Which Arkansas cities have the most 5K races?
Little Rock (17), Fort Smith (13), North Little Rock (12), Fayetteville (11) lead the state for 5K races. Those give you the most dates to choose from if your schedule is tight.
Arkansas · 5K
5K Races in Arkansas
Every upcoming 5K in Arkansas, all 142 of them, sorted by date. Dates, entry fees, finish-time stats from past results, and start-line maps.
142 upcoming 5K races · 89 with finish-time stats
By the numbers
The Biggest and Longest-Running
The Arkansas races that stand out on the numbers: the biggest field, and the longest unbroken run of editions.
5K Races by City
Soonest 5K Races in Arkansas
142 total Sat, Aug 1, 2026Ninja 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Springdale, AR (31) Springdale, ARFrom $30Details Sat, Aug 1, 2026Annual Pine Tree 5K Dierks, ARFrom $25Details Sat, Aug 1, 2026Ninja 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Fort Smith, AR (31) Fort Smith, ARFrom $30Register Sat, Aug 1, 2026Move the Mission Norphlet, ARFrom $35Register Sat, Aug 1, 2026Back to School Bash 5k Mena, ARFrom $25Register Sat, Aug 8, 2026Hope Watermelon 5K Hope, ARFrom $30Details Sat, Aug 8, 2026Ninja 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Little Rock, AR (32) Little Rock, ARFrom $30Details Sat, Aug 8, 2026Summer Meltdown Half Marathon - Little Rock North Little Rock, ARFrom $25Details Sat, Aug 8, 2026Run for the Grapes Tontitown, ARFrom $30Details Sat, Aug 8, 2026Gravette Day 5k Gravette, ARFrom $15Register Sat, Aug 15, 2026Ninja 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Fort Smith, AR (33) Fort Smith, ARFrom $30Details Sat, Aug 29, 2026Summer Sizzler- Fayetteville Springdale, ARFrom $22Details
How we calculate these stats: RunSesh calculates these figures from the most recent published results of past editions, sourced from RunSignup. We show aggregates only: field size, winning and median times, and the cutoff. We never publish individual finisher tables. Last updated Jul 27, 2026.
Common Questions About Running a 5K in Arkansas
When are most 5K races held in Arkansas?
September is the busiest month for 5K races in Arkansas, with 42 of the 142, followed by October with 39. If you are flexible on the date, that is the quickest way to narrow things down.
How much do Arkansas 5K races cost?
Entry fees for 5K races here run from free to about $45, depending on the event and how early you register.
How early should I register for a 5K in Arkansas?
51 of the 142 5K races in Arkansas already have a price increase scheduled, so entry gets more expensive the longer you leave it. Race pricing almost always steps up as the date approaches, and signing up early is usually the cheapest option.
Are Arkansas 5K races beginner-friendly?
Yes, for the most part. Across the 88 5K races in Arkansas with published results, the typical median finish is around 36:21, which means half of every one of those fields came in slower than that. Recreational runners and walk-runners are the bulk of these fields, not the exception.
Are there trail 5K races in Arkansas?
Yes, 2 races around Arkansas get you off the pavement: 1 is a trail race, and 1 mixes road and trail. Surfaces are not always published, so it is worth checking a specific race before you register.