Fort Smith General Darby Challenge

Event Details

• Event: 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 at 7:00am
• 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

• Questions/Sponsorship: fsdarbychallenge@gmail.com or 479-783-7841
• Additional Info: fortsmithmuseum.org or darbyhouse.org
• Facebook Event Page: Facebook Event
• Hotels & Lodging: Holiday Inn Express: Hampton Inn: Home 2 Home: Homewood Suites: Fort Smith Riverfront RV Resort: Springhill Recreation Area & Campground / RV: Priceline: Travelocity

Rucker, Runners, Hikers & Walkers

• Mass Start: 07:00 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: Finisher medals will be awarded to participants completing the challenge and special recognition will be awarded to those with the best times.
• Categories: 13.1 Mile, 10K and 5K runners, hikers and walkers will recognize age and gender categories for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.

FS General Darby Challenge Details

• Participation: Open to Everyone! Civilians, active and/or retired military, ROTC/JROTC.
• Divisions: Ruck/Weighted (before and at finish), 13.1 m Run, 5K, 10K
• Virtual Option: A virtual participation option is available with finisher medal.
• Special Recognition: Special recognition will be awarded to those with the best times in all divisions.

Route Information

• Event Map: Event Map & Information
• Course: The Fort Smith General Darby Challenge will begin at the General William O. Darby statue in Cisterna Park in Downtown Fort Smith, following a designated route.
• Honor General Darby: Participants are invited to honor General Darby upon completion of the Darby Challenge.
• Parking: Parking is available throughout downtown Fort Smith.

General Information

• Registration: opens January 31, 2026, at runsignup.com.
• Proceeds: Benefit the Fort Smith Museum of History and the new Darby House Organization.
• Special Events: “Darby Days” on Saturday, April 25, 2026, featuring family-friendly activities.
• More Info: Contact Caroline Speir, Executive Director, Fort Smith Museum of History, 479.783.7841.