turnout
288
States
41
Turnout by year
2018–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the White River Marathon?
The White River Marathon is held on Saturday, November 21, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the White River Marathon take place?
It takes place in Cotter, Arkansas.
What distances does the White River Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 5K.
Is the White River Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The White River Marathon 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 White River Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 4,313 runners who have completed the White River Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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