Grit and Guts Trail Race 2026 2026 — Dardanelle, AR

Date
September 12, 2026
Location
Dardanelle, AR
Venue
16728 W State Hwy 155
Start Time
7:00 AM
Entry Fee
$0.00
Events
Half Grit and Guts (13.1) @Mt. Nebo, Full Grit and Guts (20 miles) @Mt. Nebo

The Grit and Guts Trail Race 2026 is free to enter, making it an accessible option for trail runners in the region. Held in Dardanelle, Arkansas on September 12, 2026, the race takes place at 16728 W State Hwy 155 and offers two distance options: a half marathon and a 20-mile race. The event starts at 7:00 AM, giving runners an early morning departure time to tackle the trail. Whether you're targeting a half marathon distance or pushing for the longer 20-mile effort, this free trail running event provides an opportunity to test yourself without registration fees.

From the Race Organizer
Do you have the GRIT and GUTS to traverse up and down Mt. Nebo… TWICE? GRIT and GUTS is back!! Half Grit and Full Grit will be hard. And they will be beautiful.It will be equal parts VERT and equal parts fast flow, we promise! That said: A warning. This is a tough race! The trails are amazing but rocky. Bring your climbing legs and big girl pants because it will get hard. Most race days start cool and then heat up. Not to scare anyone but this is probably not a good very first race. It will take you longer than a normal half marathon. You are welcome to bail early just come back to the start and check out. No judgement and no worries! The race is a fun run so is FREE unless you would like a shirt to commemorate the day! Our sweet soft 50/50 shirts from Rock City Outfitters return! Shirts are unisex fit. The link to order shirts is: Grit 26 shirt order The shirts are $15 plus tax. We will pick up the shirts the week of the race. All of the proceeds from this race go to local Cross country teams along with a donation to the Friends of Nebo. We will have an aid station every 4-6 miles and would love to have you volunteer, run, or enjoy the mountain with family. If you're running and have family there we can put them to work! Parking will be in the 2 parking lots at Sunset point and temporary parking across the road. DO NOT park at the visitor center. Bathrooms are located at the campground/pool area when you first get up top! The race starts from the Sunset point parking lot and after a quick look at the point and a short section of the 3C trail, you’ll head down the Sunset connector and take a left onto Lizard tail. You’ll go roughly a mile on Lizard past the seasonal waterfall. Then up to the Rim trail where you’ll take a right and end up at Sunrise point for another beautiful view of the river valley. Then you’ll go down the Sunrise connector taking a right. You’ll make your way down to the Bench trail crossing and go right onto Miller’s Goat. You’re at the 5k point and will follow Miller’s 4 miles (including a water stop) to end up at the aid station. Proceed on Miller's another mile past the Bench overlook to the Ox pull trail. Go down Ox 1.7 miles to the bottom and you’ll find another aid station to lift your spirits for the climb back up. Once you get back up turn right briefly on Miller's to the Overlook and then stay on the Bench trail back a mile to the Aid station. If you’re doing 13 head up the Sunset connector to the finish. For the 20 you will head right down the Chickalah (pronounced like tequila!) loop trail for a mile and go left at the Y and do the loop clockwise. Then back up to the aid station one last time and up Sunset connector a long half mile to the finish. Piece of cake!

Hotels Near This Race

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Grit and Guts Trail Race 2026 2026 — Dardanelle, AR

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Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for September 12.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to Dardanelle, AR. A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing. Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it, and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run 5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no additional coverage needed.

  • Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
  • Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
  • Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is Grit and Guts Trail Race 2026 2026 — Dardanelle, AR?

Grit and Guts Trail Race 2026 2026 — Dardanelle, AR takes place on September 12, 2026. The race is held in Dardanelle, Arkansas.

Where is Grit and Guts Trail Race 2026 2026 — Dardanelle, AR held?

Grit and Guts Trail Race 2026 2026 — Dardanelle, AR is held at 16728 W State Hwy 155 in Dardanelle, Arkansas.

Where can I find hotels near Grit and Guts Trail Race 2026 2026 — Dardanelle, AR?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Dardanelle. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.