Athens Big Fork Trail Marathon
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Event overview
The Athens Big Fork Trail Marathon and 17 Mile Blaylock Creek Fun Run take place on Saturday, January 3, 2026, in Mena, Arkansas, starting and finishing at the Big Fork Community Center (6118 AR-8). Registration is required and the field is limited to 225 runners. The event is donation based with a suggested minimum donation of $25. Awards are given to overall male and female finishers in both events and to 10- and 20-year finishers; there are no general finish awards.
Course and logistics
Both events use a well marked out-and-back course on the Athens-Big Fork trail. The full marathon route includes climbing eight mountains twice for about 7,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain. The turnaround for both events is at Forest Rd B23F - Southern Trailhead (marathon turnaround at mile 13.1). Aid stations are provided and the race will be cupless this year - runners should bring a personal cup or handheld.
- Full marathon - out-and-back on Athens-Big Fork trail
- 17-mile fun run - out-and-back, turnaround at Blaylock Creek West Trailhead
Safety and support
Required gear includes a hydration system and a light source. A windbreaker or space blanket is strongly suggested. HAM radio operators will staff each aid station and several medical entities will be on standby. There is no shuttle service except for medical emergencies. Marathon entrants may opt to drop to the 17-mile distance on race day. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.