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Athens Big-Fork Trail Marathon

Big Fork, AR
Saturday, January 9, 2027


  5 Stars from 1 Reviews

Course Description
**Athens Big-Fork Trail Marathon has been postponed due to weather. It has been rescheduled for April 1st**

If you are not an experienced trail- or ultra-runner (or adventure racer), we happily invite you to one of the other UTS runs, BUT NOT THIS ONE. This is a difficult event on a difficult trail that presents many opportunities for one to get lost, injured, exhausted, or incapacitated--with sparse access for rescue. The course is an out and back course. You first run almost 3 miles on roads - paved and gravel up to the start of the trail. Then you enter the Athens-Big Fork Trail - White Blazes. Follow the trail over 8 mountains. You pop out of the trail and need to go about a half mile down the gravel road to get your full 13.1. Then you turn around and go back. It's that easy!

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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: Saturday, January 9, 2027
2026: Saturday, January 3, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Very Hilly
Type: Out and Back
Surface: Trail

Boston Qualifier?: No
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 40°F (4°C)
Average High: 52°F (11°C)
Average Low: 28° F (-2°C)

PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: N/A
Course Score: N/A

Race Size

2026: 184 Finishers
2025: 103 Finishers
2024: 91 Finishers
2023: 91 Finishers
2022: 92 Finishers
2021: 103 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: N/A
2025: N/A
2024: N/A
2023: N/A
2022: N/A
2021: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No




How does the Athens Big-Fork Trail Marathon Rank?

The Athens Big-Fork Trail Marathon was the 368th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 382nd largest in 2024.



Elevation Chart

Max Elevation: 2023 feet (616m)
Min Elevation: 1028 feet (313m)


No course elevation available at this time.




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Race Reviews


5.0
Based on 1 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Full Review:

Toughest marathon in the south. Take your BEST marathon time and double it. 4:22 is course record. Most difficult marathon I have ever heard of much less run. Amazing feeling of accomplishment just to finish. 5 total aid stations on the out and back wilderness trail course. No cell coverage. Beautiful mountain views if you are not too exhausted to lift your head. Sponsored by Arkansas Ultra Running Association with aid station assistance from TATUR (Tulsa Area Trail and Ultra Runners). Course is up and over mountains with minimal switch backs. No entry fee but most folks donate $10-20 to the community center.

Race Tips:

MOST runners end up bloody, lost and wet. For HARD CORE trail runners only. More ascent than Pikes Peak Marathon (8,500+). Eight mountains, few creeks and a river then you turn around and come back. Carry water. Gaiters are helpful. Your feet will get wet in the river at least and maybe a few creeks. http://www.athensbigforkmarathon.com/readme.aspx

Travel/Logistics Tips:

The "community" of Big Fork AR can be difficult to find but if you drive slowly enough down the highway, the start line is the only place with more than two cars. No bathrooms on the course and arrive early before the community center bathroom clogs up as it does from overuse every year.
Reviewed by Josh Drake About 2013