Races

Arkansas Traveller

ArkansasOctober

Perry to Lake Ouachita. Ozark dirt roads and pine singletrack. Rollers that never quit in July humidity.

100 mi+787 ft-807 ft30 hours617 ft to 645 fttech 5/10Checkpoints per race bookOuachitapoint to pointWSER qualifierOctoberWSER qualifierHardrock qualifier
Distance100 mi
Gain+787 ft
Loss-807 ft
Altitude617 ft to 645 ft
Technicality5/10
Air45°F to 95°F
Gradient profileOfficial race GPX
  • Start636 ft
  • High645 ft
  • Low617 ft
  • Finish617 ft

Terrain

dirt road70%trail25%paved5%

Geometryderived

Steepest drop23 ft-0.2% over 2.1 mi
Night miles52 misunset near 17:00 local

The cruxOuachita rollers between mile 40 and 70 (near mile 65)

Course DNA

The Course

Arkansas Traveller runs 100 mi through Arkansas. +787 ft gain and -807 ft loss. Surfaces skew 70% dirt road / 25% trail / 5% paved. Ouachita rollers between mile 40 and 70. High point near 645 ft. Low near 617 ft. October temps run 45°F to 95°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 50.

The Work

Train for 787 feet of climbing across 100 mi. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 30 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 65.

Kit

October in Arkansas: plan for 45°F to 95°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 30 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 25. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 70% dirt road: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 50.

Race Day

Hold effort through mile 25. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 50. Ouachita rollers between mile 40 and 70 near mile 65 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 33 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.

Sources (2)

Arkansas Traveller