Fort Smith General Darby Challenge

Event :    Fort Smith General Darby Challenge Event: 13.1 m Ruck; 13.1 m Half Marathon; 10K; 5K - Ruck, Run, or Walk  
When :    Sunday, April 26th 2026 at 7:00am 
Time :      07:00am - Noon CST. This is a  "mass start", non-sanctioned, but timed event. Dead Stop: 12:00 noon
Where :   Downtown Fort Smith at Cisterna Park. FSGDC begins and ends at the “Darby Statue” (1001 Garrison Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901)

Questions and/or sponsorship info: [email protected]  or 479-783-7841

Additional info: fortsmithmusuem.org or darbyhouse.org

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557398563665
Hotels & Lodging: Holiday Inn Express; Hampton Inn; Home 2 Home; Homewood Suites; Fort Smith Riverfront RV Resort; Springhill Recreation Area & Campground / RV; Priceline; Travelocity

Ruckers, Runners, Hikers & Walkers  
Mass Start : 0:700 am at Darby Statue at Cisterna Park in Downtown Fort Smith
Check-in : Check-in for all divisions begins at 6:30 am at the Darby Statue. Ruck with 25lbs or more weighed before and at finish line. Ruck / Backpack weigh-in begins at 06:00 at the Darby Statue / Start Point.

- Finisher medals will be awarded to participants completing the challenge and special recognition will be awarded to those with the best times . 
  13.1 Mile Ruck will recognize the first 20 participants and no other categories. Your are welcome to Ruck the 10K and 5K events but you will register as a runner and will be treated as a runner for timing and award purposes.
- 13.1 Mile, 10K and 5K runners, hikers and walkers will recognize age and gender 1st, 2nd and 3rd place categories.

FS General Darby Challenge Details : 

*The FS Darby Challenge event is a non-sanctioned but timed 13.1 m Ruck / Half-Marathon, 5K or 10K that welcomes participants to ruck, run, or walk competitively or at your own pace. You have 5 hours to cross the finish in all event categories. Choose your event to meet your fitness goals. 
*It is open to Everyone! Civilians, those on direct military orders, active and/or retired military, ROTC/JROTC. 
*Divisions for the FSGDC are: Ruck/Weighed (before and at finish), 13.1 m Run, 5K, 10K
*For those unable to make the FS Darby Challenge in person, a virtual participation option is available with finishers medal .
*Finisher’s medals will be awarded to all participants completing the Darby Challenge.
*Special recognition will be awarded to those with the best times in all divisions.
*In the Ruck Division, special recognition will be awarded to the first 20 Ruck participants to cross the finish line. 
*All participants have the option to choose a free t-shirt as part of the registration give-away OR purchase an additional t-shirt at registration for $20.00 * Last day for t-shirt orders is April 12th, 2026.  Note: There may be the possibility to purchase a t-shirt the day of the Challenge but sizes are not guaranteed .  

Route: Event Map & Information
The Fort Smith General Darby Challenge will begin at the General William O. Darby statue in Cisterna Park in Downtown Fort Smith; continue down “A” Street to the Greg Smith River Trail where the route will turn north and continue along the Riverfront to Fort Smith Park. The return route doubles back along the trails, following the return path to the General William O. Darby statue at Cisterna Park in Downtown Fort Smith where participants are will be able to honor General Darby upon completion of the Darby Challenge.

Parking: is available throughout downtown Fort Smith. Sunday parking should be easily obtained by individual participant.

General Information

Fort Smith General Darby Challenge
Sunday, April 26, 2026
Downtown Fort Smith | Cisterna Park
Time: 7:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (dead stop)
Distances: 13.1 Half Marathon, 10K, or 5K — Ruck, Run, or Walk
Registration: runsignup.com
Web: fortsmithmuseum.org | darbyhouse.org
Email: [email protected]

Mark your calendars for the 3rd Annual Fort Smith General Darby Challenge, presented by the Fort Smith Museum of History in partnership with The Darby House organization and the City of Fort Smith. Taking place Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 7:00 a.m. in downtown Fort Smith, this military-inspired ruck march and race honors Fort Smith native General William O. Darby and celebrates the enduring bond between Fort Smith and its Italian sister cities, Cisterna and Nago-Torbole. 

This non-sanctioned but timed event offers a half marathon, 10K, or 5K and welcomes participants of all abilities to ruck, run, or walk. A virtual participation option is also available, with finisher medals awarded to all who complete the challenge and special recognition given for top times. 

Proceeds benefit the Fort Smith Museum of History and the new Darby House Organization.

The Fort Smith General Darby Challenge commemorates General Darby’s sacrifice on April 30, 1945, in Nago-Torbole, Italy, during World War II. In 2023, Fort Smith and Nago-Torbole formalized a sister city partnership rooted in this shared history, and the Darby Challenge coincides with Nago-Torbole’s Col Darby 40-Mile Ranger Challenge, reinforcing the international connection. A defining moment of the 2026 event is the Silent Mile along the Arkansas River waterfront, honoring 93 World War II Arkansans listed as KIA or MIA and interred near Fort Smith’s sister cities in Italy.

The course begins and ends at the General William O. Darby statue in Cisterna Park, traveling along “A” Street to the Greg Smith River Trail, north along the Riverfront to Fort Smith Park, and returning to Cisterna Park, where participants are invited to reflect and pay their respects. 

The 2026 Challenge will also honor Master Sergeant Joshua Lloyd Wheeler, a member of the Cherokee Nation and a native of Sequoyah County, Oklahoma, who was killed in action in Iraq during Operation Inherent Resolve. A member of the elite Delta Force, MSgt. Wheeler was the first American service member killed by enemy fire while fighting ISIS militants.

Registration opens January 31, 2026, at runsignup.com. Participants and spectators are encouraged to join in honoring service, sacrifice, and international friendship at this meaningful Fort Smith tradition.

Adding to the weekend is “Darby Days” on Saturday, April 25, 2026—a lively, family-friendly outdoor event presented by the Fort Smith National Historic Site and the Fort Smith Museum of History. "Darby Days" will feature historical reenactments, weapons demonstrations, static military exhibits, hands-on activities for all ages, and grilled foods, bringing history to life through engaging, interactive experiences.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or media inquiries, contact:
Caroline Speir
Executive Director, Fort Smith Museum of History
479.783.7841
[email protected]

More information about the hosting organizations is available at fortsmithmuseum.org and darbyhouse.org.