The Arkansas outdoors are a different world at night, with the moon glowing through the trees and a new cast of critters coming out to play. What better way to explore than on a late-night hike? Throw in pancakes and it's even better.
The Flapjack 20 is a 20-mile night hike through Cane Creek State Park near Star City, starting at 8 p.m. Jan. 3 and ending at 6 a.m. Jan. 4 at the park's Pavilion 1.
Hiking in the dark presents some challenges, but park interpreter Seth Boone says, "We're going to have so many people out on the trail, it's just about impossible for someone to get lost. As far as safety goes, we can reach just about anywhere on the trail if something were to happen. Not that anything ever does, but people surprise you."
The Flapjack 20 is always scheduled for the fullest moon in January, which means a brighter than usual night sky and the chance to see the lake and the woods in, literally, a different light.
Not everyone can make it all the way on a 20-mile hike, but there will be checkpoints at the 6.5-, 10- and 14-mile markers with shuttle service to take people back to the trailhead.
But those who keep going will be rewarded because the park's location makes for a unique experience.
Boone explains, "You're in the Gulf Coastal Plain to start out the hike and then from mile marker 8 to 12, you're hiking in the Delta so you're crossing between two Arkansas regions. It's a completely different landscape once you get to that point."
The hike is "pretty moderate" and mostly flat according to Boone, and participants should be able to hike at least six miles so they can reach the first checkpoint. Headlamps, flashlights, sturdy shoes, warm clothes, gloves and water are all encouraged. Trail maps will be available.
And at the end of the hike, there will be a full pancake breakfast to help the hikers celebrate.
Participation costs $1.
Call (870) 628-4714 or visit arkansasstateparks.com.
New Year 5K
It's supposed to be a time for starting over. Maybe a time for getting off the couch, unplugging the electronic devices and breathing the fresh air with some three-dimensional people.
Faulkner County Day School gives people a little nudge in the right direction with its sixth annual Racin' in the New Year 5K on Jan. 3.
"Starting a new year, a lot of people have new goals for fitness and to become more active," explains race director Shannon Greenway. "We feel like this time of year is the perfect kickoff to a healthy new year for people, getting active and getting outside and moving."
The race starts at 10 a.m. at the school's Milestones building, 1700 South Blvd. in Conway. It uses a certified, "nice and flat" course through the neighborhoods around the school.
For the first time, the race will be chip-timed for faster, more accurate results. Organizers also are offering a special prize should any runner break the previous course records.
But it's not all for speed demons. Slower folks are definitely welcome, as are families and parents pushing strollers. There are awards categories for walkers as well as runners, so even the slower, steadier people are welcome to come and give it a go.
Greenway adds, "We have pizza after the race. We have hot chocolate and coffee."
Registration is $25, $20 for children 12 and under. That price includes a souvenir T-shirt, while supplies last. Registration on race day will be open from 8 to 9:45 a.m.
The money raised from the race goes to update equipment and facilities for the day school's Milestones and Work Force programs, which provide services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. "It gives us money we normally wouldn't have to do some of those extra things," Greenway says.
Call (501) 329-2164 or visit racesonline.com.
Winter blues
Winter can be a bleak, lonely time for runners who like to galumph with a group. The flurry of 5K runs that filled the fall has slowed to a trickle, and the late winter/spring boom seems a forever away.
With potentially cold and yucky weather out there, it's tempting to stay huddled up indoors. But that would mean falling out of practice, out of touch and out of shape.
For years now the Arkansas Running Klub has put on the ARK Winter Series, a series of aided training runs of various lengths, to encourage everyone, not only its members, to keep moving even through the dreary January days.
"It's done basically to give people a social running opportunity when there wasn't anything else going on," explains organizer Kirk Riley.
Over four successive Saturdays, the club and guests meet to run over four different trails in central Arkansas.
This year's series starts Jan. 3 at the River Market Pavilions with 5K, 10K and half-marathon route options.
The rest of the schedule is:
• Lakewood Baptist Health Clinic, 2508 Crestwood Road, North Little Rock, on Jan. 10 for 5K, 10K and 10 miles.
• Maumelle Sports Complex in the football area, off Woodland Drive just past Rolling Oaks in Maumelle, for 5K, 10K and half-marathon.
• Murray Park Pavilion 7 for 10K and half-marathon.
All the runs start at 8 a.m. Riley explains that three of the four routes will be new to participants. The Maumelle run starts from the sports complex instead of Lake Willastein. The Lakewood excursion will follow the new railroad trail toward Levy, while the Murray Park route will head to Two Rivers Park instead of crossing the Big Dam Bridge.
These are not competitive runs. Instead, Riley says, "It's basically for group therapy."
Actually, running isn't even required. While some people use the series to train for marathons and other serious competitive runs, plenty of participants get out there to walk.
Registration is $15 for all four outings, $10 for ARK members, $25 for a membership plus the runs.
For more information, call (501) 519-0185 or visit arkansasrunningklub.com.
Readers can send tips about wellness-supporting active recreation opportunities to Jennifer Nixon at
jnixon@arkansasonline.com
ActiveStyle on 12/22/2014