Catsmacker

📅 Date & Time

• Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
• Start Time: 7:00am Start
• Location: Lake Sylvia Day Use Area, Perryville AR

🏃‍♀️ Race Options

• Event: AURA "Fun Run" (no UTS points)
• Distance: 20-ish miles for the Catsmacker, 12-ish miles for the Kitty Run option. You can choose your distance on the day of the event.
• Start/Finish Area: The start is at the Lake Sylvia Day Use area, NOT at Camp Ouachita.

💵 Costs & Donations

• Cost: This is a donation-based run.
• Purpose: We need to cover costs for Forest Service permitting, insurance, aid station supplies, finish line cookout, and other race logistics.
• Donation: A suggested donation to cover costs is $20. Thank you!
• Payment: Donations are non-refundable, and any proceeds will be donated to the non-profit AURA.

🛣️ Driving & Parking Directions

• Location: Find Williams Junction, AR on most maps: it is 30 miles west of Little Rock on Hwy 10.
• Directions: Go north on Hwy 10/9 for 1.5 miles, take Hwy 324 west for three and a half miles to the Lake Sylvia day use area.
• Parking: Limited in the Lake Sylvia Day Use Area: overflow along Highway 324. Please carpool if possible!
• Parking Notes: Only park on the west side of Hwy 324: ensure your car is completely out of the traffic lane.

🗺️ Course Description

• Terrain: The course will utilize Forest Service roads and a small portion of the Ouachita Trail.
• Surface: A combination of pavement, gravel, and single/double track trail.
• Markings: Course marking will consist of signs, colored ribbon flagging, and flour arrows.
• Maps: We recommend that participants print off maps if they are unsure of the course.

📥 Useful Links

• Catsmacker 20-ish mile gpx file: View GPX File
• Kittysmacker 12-ish mile gpx file: View GPX File
• Course Map: Available at Run Arkansas

🏆 Event Details

• Arkansas Ultra Trail Series: This is a no-UTS-points fun run that is a season-closer and celebration.
• Runner Safety: At least 2 aid stations for Catsmacker, and 1 for Kitty Run. Carry a water bottle and snacks.
• Pet Policy: Dogs are allowed on a leash. Please adhere to this rule.
• Cell Service: Spotty, so it’s good to run with a buddy and study the course map.

⏰ Early Start

• Cut-off: 6 hours, 16:30ish pace for the full Catsmacker.
• Early Start: Available at 6:00am for those needing more time. Not for convenience.
• Eligibility: Early starters are not eligible for overall awards and must be self-sufficient.

🙌 Volunteers Needed

• Community Support: This event relies on volunteers to run successfully.
• Volunteer Roles: Set-up, runner check-in, aid stations, cookout supporters, course sweepers.
• Sign Up: Visit VolunteerSignup to help.
• Thank You: Your involvement makes a huge difference!