HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, Arkansas — Registration opens today [Sunday, February 11] for the May 11 Third Annual Northwoods Mullet Trail Run, and this year the race has really gone to the dogs.
“That’s right,” said Visit Hot Springs Trails Coordinator Traci Berry, “this year, the March Northwoods Mullet Trail Run will have special divisions for runners to bring their trail dogs into the competition.”
The race normally has divisions for human racers — 10 kilometers and 25 kilometers. This year there will be 10K and 25K divisions for runners with dogs.
“You can now register your trail dog to run in your event with you,” Berry said. “Registration is limited to 10 canines in each race, so don't paws (lol) on registering Rover. We don't want to hound you, but you'll have to beg us to make an exception and you'll be in the doghouse with Rover.”
She said dogs entered in the Mullet Trail Run must be on a leash and under full control of the host. Owners will be asked to remove dogs exhibiting aggressive and threatening behavior.
The race, whether for the bowsers or for humans, will start at 8 a.m. May 11 for the 25K and 9 a.m. for the 10K. The starting line will be at the Northwoods Trail System’s Cedar Glades Trailhead. The events will be followed at 10 a.m. by the big Beaver Bash party, which will last until 2 p.m.
Registration for the races and the Beaver Bash is open starting today at www.runsignup.com/Race/AR/HotSprings/NorthwoodsMulletTrailRun
Packet pickup for competitors will be Friday, May 10, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Superior Bathhouse Brewery on Bathhouse Row, and at the starting point on race day until 7:45 a.m . for the 25K and until 8:45 a.m. for the 10K, Berry said.
“The Mullet was voted Number 6 in the 2023 Top 15 Arkansas Trail Runs by Arkansas Outside readers in just our second year,” Berry said. “That says a lot, with so many great trail races taking place around the state. We couldn’t be more excited to once again be partnering with the Spa Pacers Running Club in putting on the Mullet and Beaver Bash.
“We’re also thrilled about the addition of the option to run the race with your trail dog. We may be the first in the state to let the woofers run along with their owners.”
She said, “Each year we see more and more folks experiencing our trails by foot, and we’re happy to offer an event that encourages more people to get outside and be active while enjoying our world-class trail system on a run.
“The foot race routes will take runners past amazing views of the three lakes that are such a great part of Northwoods’ attraction and through beautiful pine groves. The route will give them just enough elevation gain to feel a challenge. And afterward they can enjoy the Beaver Bash party. It’s a trail running event you don’t want to miss.”
“The Mullet Run and Beaver Bash have created quite a buzz over the past two years, even in a state with a wealth of outstanding trail runs,” said Steve Adkison, a member of the Spa Pacers Board of Directors.
“Partnering to highlight our community’s award-winning trail systems, the Spa Pacers and Visit Hot Springs’ Northwoods Trails gang continue to offer one of the best spring-fling trail runs in Arkansas. It just keeps getting better, and if the third time really is a charm, you’re not going to want to miss this one.”
For more information call Traci Berry at 501-276-3622.
