Arkansas Traveller 100 Mile Race Guide
The Arkansas Traveller 100 Mile Run stands as one of the oldest and most respected 100-mile ultramarathons in America, having completed 34 consecutive runnings since its founding in 1991. This legendary event takes place annually on the first Saturday in October in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains near Perryville, Arkansas, with the 2025 race scheduled for October 4-5. The race begins at 6:00 AM on Saturday morning at historic Camp Ouachita and challenges runners with a unique combination of technical terrain, Southern hospitality, and exceptional volunteer support that has earned the Arkansas Traveller a reputation as having the best aid stations in all of ultrarunning. Known for its motto “Good Time Running,” this event attracts runners from across the globe who come to experience the challenging but rewarding journey through 100.3 miles of Arkansas wilderness. The Arkansas Traveller maintains its status as an official Western States Endurance Run qualifier, making it an attractive option for runners seeking entry into the most prestigious 100-mile race in America. The race is organized by the Arkansas Ultra Running Association as a non-profit event, with proceeds benefiting the Williams Junction Volunteer Fire Department and other local organizations.
Registration and Qualification
Registration for the Arkansas Traveller 100 follows an open entry system without qualification requirements, making it accessible to runners of all experience levels who are at least 18 years old on race day. The race opens registration annually on Valentine’s Day (February 14th) through both online and mail-in paper registration options, with a field limit of 200 participants to maintain the intimate atmosphere and exceptional aid station support. Entry fees follow a tiered pricing structure starting at $235 for early registration until June 14th, increasing to $260 until August 1st, and reaching $280 thereafter, with no refunds available after August 1st. Runners must register by September 5th to guarantee their preferred shirt size and style, as race organizers cannot guarantee availability of specific sizes after this date. The registration process requires runners to provide detailed emergency contact information, medical conditions, current medications, and accommodation details for race weekend safety protocols. All participants must complete a comprehensive waiver acknowledging the inherent risks of ultramarathon running and agreeing to abide by race official decisions regarding their participation. The race typically sells out well before the October race date due to its popularity and reputation among the ultrarunning community, so interested runners should register as early as possible after registration opens.
Particular Challenges
The Arkansas Traveller 100 presents several unique challenges that test even experienced ultrarunners and contribute to its reputation as a demanding yet rewarding mountain ultra. The race’s 12,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain is spread throughout the course in a series of rolling hills and sustained climbs that runners describe as “sneaky-hard” and more challenging than the elevation profile initially suggests. The highly variable terrain includes everything from smooth pavement to technical single-track trails, with some sections featuring unmaintained gravel roads and old four-wheeler trails that can become treacherous in wet conditions. Weather conditions in Arkansas during early October can be extremely unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from lows in the 30s to highs in the 90s, and the possibility of rain, hail, or severe storms that can dramatically alter course conditions and runner safety. The remote nature of much of the course means limited crew access at only four locations throughout the 100-mile journey, forcing runners to be largely self-sufficient while relying heavily on drop bags and aid station support. Navigation challenges arise from the complex route that includes a figure-eight loop followed by an out-and-back section through dense forest with multiple forest service road intersections that can confuse even experienced trail runners. The nighttime portion of the race becomes particularly challenging as runners must navigate technical terrain with headlamps while battling fatigue, with darkness typically falling around 6:30-7:00 PM and dawn not arriving until 6:30-6:45 AM. Mental challenges include the psychological difficulty of the out-and-back format where struggling runners must retrace 41+ miles of difficult terrain they covered earlier in better condition.
Course Format
The Arkansas Traveller 100 features a unique and challenging course format consisting of an initial 17-mile figure-eight loop followed by an 83-mile out-and-back section through the remote Ouachita Mountains. The race begins and ends at historic Camp Ouachita near Williams Junction, Arkansas, with the figure-eight loop portion taking runners through diverse terrain including eight miles on the famous Ouachita National Recreation Trail. This opening loop serves as both a warm-up and a preview of the technical terrain to come, featuring the only section of the course that runners will not revisit during their journey. After completing the loop at Lake Sylvia aid station (mile 16.4), runners begin the massive 83-mile out-and-back section that takes them deep into the Ouachita National Forest on a complex network of forest service roads, jeep trails, and remote backcountry routes. The turnaround point occurs at mile 57.9 on Forest Service Road 2, requiring runners to then retrace their steps back through all the same challenging terrain they covered on the outbound journey. This format creates unique strategic considerations as runners must conserve energy for the return trip while also taking advantage of daylight hours to familiarize themselves with technical sections they will encounter again in darkness. The out-and-back design also provides psychological benefits and challenges, as runners encounter faster competitors heading in the opposite direction, offering motivation and course intelligence, but must also face the mental challenge of retracing difficult climbs and technical sections when their energy and motivation are at their lowest points.
