2026 Race Update

Welcome to the 2026 Run the Den Trail Races at iconic Devil’s Den State Park.

Race Date: Saturday November 14, 2026

Start Time: 7:30AM

Location: Devil’s Den State Park

11333 Hwy 74

Winslow, AR

Packet Pickup: Friday November 13 11:00AM-6:00PM

Rush Running Co

1600 SE J Street

Bentonville, AR 72712

On Tuesday 7/21/26 we were informed by the City of Bella Vista that our permit for the Back 40 Trail Races on 11/14/26 was not approved as another event had been granted a permit. That event will be using the Little Sugar/Tunnel Vision trails as well so we had nowhere in Bella Vista to host our event on that date. It is unfortunate that we were not able to reach a resolution.

As we discussed the best way for us to move forward with our event, the runners that were already registered were a focus. We wanted an option that would least affect them. We all know how it works when we register for races. Our calendars are arranged around that event for training, travel and all the other stuff. We felt keeping the date and time intact was important. So we began looking at other venues for our event.

As we considered our options, there was a list of boxes that we wanted to check for a good fit to accommodate the race. The new location will be Devil's Den State Park . Why Devil's Den? Good question. For years, off and on, Mike and I have talked about having a race at the Den. Many of you know that our summer race in June on National Trails Day is at Hobbs State Park and benefits the Friends of Hobbs State Park. When we called Devil's Den and explained the situation, we were welcomed with open arms. Proceeds from this event will benefit Friends of Devil's Den State Park. Devil's Den is a premiere state park and an old one having opened in 1933. We are excited to finally be headed to the Den.

With a change in location comes new trails. New trails mean some new distances. For this year, we will have options for 6, 13 and 26 miles. The 6 and 13 mile courses will be on the Monument Trails. These are newer trails that are, comparatively, smoother than other trails in NW Arkansas and feature some great scenery in the Lee Creek Valley. Perfect if you're a newer trail runner. If it's not your first rodeo, we expect to see some fast times in these distances. The marathon will also use these trails for the first half and then will turn onto the Butterfield Trail. If you know, you know. The Butterfield is old school Ozark single track. Big climbs and descents with some gnarly rocky sections here and there. This is a graduate level challenge. As we finalize aid station locations, that information will be posted. As always, you can expect all the usual trail fare: sweet and salty snacks, some fruit, water, soda and a sports drink. And our volunteers typically bring some extra fancy stuff for y’all.

Also, with a change in location, we decided a new name was needed as you can't call it the Back 40 if it's at Devil's Den. Run the Den is the new name for this year. And with a new name comes a new logo. Ryan Holler, the artist/runner/wizard behind the Back 40 logo, is hard at work on something new for Run the Den. We will unveil it to you as soon as we have it. The we will get started on shirts, medals, awards and such.

If you were previously registered for the 2026 Back 40 races, an email was sent to you on Friday 7/24/26 detailing the changes and the options available to you including a refund. Please reply to that that email so we know if you will be joining us in November or need a refund. It is our sincere hope that you will join us at Devil's Den on November 14 but we understand the change may not work for everyone and that's OK.

Registration for the 2026 Run the Den is now open on Race Wizard (same site we always use). The race page on our website is being updated and is currently unavailable. Once we have course maps, elevation profiles, .gpx files and everything else needed, we will be up and running again for those of you that like to look at that stuff. We will let you all know when it is ready.

Y'all, we didn't expect this curveball on Tuesday morning. But life happens. We tried to pivot quickly and to the best of our ability. We are so thankful for the folks that have reached out offering help. From sponsoring to volunteering to marketing to groups/businesses wanting to collaborate. You know who you are and we are grateful. It's a good reminder of what a great community we have in the NWA trail scene.

Special shout out to Jay and his staff at Devil's Den. Big thanks to Matthew and Will from Ozark Trail Runners.

We are excited to see some old friends at the Den and to make some new ones. We will bring the same energy and vibe to the Den that we always bring. Saturday November 14, 2026 is the date. Devil's Den is the place. Tell your friends. We hope to see you there.

James and Mike

Rush Running Co.

As more details get confirmed, we will update this page.

This is a non-profit event raising funds for the Friends of Devil’s Den and we do not offer refunds.

This is a cupless event, please bring your own bottle or cup for drinks during and after the race.

The start/finish area will be at the main pavilion inside the park next to the CCC dam.

Packet pick up is at Rush Running Co in Bentonville on Friday from 11:00AM-6:00PM. Parking at the shop is limited. There is a parking lot just behind the shop that can be used. That address for that is 1000 SE 14th Street and is behind the Student Services building. You can pick up packets for friends that can't make it during that time.

There will be a pre-race briefing at 7:15AM Saturday before the start of the races. Late packet pick up on race day is from 6:30AM-7:00AM at the finish area. All courses close at 5:30PM. We will start on time, do not be late.

If you want to change the distance you registered for or need to complete a bib swap (exchange), please contact us via email before Wednesday 11/11. To guarantee a shirt in your desired size please register by October 16.

All finishers will receive a finishers medal. We are working on food options for the finish line and will share those details when available. Things will continue to fall into place, check back for updates.