Media Contact:
Chuck Campbell
ARHC Organizer
race@arkansashighcountry.com
Arkansas High Country Race to Launch from Bentonville in 2026
BENTONVILLE, AR - The Arkansas High Country Race (ARHC), a 1,000-mile endurance cycling challenge across the Natural State, will call Bentonville its starting point for the 2026 and 2027 editions. Known globally as the Mountain Biking Capital of the World, Bentonville now steps into the spotlight as the home base for ultra-distance gravel and mixed-surface cyclists.
“We're thrilled to welcome the Arkansas High Country Race to Bentonville for 2026 and 2027,” said Kalene Griffith, president and CEO of Visit Bentonville. “This 1,000-mile journey through the Natural State—half gravel, half pavement—is a perfect opportunity for us to extend our Southern hospitality and cycling culture beyond mountain biking. As the Mountain Bike Capital of the World, we're excited to be a basecamp and resource for all kinds of cyclists exploring Arkansas' stunning backroads.”
The race will launch from downtown Bentonville in Fall 2026, with riders tackling one of the toughest mixed-surface routes in the U.S., a self-supported journey looping through the Ozarks, Ouachitas, and Arkansas River Valley.
Bentonville’s bike-forward infrastructure, strong trail network, and enthusiastic cycling culture make it an ideal host. The city boasts hundreds of miles of connected gravel, singletrack, and road routes, and is home to a thriving community of cyclists, makers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Arkansas High Country Race has grown in visibility, attracting endurance racers from around the world. Each edition pushes riders to test their limits across steep climbs, technical descents, and rural towns that offer legendary Arkansas hospitality.
More details on the 2026 route, registration, and launch date will be announced soon at www.arkansashighcountry.com
About Visit Bentonville
Visit Bentonville is funded by the Bentonville Advertising and Promotion Commission which was established in 1996. The commission is supported by a 2% tax on lodging and meeting space and a 1% tax on restaurant and dining establishments. The organization's mission is to promote Bentonville as a vibrant experience for all, enhancing the quality of life and stimulating economic development that will strengthen our local economy. Visit Bentonville leads the planning of sports, meetings and group tours while also marketing leisure experiences that include arts, cycling, culinary, film, music and aviation. Visit Bentonville also collaborates with tourism offices throughout the state of Arkansas to create positive economic impact while increasing tourism amenities for both visitors and residents.
For more information, visit VisitBentonville.com