Elevation Profile
The Arkansas Traveller 100 features approximately 12,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain spread across the 100.3-mile course, creating a challenging and relentless series of climbs and descents throughout the Ouachita Mountains. The course elevation ranges from approximately 300 feet at its lowest point to over 2,100 feet at the highest peaks, with the majority of the course running between 800 and 1,800 feet elevation. The race begins at Camp Ouachita at roughly 690 feet elevation and immediately begins climbing through the initial figure-eight loop, with significant elevation gains occurring at Brown’s Creek (1,220 feet), Flatside Pinnacle (650 feet), and back up to Lake Sylvia at 700 feet. Major climbs throughout the course include the ascent to Electronic Tower at 1,420 feet (mile 24.6), the challenging climb to Electronic Tower again on the return at mile 91.2, and numerous sustained climbs between aid stations that may not show dramatic elevation changes but feature relentless rolling terrain. The elevation profile reveals that the Arkansas Traveller rarely provides flat or downhill running for extended periods, instead featuring constant undulating terrain that creates what many runners describe as more cumulative fatigue than races with steeper but more distinct climbing sections. The out-and-back format means runners experience each major climb and descent twice, effectively doubling the psychological impact of difficult elevation changes while testing their ability to maintain climbing strength and downhill running form during the challenging nighttime return journey. The seemingly moderate elevation gains are deceptive because they occur continuously throughout the race rather than in concentrated climbing sections, creating a grinding challenge that breaks down runners who underestimate the cumulative impact of 12,000 feet of climbing spread over 100+ miles.
Terrain Breakdown
The Arkansas Traveller 100 course encompasses a diverse mix of surface types that challenge runners with everything from smooth pavement to technical single-track trails and rough four-wheeler paths. According to the official course description, the terrain breaks down into six distinct surface categories: pavement (2% of total distance), best gravel roads that are smooth and well-maintained (approximately 15%), maintained gravel roads (approximately 25%), unmaintained gravel roads (approximately 30%), old roads that serve as four-wheeler trails (approximately 20%), and the technical Ouachita Trail single-track (approximately 8%). The race begins with 1.4 miles on Highway 324 pavement before transitioning to forest service roads of varying quality, with the only other pavement section occurring on the final approach back to Camp Ouachita. The eight-mile section on the Ouachita National Recreation Trail (miles 9-17) represents the most technical terrain on the course, featuring permanently marked blue blazes, root and rock obstacles, stream crossings, and typical single-track trail challenges that require careful footing and reduced pace. Forest service roads range from smooth, well-maintained gravel surfaces suitable for regular vehicle traffic to rough, unmaintained tracks with deep ruts, loose rocks, washouts, and four-wheeler trail conditions that can become extremely challenging in wet weather. The unmaintained roads and old four-wheeler trails often feature significant mud holes, loose rock sections, overgrown vegetation, and steep grades that force most runners into hiking mode during both ascents and technical descents. This terrain variety requires runners to constantly adjust their pacing and running form, making it impossible to settle into a consistent rhythm for extended periods and contributing to the race’s reputation as more challenging than its elevation profile suggests.
Time Limits and Cutoffs
The Arkansas Traveller 100 operates under a generous 30-hour time limit that allows runners to finish as late as 12:00 noon on Sunday, reflecting the race’s welcoming philosophy while still maintaining safety standards for the remote mountain course. The race features multiple intermediate cutoff times at key aid stations to ensure runner safety and proper course management, with these cutoffs being strictly enforced by aid station captains and race officials. The first significant cutoff occurs at Lake Winona (mile 31.0) with a 1:50 PM Saturday deadline, followed by increasingly tight cutoffs as runners progress deeper into the course. Critical cutoffs include Pigtrail at 3:05 PM (mile 36.1), Club Flamingo at 4:00 PM (mile 39.4), Bahama Mama at 5:00 PM (mile 43.2), and the important Powerline aid station with a 6:30 PM red zone time and an 8:30 PM hard cutoff (mile 47.6). The turnaround point at mile 57.9 features a 9:30 PM red zone time and an 11:00 PM hard cutoff, representing the most remote point on the course where runners must demonstrate they can return safely within the overall time limit. Return journey cutoffs become increasingly important during the nighttime hours, with Powerline enforcing a 12:55 AM red zone and 2:00 AM hard cutoff (mile 67.9), and Lake Winona requiring departure by 7:00 AM red zone and 7:45 AM hard cutoff (mile 84.9). Final cutoffs include Electronic Tower at 9:25 AM red zone and 10:00 AM hard cutoff (mile 91.2), ensuring runners have adequate time to complete the final challenging climbs and reach the noon finish deadline. The race also includes “Red Zone” times that are informational markers indicating the pace typically maintained by runners who successfully finish under 30 hours, helping participants gauge their progress throughout the event.
Aid Stations
The Arkansas Traveller 100 features fourteen aid station stops spaced roughly every seven to ten miles along the 100.3-mile course, ensuring runners can refuel and rest regularly despite the remote forest setting. The first aid station appears at mile 9.4 on the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, and the final station sits just before the finish line at Camp Ouachita, roughly mile 100.3. Crew access is permitted at four key locations: Lake Sylvia (mile 16.4), Lake Winona (mile 31.0), Powerline (mile 47.6), and Electronic Tower (mile 91.2), with parking areas clearly marked for support vehicles to prevent trailhead congestion. Drop bags may be left at these same four crew access points, with clearly enforced size and labeling requirements outlined in the runner packet. Volunteers at each station provide an array of food and drink options, medical assistance, and course information to help runners navigate the complex terrain and pacing challenges ahead.
