Saturday, the 28th running of the Ouachita Trail 50 Mile and 50K will take place in far west Little Rock. This ultra run begins at 6 a.m. in Maumelle Park, 9009 Pinnacle Valley Road.
From the park to Pinnacle Mountain State Park, six miles of asphalt will carry runners to the trailhead and rocky, single-track trail. A full loop over and around Pinnacle Mountain can be expected, followed by an out-and-back along the shore of Lake Maumelle.
Runners in the 50 Mile have the option of changing to the 50K during the race if they see they won't be able to meet checkpoint deadlines: exiting the north shore aid station by 10:15 a.m. on their way out and 3:30 p.m. on their way in, and the Arkansas 10 turnaround aid station by 12:50 p.m. These times will be strictly enforced. Pacers can be used during the return trip beginning at the turnaround points. No running or pacing is allowed with a dog or any animal.
Due to the length of this run participants should carry at least one fluid bottle. Hiking poles are not allowed.
This morning, entry for each race is $75 but the fee will increase to $85 by 7 p.m. today. Registration ends at 7 p.m. Friday.
Packet pickup will be at Maumelle Park Pavilion 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday or from 5 to 5:45 a.m. on the day of the race.
Runners will be greeted at the finish line with food and unique finisher awards. Awards will be given to the open and masters finishers, as well as first female and male winners. Medals will be given to all 50 Mile and 50K finishers.
Early arrival is important for parking around Pavilion 8. The lot by the pavilions will be used for overflow. Please do not park on Pinnacle Valley Road.
In 1989, a group of Arkansas runners wanted to encourage distance running across the state, hence the birth of "OT50." This event has been chosen as the 2018 Road Runners Club of America Southern Region Ultra Championship, shining a spotlight on well organized events and attracting top performing runners.
This event is for runners ages 18 and older. For more information, contact race director Chrissy Ferguson at OT50@RunArkansas.com or call (501) 803-9411.
Catholic High Rocket 5K
Little Rock Catholic High School for Boys teams up with its Alumni Association for the Catholic High Rocket 5K run at 8 a.m. Saturday.
This footrace for every pace offers a 5K run, 3K walk and a Kids' Rocket Dash. Participants in the 3K can bring their dogs along for the fun.
The 5K begins at 8 a.m., and the 3K at 8:05 a.m. The Rocket Dash starts around 8:45 a.m. All races will begin in front of the school, 6300 Father Tribou St., and end at the football field.
Registration for the 5K or 3K is $25. Race-day fees increase to $30 for both. The Kid's Rocket Dash will remain $20.
Packet pickup will be noon to 6 p.m. Friday at Go! Running, 1819 N. Grant St., in Little Rock. Late registration and packet pickup will also be available the day of race from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m.
Awards will be given to the overall top three men and women and the top men and women in various age categories.
The Catholic High Alumni Association provides financial assistance to students at the boys' high school who need help paying tuition, and it supplements teachers' salaries.
For more information go to lrchs.org or call (501) 664-3939.
Sweatin' for Berries 5K and 1M Fun Run
Cabot's Junior Auxiliary will host its fourth Sweatin' for Berries 5K and 1M Fun Run on Saturday.
The 5K run/walk will begin at 7 a.m. and the 1 mile Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. in downtown Cabot, behind Fred's at 207 S. First St.
Fee for the 5K run or walk is $25; both will cost $35 the day of the race. The 1M Fun Run is $15 and will remain the same.
Medals will be given in the top 3 heats, male and female, as well as in various age groups. All children will receive a participation medal instead of T-shirts.
Packet pickup will be available Thursday at D1 Training, 209 N. 10th St., Cabot.
This out-and-back footrace is part of Cabot's Strawberry Festival, which starts Thursday with carnival rides. There will be music by The Rios and a performance by The Morley Family Magic Show at 6 p.m. Friday. Saturday will be jam-packed with food trucks, music, Kid Zones and a pageant. The Kid Zones and entertainment are free for all.
Contact lcjcbcsc@aol.com for more information.
Sprint for Compassion 5K/10K
This Saturday, the city of Fort Smith teams up with Project Compassion Inc. for the Sprint for Compassion Run 5K and 10K runs, starting at 8 a.m. Also, there will be a 1-mile run, starting at 8:30 a.m.
This footrace starts and ends at Euper Lane Elementary School, 6601 Euper Lane, Fort Smith.
Registration for the 10K walk and run is $35 and the 5K is $30. Kids ages 12 and under can race for $10. Check-in opens at 7 a.m.
HOPE Humane Society will be on-site and its mobile adoptions team will display pets ready for adoption.
Proceeds from this event will benefit 26 nursing homes in the Fort Smith area. All races will be timed by Jaymax.
Packet pickup will be 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Project Compassion, 1205 S. Albert Pike Ave. in Fort Smith.
Any questions or concerns can be sent to director@projectcompassioninc.com.
Please send tips for active recreation events to
charlette.williams
@arkansasonline.com
ActiveStyle on 04/16/2018