Fort Smith General Darby Challenge

Event

• Type: Fort Smith General Darby Challenge Event: 13.1 m Ruck: 13.1 m Half Marathon: 10K: 5K - Ruck, Run, or Walk
• Date: Sunday, April 26th 2026
• Time: 07:00am - Noon CST. This is a "mass start", non-sanctioned, but timed event. Dead Stop: 12:00 noon
• Location: Downtown Fort Smith at Cisterna Park. FSGDC begins and ends at the “Darby Statue” (1001 Garrison Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901)

Contact Information

• Email: fsdarbychallenge@gmail.com
• Phone: 479-783-7841

Additional Information

• Website: fortsmithmuseum.org or darbyhouse.org
• Facebook Event Page: Facebook Event Page
• Hotels & Lodging: Holiday Inn Express: Hampton Inn: Home 2 Home: Homewood Suites: Fort Smith Riverfront RV Resort: Springhill Recreation Area & Campground / RV: Priceline: Travelocity
• Finisher Medals: Awards to participants completing the challenge, with special recognition for top times.

Ruckers, Runners, Hikers & Walkers

• Mass Start: 07:00 am at Darby Statue at Cisterna Park in Downtown Fort Smith
• Check-in: Begins at 6:30 am at the Darby Statue. Ruck with 25lbs or more weighed before and at finish line.
• Backpack Weigh-in: Begins at 06:00 at the Darby Statue/Start Point.
• Recognition: 13.1 Mile Ruck will recognize the first 20 participants: other categories will recognize age and gender 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places.

Race Details

• Course: Starts and ends at the General William O. Darby statue in Cisterna Park, following designated trails.
• Parking: Available throughout downtown Fort Smith. Sunday parking should be easily obtained.
• Registration: Opens January 31, 2026, at runsignup.com.
• Proceeds: Benefit the Fort Smith Museum of History and the new Darby House Organization.

Historical Significance

The Fort Smith General Darby Challenge commemorates General Darby’s sacrifice on April 30, 1945, during World War II. This event aligns with the sister city partnership between Fort Smith and Nago-Torbole, Italy.

The 2026 Challenge will also honor Master Sergeant Joshua Lloyd Wheeler, who was killed in action in Iraq.

Special Weekend Events

“Darby Days” on Saturday, April 25, 2026, features historical reenactments, military exhibits, and hands-on activities for all ages.

For More Information

• Contact: Caroline Speir, Executive Director, Fort Smith Museum of History, 479.783.7841, fsdarbychallenge@gmail.com
• More Details: Visit fortsmithmuseum.org and darbyhouse.org.