3 events in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The start/finish of the half and full marathon will be at the River Front Pavilion 100 N B St. Fort Smith, AR 72901.

Marathon

This course is both scenic and challenging and includes historic downtown, beautiful neighborhoods, paved trails, and rolling terrain with a few significant climbs and descents as well. Race date is Sunday, March 29, 2026 with race starting 7:00 am.

Half-Marathon

Starts along the marathon route, but turns off around mile 7.5. The route meets up with the marathon route at mile 9 for the return to the finish.

Marathon Relay

The Marathon course is broken into 5 relay legs. First leg is 5.4 miles with 260' elevation gain. Second leg is 4.8 miles with 114' elevation gain. Third leg is 4.5 miles with 262' elevation gain. Fourth leg is 6.3 miles with 237' elevation gain. Last leg is 5.5 miles with 237' elevation gain. These distances and elevation gains are approximate and may change slightly as we work on the logistics of setting up relay stations.

A relay team can consist of two to five people.

Race Guidelines

• 16 or over for Marathon

• 12 or over for Half Marathon

• 8 Hour course time limit

Switching Races

• Participants may switch between races. The registration fee is based on the current price. The registration fee already paid will be credited toward the new registration.

• All switches must be completed online.

Transfers

• After registering, some individuals decide they are unable to participate for some reason. These individuals may opt to transfer their registration to another individual.

• Fort Smith Marathon does not offer refunds for any reason.

• Registrations can be transferred.

• The Fort Smith Marathon does not assist in finding individuals to receive a transfer.

• Deadline to transfer is March 15th.

• When transferring a registration, individuals do not receive a refund of registration fees.

• Once the transfer is submitted the transfer cannot be cancelled.

• Participants who deferred an entry from the previous year’s race may NOT transfer their registration to another individual.

• Registrations may not be transferred more than once.

Deferrals

• If you are registered for this year’s race and wish to defer to the 2026 race, Fort Smith Marathon provide registrants a discount code for the following year for the 50% of their original registration fees paid. The deferrals require the participant use the coupon code to register the following year.

• Deferral codes are not transferable. The code can only be used by the person deferring their registration.

• No deferrals after March 1st.

• Deferrals must be received via an email to the Race Director prior to March 1st.

• Deferred registrations cannot be transferred to another individual.

• There will be no deferrals at the Expo.

Cancellation Policy

• The Fort Smith Marathon wants to provide a safe environment for all participants and volunteers. If it is unsafe to start or proceed with the race, the following policies may be enforced.

• If weather conditions present a danger to participants, the Fort Smith Marathon maintains the right to cancel or modify the race.

• Extreme weather conditions will be recognized as “an act of God” and will not result in the refunding of the race registration fees or future race credits.

• Public safety officials and medical authorities will be consulted prior to any race cancellation or modification. Should the city of Fort Smith officials, which are beyond the control of the Fort Smith Marathon’s control, impact the ability of the race officials to conduct the event, the same refund policy will be in effect.

• Fort Smith Marathon asserts that each participant assumes a personal responsibility when entering a running/walking event and accepts the potential risks.

Event: Fort Smith General Darby Challenge Event: 13.1 m Ruck; 13.1 m Half Marathon; 10K; 5K - Ruck, Run, or Walk

When: Sunday, April 26th 2026 at 7:00am

Time: 07:00am - Noon CST. This is a "mass start", non-sanctioned, but timed event. Dead Stop: 12:00 noon

Where: Downtown Fort Smith at Cisterna Park. FSGDC begins and ends at the “Darby Statue” (1001 Garrison Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901)

Questions and/or sponsorship info: [email protected] or 479-783-7841

Additional info: fortsmithmusuem.org or darbyhouse.org

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557398563665

Hotels & Lodging: Holiday Inn Express; Hampton Inn; Home 2 Home; Homewood Suites; Fort Smith Riverfront RV Resort; Springhill Recreation Area & Campground / RV; Priceline; Travelocity

Ruckers, Runners, Hikers & Walkers

Mass Start: 0:700 am at Darby Statue at Cisterna Park in Downtown Fort Smith

Check-in: Check-in for all divisions begins at 6:30 am at the Darby Statue. Ruck with 25lbs or more weighed before and at finish line. Ruck / Backpack weigh-in begins at 06:00 at the Darby Statue / Start Point.

• Finisher medals will be awarded to participants completing the challenge and special recognition will be awarded to those with the best times.

13.1 Mile Ruck will recognize the first 20 participants and no other categories. Your are welcome to Ruck the 10K and 5K events but you will register as a runner and will be treated as a runner for timing and award purposes.

• 13.1 Mile, 10K and 5K runners, hikers and walkers will recognize age and gender 1st, 2nd and 3rd place categories.

