The River Trail 15K

Race History

The Rivertrail 15K was started in 2003 by the Arkansas Running Klub in order to raise money to pay for more water fountains along the Arkansas River Trail. John Pankey and Alice Stewart were the overall winners in the inaugural running.

The Arkansas Running Klub was able to raise enough funds for several new water fountains, but the race ceased after the 2005 running due to venue scheduling conflicts. In 2006, local runners missed the race and grouped together to bring it back for the following year. The 2007 RiverTrail 15K was held on February 17th on the same course along the scenic River Trail. After the 2008 race, management of the 15K transferred from the Arkansas Running Klub to the Arkansas RRCA.

River Trail 15K Course Records:
• Male Overall: Hillary Kogo - 48:37 (2009)
• Female Overall: Leah Thorvilson - 54:18 (2009)
• Male Masters: John Pankey - 52:19 (2009)
• Female Masters: Angie Heringer - 1:02:45 (2004)
• Male Grand Masters: Karl Lenser - 56:11 (2009)
• Female Grand Masters: Barbie Hildebrand - 1:06:12 (2005)
• Male Seniors: Tom Mayfield - 1:04:15 (2004)
• Female Seniors: Joan Scarlata - 1:24:18 (2008)
• Male Juniors: Michael Weller - 55:57 (2004)
• Female Juniors: Kaitlin Bounds - 1:05:39 (2009)

Course Description

The race starts within the Burns Park. Runners will wind through the roads of the Soccer Complex for the 1st mile before heading east onto the Arkansas River Trail. The course runs adjacent to the Arkansas River up to the 2 mile marker.

Entering the third mile, the runners will curve right and face a small uphill, bringing the route along the southern end of the Burns Park Golf Course. The race then drops a bit and crosses a pedestrian bridge to cut through the woods adjacent to Emerald Park.

After passing the 3 mile and 5K points, the course emerges from the woods to climb another small uphill along the bank of the Arkansas River. The fourth mile carries runners in the shadows of the Big Rock Quarry cliffs. Runners then enter Riverview Park as the fifth mile features a long, straight stretch along River Road.

The course then turns to the west at Barron's Curve with a small drop back to the River Trail. The route reaches the end of the fifth mile before passing the Skate Park and returning through the Big Rock Quarry. Runners reach the 10K point along this section and continue along the River Trail back to the Soccer Complex. The race curves back through the park roads to reach the finish line.

Overall the course is flat and fast with a few small uphill sections in the first half and a few small downhill sections in the second half. Except for a few sections on park roads, the race is run along the Arkansas River Trail making this the Grand Prix's most scenic race!