November 14, 2026

Welcome to the 2026 Run the Den Trail Races!

We're excited to welcome you to the first ever Run the Den Trail Races at beautiful Devil's Den State Park on Saturday, November 14, 2026!

If you've been looking for the Back 40 Trail Races, you're in the right place.

Due to an unexpected scheduling conflict with another permitted event on the Back 40 Trail System in Bella Vista, we are no longer able to host this year's race at its traditional location. Rather than changing weekends and disrupting months of training and travel plans for our runners, we chose to keep the same race date and find an incredible new home for 2026.

That search led us to one of Arkansas' most iconic outdoor destinations... Devil's Den State Park!

This is a place we've dreamed of hosting a race for years, and when we reached out to the park staff, they welcomed us with open arms. Just like our War Eagle Trail Races support the Friends of Hobbs State Park, proceeds from Run the Den will benefit the Friends of Devil's Den State Park, helping preserve this incredible place for future generations.

A New Venue. A New Name. The Same Rush Running Experience.

With a new venue comes a new name. Since we won't be racing on the Back 40 Trail System this year, we felt it was only fitting to introduce Run the Den.

While the location is new, everything you love about a Rush Running trail race will remain the same. You'll find a welcoming community, incredible volunteers, well-marked courses, fully stocked aid stations, unique finisher medals, custom race shirts, and the fun, laid-back atmosphere that has made our events favorites throughout Northwest Arkansas.

Explore Some of Arkansas' Best Trails

For 2026, runners can choose from 6 miles, 13 miles, or 26 miles, each showcasing the beauty of Devil's Den in a different way.

The 6-mile and 13-mile courses explore the nationally recognized Monument Trails, offering flowing singletrack, scenic overlooks, bluff lines, creek crossings, and rolling Ozark terrain. These trails are incredibly fun to run and make a great introduction to trail racing while still providing plenty of challenge for experienced runners looking to push the pace.

Those taking on the marathon will experience all of the Monument Trails before heading onto the legendary Butterfield Trail. This historic Ozark singletrack delivers steeper climbs, longer descents, rugged rock gardens, and a true backcountry trail running experience. If you know the Butterfield, you already know what's waiting. If you don't... you're about to find out.

Race Swag

Everyone registered by October 16 will receive a custom race shirt featuring an all-new logo created by local artist, runner, and wizard Ryan Holler, the creative mind behind the original Back 40 artwork.

Every finisher will receive a custom finisher medal, and awards will be presented to the top three overall male and female finishers in each distance.

We're Just Getting Started

As this event comes together, we'll continue updating this website with course maps, GPX files, elevation profiles, aid station details, finish line food, lodging information, and everything else you'll need for race weekend.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us through this unexpected change. The encouragement from runners, volunteers, sponsors, local businesses, and the Northwest Arkansas trail community has been incredible, and we're excited to bring the same energy, community, and race experience you've come to expect from Rush Running to Devil's Den.

We can't wait to see old friends, meet new ones, and write the first chapter of Run the Den together this November.