Welcome to Bentonville, Half Marathon Runners!

🌧️ RAINY DAY RUNNER'S GUIDE  

The race may be postponed until Sunday, but we've got lots for you to enjoy throughout our city!

Here's how to make the most of your unexpected free day in Bentonville:

Special Runner Promotions

Show your race registration at these participating businesses for exclusive Saturday-only offers; check back often as we add more:

Amazeum (10 am-5 pm): Children's museum offering dynamic, hands-on displays & activities.

• SPECIAL OFFER: $8 admission when you show your Bentonville Half Registration. Available in person only. 

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (10 am-6 pm): Explore world-class art in a stunning natural setting. Free admission to permanent collections.

• SPECIAL OFFER: Free ticket voucher to KAWS: FAMILY. Available in person only, Saturday, April 5.

Stoic Brewing (11am-10pm Saturday and 11am-7pm): Bentonville's brand new gluten-free nano brewery.

• SPECIAL OFFER: 20% discount on food only on Saturday for registered runners, and a free mocktail on Sunday if a personal record is accomplished, with proof. 

Isabella's Italian: 

• SPECIAL OFFER: $2 off appetizers from 4-6 pm Friday and Saturday for runners and their families with proof of registration.

Crepes Paulette 

• SPECIAL OFFER: $1 off any adult beverage when you show your race registration (21+)

Social Project Brewing

• SPECIAL OFFER: 10% off your tab when you show the bartender your race registration (21+)

Graze Craze

• SPECIAL OFFER: 10% off Lone Grazers, Picnic Boxes, or a small, medium, or large size board. Mention 'Marathon 10' when calling ahead or walking in.

Indoor Activities Perfect for a Rainy Day

• The Momentary (11 am-5 pm): Contemporary art space with rotating exhibitions. Free admission.
• Museum of Native American History (10 am-5 pm): Journey through 14,000 years of Native American history. Free admission.
• The Walmart Museum (10 am-10 pm): Discover the history of one of America's most influential companies. Free admission.
• 21c Museum Hotel (Open 24/7): Contemporary art museum that's free and open to the public.

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.

Preparing for Sunday

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.

🚧  Our city is evolving, and construction is ongoing. To account for potential delays, plan ahead by adding an extra 10 minutes to your commute. 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. 

🥨  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!