HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, Arkansas — The Fourth Northwoods Trail Run, scheduled for May 10, has been added to the Arkansas UltraRunning [cq] Association Ultra Trail Series Lite race calendar this year.
And, yes, the race still has gone to the dogs.
Scheduled as the 14th and last race in the AURA UTS Lite 2024-25 calendar, the Northwoods Mullet welcomes AURA runners from across the state to Hot Springs’ Northwoods Trail system, which is ranked among the best in the South.
Runners will have the option of running 25 kilometers or 10 kilometers, and their dogs are welcome in the Dogs Division of each distance. Only 10 dogs will be permitted in each division, so runners are advised to get their woofers registered as soon as possible at https://runsignup.com/Race/AR/HotSprings/NorthwoodsMulletTrailRun
Dogs must be on leash and under full control of the host. The Mullet Run Committee will ask owners to remove dogs exhibiting aggressive and threatening behavior.
The races will begin at the Cedar Glades Park trailhead at 8 a.m. for the 25K and 25K Dog Divisions and at 9 a.m. for the 10K and 10K Dog Divisions.
The post-race Beaver Bash after party will begin at 10 a.m. and run until 2 p.m. There will be live music, food and beverages. Bash participants may skip the running and go straight to the partying for a $10 fee.
Packet pickup will begin at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 9, at a location to be determined. Day-of-race packet pickup will be from 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. for the
25K and from 6:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. for the 10K.
“We’re pleased to be partnering with the Spa Pacers for the Fourth Northwoods Mullet and even more excited to be included in the AURA Ultra Trail Series Lite for the first time,” Northwoods Trails Coordinator Traci Berry said. “Arkansas has a wealth of great trail running events, and AURA’s choosing the Mullet Run for the UTS Lite speaks to the quality of our event. Come for the run, stay for the party. Don’t hesitate, get registered today.”
Spa City Pacers Board Member Steve Adkison said, “For its fourth go-round, the Mullet Run and Beaver Bash continues the buzz generated over the past three years, partnering with the Arkansas UltraRunning Association to welcome AURA runners from across the state to Hot Springs’ award-winning Northwoods trail systems. Between our stellar Mullet Run courses and the post-run party, we’ve got everything needed for a fine spring-fling celebration. Visit Hot Springs’ Northwoods Trails crew and the Spa Pacers will take care of you —come join us for a great run and an even better party.”
Arkansas UltraRunning Association (AURA) President Stacey Shaver-Matson said, “We are delighted to have the Mullet Run in our 2024-2025 AURA Ultra Trail Lite Series. AURA works hard to include fun, well-established events that serve both the purpose of trail running in one of our state’s natural areas and raising funds for those natural spaces. We love to see the addition of trail events that are either improving Arkansas trails, protecting them, or both. I know our runners will enjoy the Mullet Run for years to come, and we look forward to working with them in the future.”
“The Mullet was voted Number 6 in the 2023 Top 15 Arkansas Trail Runs by Arkansas Outside readers in just our second year,” Berry said. “That says a lot, with so many great trail races taking place around the state.
“The foot race routes will take runners past amazing views of the three lakes that are such a great part of Northwoods’ attraction and through beautiful pine groves. The route will give them just enough elevation gain to feel a challenge. And afterward they can enjoy the Beaver Bash party. It’s a trail running event you don’t want to miss.”
For more information call Traci Berry at 501-276-3622.
