Whitney's Race
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About the race
Whitney's Race 2026 is a Halloween-themed running and festival event held on October 31, 2026, at the Fort Smith Bakery District in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The event combines timed and untimed running with an afternoon festival and fundraising for pancreatic cancer research, patient support, and awareness.
Distances include:
- 5K
- 10K
- 1 Mile Kids Fun Run
The running courses run along the Arkansas River and pass several local landmarks, including the Fort Smith National Historic Site, Belle Isle Park, the Fort Smith Trolley Museum, and the United States Marshals Museum. Course materials note mile markers and support stations along the routes.
The festival on the Bakery District grounds offers live music, DJ sets, food trucks, a vendor village, carnival games, face painting, a pumpkin painting area, a pumpkin smash, a costume contest, and a 21-plus Halloween pop-up bar. There is also a kids obstacle course and school and band performances.
Packet pickup is available the day before and on race morning at the Bakery District, and downtown public lots and street parking are available nearby. The event is planned to run rain or shine; severe weather updates are posted to the event social channels. Reported event metrics and goals include more than 5,000 participants historically and a 2026 fundraising goal of $80,000, with the foundation having provided over $500,000 in hospital grants. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
