6 events in North Little Rock, Arkansas

Join us for the second annual Natural State Backyard Ultra which is the location for the High School Ultramarathon National Championship hosted by Epopeo in North Little Rock, Arkansas on March 14-15. Compete with other high school endurance athletes from around the country for the opportunity to be the High School Ultramarathon National Champion. The Backyard Ultra format (see description below) used for this event allows any level of runner the opportunity to compete whether they have competed in ultras in the past.

To compete in the High School Division, the participant must not have graduated earlier than 2026.

There is a separate Open Division for all adults and runners not classified in the High School Division.

Place:

1 Soccer Avenue, North Little Rock, AR 72118

Burns Park Field 3 Parking Lot

https://maps.app.goo.gl/EJaPWrt4KbDz17GC7

Description:

Racer Check-In and Start

Racers check in: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 6:00-7:30 a.m.

The check-in and start are located at the starting tent at the address above.

The race will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026.

Backyard Ultra Format:

A backyard ultra is a type of ultramarathon where runners complete a short, 4.167-mile loop every hour, with the race ending when only one participant remains to finish a lap, essentially making it a "last one standing" competition; the winner is the runner who completes the most loops before all others drop out, with no predetermined finish distance or time limit, making it a grueling test of mental and physical endurance.

Official Rules:

Starts

Each 4.167-mile loop starts precisely 1 hour after the last

Warnings will be given 3, 2, and 1 minutes before the start of each loop

All participants must be in the starting corral and start at the bell (no late starts)

Corral location stays the same throughout the race

Loops

Except for restrooms, competitors may not leave the course until each loop is completed

No non-competitors on the course (including eliminated runners and crew)

No personal aid during a loop (each runner must be self sufficient while on the loop)

Each loop must be completed within an hour to be counted (including the final lap)

No artificial aids (including trekking poles)

Slower runners must allow passes

Winner/Results

The winner is the last person to complete a loop (in each division)

All others are technically DNF

Results of each runner in terms of distance covered are to be given

If no runner can complete one more loop than anyone else, there is no winner

Aid & Refreshment Stations:

There will be food and drink provided (bring your own cup)

Public bathrooms and water are available near the starting tent

Basic first aid supplies will be available at the starting tent

Supplies:

Runners are allowed to return to cars or personal tents between each loop

Runners have the option to bring a support crew but support can only be provided after each loop

Safety:

Volunteers will be posted a road crossings for safety

A police officer will be present past 9:00 pm

A medic will be present at the starting area for the duration of the race for any medical-related needs

Course Description:

The course is an easy, wooded, flat 4.167-mile loop with an elevation of only 168’. The terrain is mostly packed dirt with only a few rocky sections and less than ½ mile of pavement. The trail can become very muddy during the wet season and after rainstorms. The trail is well-marked with blue & white tape and blue flags.

Awards:

High School Men's Champion, High School Women's Champion, Open Division Men's Champion, Open Division Women's Champion

Recognition will be given to any participant who finishes 7 laps, officially running an ultramarathon distance

After each runner's final lap they will receive an award with their total covered distance in laps

Refunds and Inclement Weather Policy:

No Refunds

No Inclement Weather Policy. Race will be held regardless of temperature or precipitation (forecast or actual). The race director reserves the right to cancel or delay the race for the safety of the participants.

What Is OUTLAST?

OUTLAST is a 6-hour trail endurance challenge where runners complete a 5K every hour, on the hour. Each lap must be finished within the hour to stay in the event. If you finish early, you rest until the next round. Miss a lap, and you’re out.

Complete all six rounds, and you OUTLAST.

This isn't just about speed — it's about pacing, discipline, and mental grit. Whether you're trying to survive all six or win your division, the challenge is the same: show up each hour, push your limits, and stay in it.

Each course is trail-based, with natural terrain, elevation, and unpredictable conditions. You’ll have time between rounds to recover, refuel, and refocus — but not much.

What You Earn:

​4 laps = “Grit Earned” patch

5 laps = “Survivor” patch

6 laps = Premium “OUTLAST” medal

​​

All participants receive a premium OUTLAST Tee.

Top male and female with the fastest combined 5K times at each event win the 1st Place OUTLAST award.

Finishers are ranked on the national leaderboard—and the fastest runner across all OUTLAST 6-hour events will be crowned National Champion and take home $1,000.

The 1st Place Male and Female 6-hour champions from each city will earn a spot in the Outlast Championship, where they’ll compete against the best of the best at the end of the Tour, and the 1st place male and female winners take home $1000 each. (This is separate from the national leaderboard prize money.)

By the end of the tour, the top 100 best times nationally will be invited to also compete in the Outlast Championship.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I have to run all 6 laps?

Nope. Run as many as you can. If you complete 4 or 5, you'll still earn a patch. Only those who finish all 6 get the OUTLAST medal and leaderboard ranking.

What happens if I don’t finish a lap in time?

You're out. The next lap starts at the top of the next hour, and only those who completed the last lap on time can continue.

How is the race timed?

Each 5K is timed individually. If you complete all 6, your combined time counts toward the local win and national leaderboard.

Are these trail races or road?

Every OUTLAST race is on trail terrain — dirt, rocks, roots, and elevation. Sometimes some pavement and gravel.

Can I walk?

Yes, as long as you finish the 5K within the hour. But some courses are rugged, and time can sneak up on you.

Are there aid stations?

Yes. There will be water, basic hydration, and snacks at the basecamp/loop start. This is a cupless event — bring your own bottle or hydration system.

What should I bring?

Trail shoes, hydration system, layers (weather dependent), fuel between laps, and grit.

Can I setup a tent?

Absolutely, bring your own aid station/tent setup.

Is OUTLAST for beginners?

Yes — if you're mentally tough. You don’t need to be fast, just consistent and ready to suffer a little.

How do I win?

If you finish all 6 laps and have the fastest combined time, you win your division (male/female). Winners are also added to the national leaderboard for a shot at the $1,000 national prize & title.

Arkansas' fastest and most scenic 15K! 100% paved course travels along the Arkansas River, Old Rock Quarry, Burns Park and more.

The RiverTrail 15k will be a Grand Prix Championship race. It will also be an RRCA State Championship race.

Packet pickup 5-22-26 at Rock City Running 11121 North Rodney Parham Road Suite 37B in Little Rock from 11am-5:30pm. Registration will be available - $35 for adults & $25 for juniors (up to 18.)

Race Day packet pickup from 6:45-7:45am at Burns Park. Race day registration will be available - $40 for adults & $30 for juniors.

Race hosted by the Arkansas RRCA

USATF Course Certification #AR AR26001WJT

Chip Timing provided by Garner Timing Services

Proceeds benefit the Arkansas RRCA Grand Prix Series