Athens Big Fork Trail Marathon & 17 Mile Fun Run

RACE INFORMATION

Sixteen mountain climbs. One unforgettable finish.

Welcome to the 28th annual Athens Big Fork Trail Marathon and 17 Mile Blaylock Creek Fun Run. Both events follow an out-and-back, well-marked course beginning and ending at the Big Fork Community Center and using the Athens Big Fork Trail.

Full marathon runners will climb eight mountains twice for a total of SIXTEEN mountain climbs and approximately 7,000 feet of cumulative gain. Whether this is your first ABF or you’re returning for your twentieth, we can’t wait to welcome you to one of Arkansas’ most challenging and rewarding trail races.

A New Chapter for ABF

For decades, the Athens Big Fork Trail Marathon has been a donation-only event thanks to the generosity of our runners, volunteers, sponsors and the Arkansas Ultra Running Association. We are incredibly thankful for the support that has allowed this race to thrive for so many years.

Beginning with the 2027 race, ABF will transition to a traditional registration fee. This change will help us better plan for race day, maintain accurate participant registration and ensure a safe, well-organized event for everyone on the course.

Every registered runner will now receive a short sleeve ABF t-shirt. The traditional long sleeve tees, hoodies, and hats will all still be available for purchase, as well. In addition, every runner who crosses the finish line will receive a commemorative finisher award…a new tradition we’re excited to introduce this year!

All net proceeds will be donated to the Big Fork Community Center, whose generosity allows us to use its facility as race headquarters each year, and the Ouachita Amateur Radio Association (OARA), whose volunteers play a vital role in keeping runners safe throughout race day.

Our goal is to keep registration as affordable as possible while preserving the friendly, grassroots spirit that has made ABF a favorite for so many years.

Race Day Experience

We will have three fully stocked aid stations with typical aid-station fare. In addition, each aid captain provides their own bougie concoctions for you to enjoy…Arkansas Crepes, anyone?

The post-race meal will once again be catered by Cheryl at the Big Fork Mall. Race swag and additional meal tickets for family and friends will be available as optional add-ons during registration. Please purchase extra meals in advance. Meal tickets will not be sold on race day, and race swag is available by preorder only.

Bring a chair, blanket and any other comfort items, and plan to stick around to cheer in the finishers. The community experience at the finish is one of the things that makes this race so unique, and we love catching up with our trail family!

Awards

Every finisher will receive a commemorative finisher award. Special awards will also be presented to the overall male and female winners in both the marathon and fun run. We also recognize our 10-, 15- and 20-year finishers with unique milestone awards.

AID STATIONS & CUTOFFS

MARATHON: Little Missouri Trailhead

Mile 3.8 outbound and Mile 22.4 inbound

3:42 PM cutoff at Mile 22.4

MARATHON: Blaylock Creek West Trailhead

Mile 8.5 outbound and Mile 17.7 inbound

10:30 AM cutoff at Mile 8.5

MARATHON: Turnaround

Forest Road B23F, Southern Trailhead
Mile 13.1

17 MILE FUN RUN: Little Missouri Trailhead

Mile 3.8 outbound

17 MILE FUN RUN: Blaylock Creek West Trailhead

Mile 8.5 outbound
Turnaround for the 17 Mile Fun Run

Course Decisions & Early Start

Dropping to the Fun Run: Marathon runners may drop to the 17 Mile Fun Run on race day. This can be a race-day decision. We strongly encourage marathon runners to assess how they are feeling when they reach Blaylock Creek at Mile 8.5. If it isn’t your day, switch to the Fun Run.

Early start: An early-start option is available for runners who require more than nine hours. Do not take this option if you are capable of finishing within the nine-hour timeframe. Early-start details will be included in the runner email.

No shuttle service: Due to the remote nature of this event, there is no shuttle service except in a medical emergency. You go in on your own two feet, and you come out on your own two feet. Take an honest assessment of how you feel when you reach Blaylock Creek. It can be a long and difficult slog if you do not heed this warning.

Safety & Required Gear

Every runner must carry:

• A handheld bottle or hydration bladder

• A waist light or headlamp

Your phone does not count as a light source, and you will not be allowed to leave the Little Missouri aid station without a proper light. A windbreaker or space blanket is strongly suggested but not required.

Runner safety is a high priority. Every aid station will have HAM radio operators in communication with race headquarters at all times, and several medical entities will be on standby. It is worth carrying your cell phone because runners can often receive service from the tops of some mountain peaks. The race director’s cell number will be included in the December runner email.

THIS EVENT IS NOT FOR TRAIL NEWBIES

If you are not an experienced trail or ultra runner, we happily invite you to one of the other UTS runs…but not this one. This is a difficult event on a difficult trail. It presents numerous opportunities to become lost, injured, exhausted or incapacitated, with limited access for rescue.

Please do not be enticed into attempting this run because of the difficulty warning. It is an honest effort to prevent race organizers from having to locate and rescue someone who is not properly equipped or prepared.

The 10:30 AM cutoff at Blaylock Creek will be enforced. Marathon runners reaching Mile 8.5 after 10:30 AM must turn around and will not be permitted to continue on the marathon course.

Important: No Bib Transfers

Bibs are non-transferable. If you register and later find that you cannot attend, do not allow another runner to use your bib or participate under your registration.

This policy is in place for everyone’s safety. In an emergency, we must know exactly who is on the course and be able to account for every runner. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us provide a safe and enjoyable event.

Registration Is Limited

Registration is limited in accordance with our U.S. Forest Service permit, helping preserve the quality of the event and the trail experience. We usually have a waiting list, so if you don’t get in on your first try, please be patient. There is a good chance you’ll be offered a spot as race day approaches. If you’re unable to race, we’d also love to have you join our volunteer team!