Welcome to Bentonville, Half Marathon Runners!

Preparing for Saturday

Whether you're racing, cheering on a loved one, or simply enjoying Arkansas' most scenic running experience, we're here to help you make the most of your visit.

Come to run, stay to play!

🚗  Parking is available throughout downtown Bentonville, all within walking distance of the start and finish lines. Run Bentonville offers a downloadable map to help you find parking easily, so you won’t miss a moment of the action.

🚧  Bookmark the City of Bentonville’s civic alerts page to stay updated on road closures and alerts.

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒  Did you bring the whole family to soak in the excitement of the run? Whether you were cheering from the sidelines or crossing the finish line together, the fun doesn’t have to end there! If you’re looking for more ways to make the most of your time in town, we’ve got you covered. From nearby dining options to kid-friendly attractions and outdoor adventures, check out these resources to keep the momentum going.

🛍️ Looking for last-minute gear? We've got plenty of athletic stores in town. Check out Rush Running, Walmart, Rapha, Gearhead, and Phat Tire. Many of our cycling stores also carry great gear that can be used for running. Check out our Bicycle Resource page. 

Third Spaces to Unwind

No need to stick around the hotel room, explore our various third spaces:

• Onyx Coffee Lab: Spacious seating, artisanal coffees, and light bites in a modern, airy environment. Free WiFi and plenty of outlets make this a perfect spot to catch up on emails or plan your Sunday race strategy.

• Bentonville Public Library: A quiet retreat with comfortable reading nooks, free WiFi, and a café. Browse magazines, books, or just enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

• Two Friends Bookstore & Cafe: This charming independent, woman-owned bookshop at 8th Street Market offers a thoughtfully curated selection of titles in an inviting atmosphere. Browse their eclectic collection, sip a warm coffee or a cold beer, and relax! Bonus: their cozy kids' area is a perfect literary escape on a rainy day for readers of all ages and they offer hot cocoa.

• The Meteor Café: Part bike shop, part café, this unique space offers excellent coffee, pastries, and a relaxed vibe. Connect with fellow cyclists and runners in this community-oriented hangout.

• Third Space Coffee at Best Friends Animal Resource Center: A purr-fect combination of specialty coffee, delicious vegan treats, and furry companions from Best Friends Pet Resource Center – where you can relax, recharge, and maybe even meet your new four-legged running partner.

• Airship Coffee: Check out our locations on 5th Street and the Pumphouse for a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for watching the rain while enjoying specialty coffee.

Prefer a brewery? We’ve got options for you here.

🥨  You’re bound to be hungry after all that running. No worries; we’ve created an online dining guide to help you figure out just what you’re craving. Whether that be a sit-down meal at a delicious Italian restaurant, or if you’ve got a craving for some delicious southern BBQ—our guide has it all! 

📆 Check out our events calendar and our This Weekend in Bentonville blog. Both of these resources are perfect for exploring our town.

• This Weekend in Bentonville
• Calendar of Events

Competing at the highest level takes focus and endurance. If you need a mental reset before or after the run, step outside and explore our trails. A quick ride or walk will show you why Bentonville is the Mountain Bike Capital of the World. Prefer to unwind? Our parks, just minutes from Downtown Square, offer the perfect spot to relax and recharge before your next round.

We hope you enjoy your time in Bentonville! Be sure to stop by our Visitors Center at 06 SE 5th St, Suite 6, to grab physical dining guides, attraction information, and more!