4 walking events in Batesville, Arkansas

Come out and join us for a family-friendly event to raise awareness of child abuse. Participants are welcome to walk/run the course and enjoy the fun activities that will be set up at the Pocket Park (325 E. Main St.)

Awards: We will have prizes for the top 3 male and female finishers.

Post-Race: We will have snacks, 1st Phorm Supplements, Madi & Addi's shaved ice and waters available.

—Proceeds will be awarded to Foster Your Community, a non-profit organization serving local foster children since 2019.

—Sign in and race packets will be ready at 7:30 am at the pocket park & the race will begin at 9am.

**Sign up before March 23rd to guarantee a T-shirt!

The 48th Annual Classic

Formerly the White River 4 Mile Classic and HealthSouth 4 Mile Classic, this race is now named for Andy Buschmann, the local running man seen everywhere about town trotting out the miles in his steady gait. He and his buddy Jack Heston ran every version of the race since its founding in 1978 until COVID took Andy from us in 2021. The AB4MC course is USATF certified. Proceeds from the race are donated to local charities serving Independence County.

Parking:

There is ample parking at City Hall and in parking lots throughout the Main Street area.

Start/Finish:

The race will begin at 8 am.

The race starts and finishes on Main Street with parking and setup near City Hall.

Timing:

Chip timing will be by OK Timing Plus

Race Route:

The route runs downhill through Batesville's historic residential and downtown districts, with a couple of substantial climbs through nearby neighborhoods mid-race.

Packet Pick Up:

Early packet pickup will be in the parking lot at 500 E Main (Batesville Municipal Building) from 5-7 pm on Friday, June 5, 2025.

Race day packet pickup will be at the same location starting at 6:30 am on Sat June 6. Early pick up is encouraged!

Registration:

Cost: $35

All runners and walkers will receive a race shirt.

Race day registration will be available from 6:30-7:30 am.

Cancellation Policy:

If the race is cancelled all entries will be deferred to the 2027 race. Sorry, no refunds.

Adverse Weather Policy:

We expect our events to happen rain or shine. No one, including the Race Director, wants to make changes to an event on race day. However, the safety of our participants is of paramount concern. In the event of adverse weather conditions, the Race Director, in communication with the local law enforcement and the city, may delay the event, cancel the event, or make changes to the race course.

Adverse Weather Definition:

The event may be delayed or canceled due to Tornado Warning, Tornado Watch, Thunderstorm, Heavy Rain, or any other extreme weather condition. Light to moderate rain is not considered an Adverse Weather Condition.

Communication:

If the event is canceled more than 12 hours before the event, we will notify participants via the race website and email. If the event is canceled less than 12 hours before the event we will notify participants via the race website and email. Participants will be notified via email where they can pick up their race packets if they have not already done so.

About the Race

When: June 13th, 2026

Registration: Opens at 7:00 a.m.

Race: 8:00–9:00 a.m., followed by awards party

Where: Batesville Community and Aquatics Center

Why:

Each registration supports adult literacy in North Central Arkansas. OFLP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Independence, Sharp, Izard, Jackson, and Stone counties. We provide free, confidential instruction in reading, writing, math, and English, along with family and community education programs. Fundraisers like this help keep our services available to all who need them.

What to Expect

Indoor swim and run event

Swim in the competition pool, then run to the indoor walking track

Floaties and life jackets allowed!

“Run only” option available

Each child will be accompanied by a volunteer for safety

Post-race activities on the party deck until awards

Registration

Register online or by phone

Scholarships available

Day-of registration: $20 (t-shirt sizes guaranteed for pre-registered participants only)

Race packets (t-shirt, bib, waiver):

Race Details

Participants race by age group, swimming first, then running.

Distances by Age Group:

Ages 4–6: 25 yd swim | 0.25 mi run

Ages 7–9: 50 yd swim | 0.5 mi run

Ages 10–12: 100 yd swim | 0.75 mi run

Ages 13–18: 150 yd swim | 1 mi run

Each participant receives:

T-shirt, medal, goody bag, and a $5 aquatics park voucher.

Outdoor water park opens at 1:00 p.m. Vouchers are distributed during awards. Children must remain on the party deck until awards conclude.

Scholarships Available!

Call (870) 793-5912 for information.