Whitney's Race
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Whitney's Race 2026
Whitney's Race 2026 is a Halloween-themed running event and festival held at the Fort Smith Bakery District in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on October 31. The event includes timed and untimed race options and a short kids run, and it raises funds for pancreatic cancer research, patient support, and awareness. The foundation lists a 2026 fundraising goal of $50,000 and notes more than 5,000 event participants in prior years along with over $500,000 in hospital grants.
The course starts at the Bakery District and follows the Arkansas River, passing the Fort Smith National Historic Site, Belle Isle Park, the Fort Smith Trolley Museum, and the United States Marshals Museum. Packet pickup is offered the day before and on race morning at the Bakery District; photo ID is required for pickup.
The event village runs alongside the races and features live music, DJ sets, food trucks, a Halloween pop-up bar (21+), carnival games, face painting, pumpkin painting and smashing, a costume contest, school and band performances, and a vendor village of local small businesses. A 1 mile kids fun run and a kids obstacle course are provided as family-oriented activities. Parking is available in downtown public lots and on nearby streets; the race operates rain or shine with severe weather updates provided before the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