FS General Darby Challenge Details:

*The FS Darby Challenge event is a non-sanctioned but timed 13.1 m Ruck / Half-Marathon, 5K or 10K that welcomes participants to ruck, run, or walk competitively or at your own pace. You have 5 hours to cross the finish in all event categories. Choose your event to meet your fitness goals.

*It is open to Everyone! Civilians, those on direct military orders, active and/or retired military, ROTC/JROTC.

*Divisions for the FSGDC are: Ruck/Weighed (before and at finish), 13.1 m Run, 5K, 10K

*For those unable to make the FS Darby Challenge in person, a virtual participation option is available with finishers medal.

*Finisher’s medals will be awarded to all participants completing the Darby Challenge.

*Special recognition will be awarded to those with the best times in all divisions.

*In the Ruck Division, special recognition will be awarded to the first 20 Ruck participants to cross the finish line.

*All participants have the option to choose a free t-shirt as part of the registration give-away OR purchase an additional t-shirt at registration for $20.00 *Last day for t-shirt orders is April 12th, 2026. Note: There may be the possibility to purchase a t-shirt the day of the Challenge but sizes are not guaranteed.

Route: Event Map & Information

The Fort Smith General Darby Challenge will begin at the General William O. Darby statue in Cisterna Park in Downtown Fort Smith; continue down “A” Street to the Greg Smith River Trail where the route will turn north and continue along the Riverfront to Fort Smith Park. The return route doubles back along the trails, following the return path to the General William O. Darby statue at Cisterna Park in Downtown Fort Smith where participants are will be able to honor General Darby upon completion of the Darby Challenge.

Parking: is available throughout downtown Fort Smith. Sunday parking should be easily obtained by individual participant.

General Information

Fort Smith General Darby Challenge

Sunday, April 26, 2026

Downtown Fort Smith | Cisterna Park

Time: 7:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (dead stop)

Distances: 13.1 Half Marathon, 10K, or 5K — Ruck, Run, or Walk

Registration: runsignup.com

Web: fortsmithmuseum.org | darbyhouse.org

Email: [email protected]

Mark your calendars for the 3rd Annual Fort Smith General Darby Challenge, presented by the Fort Smith Museum of History in partnership with The Darby House organization and the City of Fort Smith. Taking place Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 7:00 a.m. in downtown Fort Smith, this military-inspired ruck march and race honors Fort Smith native General William O. Darby and celebrates the enduring bond between Fort Smith and its Italian sister cities, Cisterna and Nago-Torbole.

This non-sanctioned but timed event offers a half marathon, 10K, or 5K and welcomes participants of all abilities to ruck, run, or walk. A virtual participation option is also available, with finisher medals awarded to all who complete the challenge and special recognition given for top times.

Proceeds benefit the Fort Smith Museum of History and the new Darby House Organization.

The Fort Smith General Darby Challenge commemorates General Darby’s sacrifice on April 30, 1945, in Nago-Torbole, Italy, during World War II. In 2023, Fort Smith and Nago-Torbole formalized a sister city partnership rooted in this shared history, and the Darby Challenge coincides with Nago-Torbole’s Col Darby 40-Mile Ranger Challenge, reinforcing the international connection. A defining moment of the 2026 event is the Silent Mile along the Arkansas River waterfront, honoring 93 World War II Arkansans listed as KIA or MIA and interred near Fort Smith’s sister cities in Italy.

The course begins and ends at the General William O. Darby statue in Cisterna Park, traveling along “A” Street to the Greg Smith River Trail, north along the Riverfront to Fort Smith Park, and returning to Cisterna Park, where participants are invited to reflect and pay their respects.

The 2026 Challenge will also honor Master Sergeant Joshua Lloyd Wheeler, a member of the Cherokee Nation and a native of Sequoyah County, Oklahoma, who was killed in action in Iraq during Operation Inherent Resolve. A member of the elite Delta Force, MSgt. Wheeler was the first American service member killed by enemy fire while fighting ISIS militants.

Registration opens January 31, 2026, at runsignup.com. Participants and spectators are encouraged to join in honoring service, sacrifice, and international friendship at this meaningful Fort Smith tradition.

Adding to the weekend is “Darby Days” on Saturday, April 25, 2026—a lively, family-friendly outdoor event presented by the Fort Smith National Historic Site and the Fort Smith Museum of History. "Darby Days" will feature historical reenactments, weapons demonstrations, static military exhibits, hands-on activities for all ages, and grilled foods, bringing history to life through engaging, interactive experiences.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or media inquiries, contact:

Caroline Speir

Executive Director, Fort Smith Museum of History

479.783.7841

[email protected]

More information about the hosting organizations is available at fortsmithmuseum.org and darbyhouse.org.