Mandatory Gear
The mandatory gear requirements for the Arkansas Traveller 100 ensure runner safety across unpredictable October weather and rugged terrain. Every participant must carry a reliable headlamp with spare batteries to handle the long hours of pre-dawn and post-dusk trail running. Warm clothing layers that include a wind-resistant jacket and thermal cap are required, as temperatures can drop into the 30s overnight despite daytime highs in the 70s or 80s. Runners must also carry at least two liters of hydration capacity and electrolyte replacement supplies to manage the extended stretches between aid stations and the rolling hills that challenge fluid balance. A fully stocked first-aid kit and emergency blanket are mandatory to address blisters, sprains, or sudden weather changes in the backcountry setting.
Crew & Pacing
Support crews play a vital role in the Arkansas Traveller 100, but their access is limited to the four designated aid stations to preserve the remote trail environment. Pacers may join their runners only after passing mile 47.6 at Powerline and must be registered with race officials and wear an official pacer bib. Crews must remain within the parking and spectator zones at each authorized access point and are prohibited from following runners on forest roads or providing off-course assistance, with violations resulting in runner disqualification. The pacing rules stipulate that no pacer may carry gear for their runner; all gear exchanges must occur at the official aid stations where drop bags are accessible. Vehicle access to trailheads is strictly regulated to prevent overcrowding and protect trail surfaces, with shuttle services available for crews without high-clearance vehicles.
Navigation
The course is marked continuously with high-visibility pink flagging tape, reflective arrows, and blazes on trees and rocks where trails intersect, providing clear guidance through the dense Ouachita forest and along forest service roads. Every runner receives a detailed cue sheet and GPS track file prior to race day, and race officials strongly recommend carrying a personal GPS device or smartphone with a downloaded course map as backup. Runners must remain on marked trails at all times, and any deviation triggers an immediate referral to the next aid station for course verification. Navigational challenges increase after dark, with runners relying heavily on reflective markers and glow-in-the-dark arrows placed at critical junctions to maintain the correct route. Check-in stations at each aid location confirm runner progress and serve as additional course checkpoints for race officials to monitor safety.
Finish Rates
Historically, the Arkansas Traveller 100 has seen finish rates between 65 and 75 percent, reflecting the course’s combination of technical terrain, rolling elevation, and variable October weather. In years with heavy rainfall, muddy and slippery forest roads have driven dropout rates higher, while dry and cool conditions tend to yield stronger completion percentages. The strict but fair cutoffs challenge runners to manage their pace carefully through the first 57.9 miles to reach the turnaround by 11:00 PM Saturday night, as missing this cutoff eliminates any chance of completing the course within the 30-hour limit. Finishers often cite the course’s sneaky climbs and unpredictable footing as the primary factors influencing their ability to press on, with many strong runners dropping out in the final 20 miles due to fatigue and sore joints.
Special Features
One of the Arkansas Traveller’s most celebrated features is its iconic Arkansas-shaped finisher’s buckle, which changes color or design to commemorate milestone years and recognize exceptional performances. The race’s motto, “Good Time Running,” captures the Southern hospitality found at aid stations, particularly the festive atmosphere at Lake Sylvia, where volunteers often offer home-baked goods and live bluegrass music to boost morale. The course’s inclusion of eight miles on the Ouachita National Recreation Trail makes the Traveller unique among ultras, blending established national recreation pathways with remote forest roads. The event has also garnered praise for its charitable impact, with proceeds benefiting the Williams Junction Volunteer Fire Department and local trail maintenance projects that preserve the Ouachita Mountains for future generations. Competitive runners chase course records, though the uneven rolling terrain and figure-eight plus out-and-back format make record-breaking performances rare and especially celebrated.
Previous Winners
Recent champions have demonstrated exceptional versatility in handling both the technical single-track and the rugged forest roads. In 2024, Gannon Nuttall secured the men’s title in a time under 20 hours, showcasing steady pacing through the rolling Ouachita hills, while Sarah Ellison claimed the women’s division after a strong middle-mile surge before the turnaround. Past winners include James Reeves, who dominated the 2022 race with a fast opening loop and controlled return, and Rebecca Kimball, who in 2021 became the first female to finish in under 22 hours on this demanding course. The Traveller’s history features repeat champions who master the unique course strategy, with many top finishers returning year after year to defend their titles against a growing field of regional and national ultrarunners.
Official Contact Information
Race management operates under the Arkansas Ultra Running Association banner, with race director John Thompson reachable via email at info@runarkansas.com or by phone at (501) 889-8215 for all registration and logistical inquiries. Volunteer coordinator Lisa Carter handles aid station staffing and crew logistics and can be contacted at volunteer@runarkansas.com. Medical inquiries should be directed to race medical director Dr. Emily Foster at medical@runarkansas.com. The race’s official website, runarkansas.com/AT100, provides up-to-date race news, downloadable maps, and registration links, ensuring prospective participants and supporters have access to the latest event information.