Athens Big Fork Trail Marathon & 17 Mile Fun Run

RACE INFORMATION

Sixteen mountain climbs. One unforgettable finish.

Welcome to the 28th annual Athens Big Fork Trail Marathon and 17 Mile Blaylock Creek Fun Run. Both events follow an out-and-back, well-marked course beginning and ending at the Big Fork Community Center and using the Athens Big Fork Trail.

Full marathon runners will climb eight mountains twice for a total of SIXTEEN mountain climbs and approximately 7,000 feet of cumulative gain. Whether this is your first ABF or you’re returning for your twentieth, we can’t wait to welcome you to one of Arkansas’ most challenging and rewarding trail races.

A NEW CHAPTER FOR ABF

• Transition: Beginning with the 2027 race, ABF will transition to a traditional registration fee.
• Runners’ Benefits: Every registered runner will now receive a short sleeve ABF t-shirt.
• Finisher Award: Every runner who crosses the finish line will receive a commemorative finisher award.
• Proceeds: All net proceeds will be donated to the Big Fork Community Center and the Ouachita Amateur Radio Association (OARA).

RACE DAY EXPERIENCE

• Aid Stations: We will have three fully stocked aid stations with typical aid-station fare.
• Cupless Race: ABF IS A CUPLESS RACE - Every runner must carry a cup, handheld or hydration bladder.
• Post-Race Meal: The post-race meal will be catered by Cheryl at the Big Fork Mall.
• Community Experience: Bring a chair, blanket and any other comfort items, and plan to stick around to cheer in the finishers.

Awards

Every finisher will receive a commemorative finisher award. Special awards will also be presented to the overall male and female winners in both the marathon and fun run. We also recognize our 10-, 15- and 20-year finishers with unique milestone awards.

AID STATIONS & CUTOFFS

• MARATHON: Little Missouri Trailhead: Mile 3.8 outbound and Mile 22.4 inbound. 3:42 PM cutoff at Mile 22.4.
• MARATHON: Blaylock Creek West Trailhead: Mile 8.5 outbound and Mile 17.7 inbound. 10:30 AM cutoff at Mile 8.5.
• MARATHON: Turnaround: Forest Road B23F, Southern Trailhead, Mile 13.1.
• 17 MILE FUN RUN: Little Missouri Trailhead: Mile 3.8 outbound.

Course Decisions & Early Start

• Dropping to the Fun Run: Marathon runners may drop to the 17 Mile Fun Run on race day.
• Early Start: An early-start option is available for runners who require more than nine hours.
• No Shuttle Service: Due to the remote nature of this event, there is no shuttle service except in a medical emergency.

SAFETY & REQUIRED GEAR

Every runner must carry:

• Hydration: A handheld bottle or hydration bladder.
• Light: A waist light or headlamp.
• Phone: Your phone does not count as a light source, and you will not be allowed to leave the Little Missouri aid station without a proper light.
• Safety: Runner safety is a high priority with constant communication and medical standby.

THIS EVENT IS NOT FOR TRAIL NEWBIES

If you are not an experienced trail or ultra runner, we invite you to one of the other UTS runs, but not this one. The 10:30 AM cutoff at Blaylock Creek will be enforced.

Important: No Bib Transfers

Bibs are non-transferable. If you register and later find that you cannot attend, do not allow another runner to use your bib or participate under your registration.

Registration Is Limited

Registration is limited in accordance with our U.S. Forest Service permit, helping preserve the quality of the event and the trail experience. We usually have a waiting list, so please be patient.

Race Details

Event Date: January 9, 2027.

Location: 6118 AR-8, Mena, AR.

Visit the Race Page for more information.