Outlast Arkansas

Outlast Arkansas is a timed trail event held in Higden, Arkansas, on April 3, 2027. Rather than fixed distances, it offers two challenges measured in hours: a 6 Hour Challenge and the Outlast ULTRA 12 Hour Challenge, both starting at 8:00 a.m. In a timed format you cover as many laps of the course as you can within your window, so your result is a distance rather than a finishing time.

Timed events are a good way into ultrarunning because you set the terms. You can walk when you need to, stop at your drop bag every lap, and quit at any point with a real result rather than a DNF. The 6-hour is a realistic first ultra for anyone who has run a marathon or trained consistently for one; the 12-hour is a much bigger commitment and demands practice at eating and drinking on the move. For either, train on trails and rehearse your nutrition on long runs beforehand.