Ouachita Trail 50

Welcome to the 34th running of the Ouachita Trail 50 Endurance Run! The OT50 was started by a group of early Arkansas ultra runners who came together, drew from their various ultra race experiences, and committed to putting on a quality fifty miler in Arkansas. As the oldest enduring Arkansas Ultra Running Association event, that intent lives on. The 50 mile and 50 km runs feature a picturesque climb over Pinnacle Mountain followed by an out-and-back traversing the rolling hills along the north shore of beautiful Lake Maumelle. Get ready for scenic, rocky, single-track as you tour Pinnacle Mountain State Park and the eastern part of the 222 mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail.

General Information:

Location: Maumelle Park, Little Rock, Arkansas, Pavilion # 8. Starting Time: 6:00 AM for 50 Mile and 50 Km. Runners must check in at the pavilion a minimum of 30 minutes before the start time. Packets: Race packets may be picked up on Friday, April 11th from 3pm-6pm at Fleet Feet Little Rock - 11525 Cantrell Rd #102, Little Rock, AR or at Pavilion #8 on race morning. FOR SAFETY REASONS, BIBS & TIMING CHIPS WILL NOT BE ISSUED UNTIL RACE MORNING.

Course Description:

Starting and ending with two miles of pavement between Maumelle Park and the eastern Ouachita Trail terminus at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, the course features a picturesque climb over and around Pinnacle Mountain followed by an out-and-back along the shore of Lake Maumelle on the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. Most of the Ouachita Trail is a scenic, rocky, single-track foot path. The trail is permanently marked with blue blazes. Turns are marked with two blue blazes. Additional markers (blue and white striped ribbon) will also mark the course. The Pinnacle Mountain trails and loop are utilized on the 'out' portion only. 50K participants will be diverted off of the OT around the 16 mile point and will follow a different approach to the Northshore Aid Station. The course involves several highway crossings, and there will likely be no traffic control. Please be responsible and be careful! NOTE: If conditions are wet, the course may be rerouted to avoid the top of Pinnacle Mountain. This is due to safety concerns and is mandated by the state park.

Aid:

Eleven staffed aid stations for 50-mile; seven for 50Km. Carrying at least one fluid bottle is HIGHLY advised. Aid station fare includes water, Gatorade, soft drinks, chips, cookies, crackers, candy, peanuts, various sandwiches, bananas, oranges and whatever creative items our amazing aid captains come up with. They put out a very nice spread! No Advil, Aspirin, or other pain relievers will be supplied at aid stations.

Crew access:

Crews can meet runners at East Pinnacle Parking Lot, West Summit Trailhead, Northshore, and the Hwy 10 turnaround only.

Drop Bags:

Drop bags will be taken to the Northshore and Hwy 10 (50 mile only) aid stations. Please label drop bags with these names, your name and bib number to avoid confusion. Bags can be dropped off during race check-in. We will try to return bags to the finish area as soon as possible. Please pick up drop bags after the race or make arrangements for them, as they will not be mailed back to you.

Cut-off Times:

There is a 13-hour time limit for the 50 Miler, and 7:00 PM cut-off for both races. Runners registered in the 50 Mile have the option to change to the 50Km during the race. To continue in the 50 Mile race, a runner must exit the Northshore aid station by 10:15 AM (out-bound) and 3:20 PM (returning), the Hwy 10 Turnaround aid station by 12:50 PM, and East Pinnacle aid station (returning) by 6:05 PM. To continue in the 50k race, a runner must exit North Shore by 1:20 PM and East Pinnacle by 6:05 PM (returning). These cut off times will be strictly enforced.

Race Shirts:

You will have the option of choosing a Women's or Men's fit race shirt. However, you must register by March 11th to guarantee your shirt size. If you register after that date you may be given a shirt from the prior year.

Awards:

Finishing awards will be awarded to each 50K and 50 Mile finisher. Overall awards to first male and female, open and masters finisher in the 50K and 50 Mile. Awards will be presented as you finish.

Finish Line Food:

The race will be catered again this year. You will receive one meal ticket at the finish line. Options TBA soon. Bring cash if you think you will want more than one meal for you or our family.

Race Parking:

Volunteers will be directing arriving runners on race morning in order to park as many vehicles as possible at pavilion number 8. Your cooperation will help us achieve this. If overflow parking is required, please use the parking lot for the pavilions just inside Maumelle Park (see map in the runner packet). It is critical that you DO NOT park along Pinnacle Valley Road.

Race Director:

Stacey Shaver, email (preferred) [email protected] ; phone/text 501-590-5196