Race Overview
The Arkansas Traveller 100 stands as one of the oldest and most respected 100-mile ultramarathons in the United States, founded in 1991 and held annually each October in Arkansas’ scenic Ouachita Mountains. This classic Southern ultra represents the epitome of trail ultrarunning tradition, combining challenging yet runnable terrain with exceptional organization and a welcoming community atmosphere that has made it a favorite destination for both first-time 100-mile runners and seasoned veterans.
Located at Camp Ouachita in the heart of the Ouachita National Forest, the race showcases the natural beauty and rugged character of Arkansas’ premier mountain wilderness. The course features a unique layout consisting of a 17-mile opening loop followed by an 83-mile out-and-back section, taking runners through diverse terrain that includes forest roads, jeep trails, and 8 miles on the renowned Ouachita Trail. With approximately 12,000 feet of total elevation gain, the Arkansas Traveller offers a substantial challenge while remaining accessible to ultrarunners of all experience levels.
What sets the Arkansas Traveller apart is its reputation as a Western States qualifier combined with generous time cutoffs and exceptional aid station support that makes it suitable for first-time 100-mile attempts. The race typically attracts 200 participants who experience the unique challenges of Southern ultrarunning, including the potential for warm and humid October conditions that add an extra dimension to the athletic demands. The scenic course traverses pine forests, ridgelines, and pristine lake areas, offering runners some of the most beautiful trail running terrain in the American South.
How to Qualify & Enter
Entry to the Arkansas Traveller 100 is accessible and straightforward, reflecting the race’s welcoming approach to ultrarunning that has made it a favorite choice for both first-time 100-mile runners and experienced veterans seeking a well-organized event with generous time allowances.
Registration Standards:
• No qualifying standards required – open to all runners 18+ on race day
• Suitable for first-time 100-mile attempts due to generous 30-hour cutoff
• Also appropriate for experienced ultrarunners seeking Western States qualification
• International runners welcome
• Field limited to 200 participants
Registration Process:
Registration typically opens early each year through RunSignup, with the 200 available spots usually filling relatively quickly due to the race’s excellent reputation. The straightforward online registration process requires basic runner information and entry fee payment, with no complex qualifying documentation needed.
Entry fee is competitively priced for a premium 100-mile event, reflecting the race’s commitment to accessibility while maintaining exceptional organization and support. The combination of no qualifying requirements, generous cutoffs, and comprehensive aid station support makes Arkansas Traveller an ideal choice for runners ready to tackle their first 100-mile challenge in a supportive, well-managed environment.
Course Layout
The Arkansas Traveller 100 features a unique and challenging course design beginning with a 17-mile loop followed by an 83-mile out-and-back section through the pristine Ouachita National Forest. The diverse terrain includes forest roads, jeep trails, and 8 miles on the renowned Ouachita Trail, with approximately 12,000 feet of total elevation gain. Runners experience scenic ridges, dense pine forests, pristine lake areas, and the natural beauty of Arkansas’ premier mountain wilderness, often in warm and humid October conditions that add Southern character to the challenge.
Field Size
• Total Field: 200 runners maximum
• Time Cutoff: 30 hours (generous for accessibility)
• Start/Finish: Camp Ouachita, Ouachita National Forest
• Western States Qualifier: Yes
• Typical Finish Rate: High due to accessible course and excellent support
Rules & Cutoffs
Crew & Pacers: Crew access only at Start/Finish, Lake Sylvia (mile 47 outbound), Lake Winona, and designated Powerline crew areas. Pacers allowed from Lake Sylvia (mile 47). Drop Bags: Permitted at designated aid stations. Course Adherence: Strict adherence to marked course required, no littering, race bibs must be visible. Mandatory Check-ins: Runners must check in at each aid station and notify staff if dropping out. Alcohol: Prohibited on course. Parking & Crew: Strictly controlled according to race guidelines.
Aid Stations
• Total: 23 fully staffed aid stations approximately every 5 miles
• Supplies: Water, sports drinks, sodas, salty and sweet foods, real food options
• Special Support: Hot soup available during night hours
• Drop Bags: Allowed at designated aid stations
• Crew Access: Limited to Start/Finish, Lake Sylvia (out), Lake Winona, and Powerline locations
Recent Winners
Men’s Champions: 2024: Zachary Johnson – 16:22:41, 2023: Ethan Green – 17:40:55, 2022: Greg West – 15:59:47, 2021: David Lipe – 17:25:22, 2020: David Paul – 16:55:15. Women’s Champions: 2024: Mary Smith – 20:45:33, 2023: Julie Adams – 22:18:19, 2022: Ashley Nordell – 19:53:12, 2021: Spencer Mahoney – 23:08:33, 2020: Jenny Jackson – 21:17:51.
Official Website & Contact Info
• Website: runarkansas.com/AT100.htm
• Race Director: Stacey Shaver-Matson
• Registration: RunSignup platform
• Location: Camp Ouachita, Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas
• Race Month: October annually