The rolling Ozark Mountains of central northern Arkansas are the setting for the 10th annual Mission Run in the Ozarks Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K, which is set to take runners on what organizers call a “challenging yet adventurous” run along the streets and back roads of this small town (population about 2,740) that’s within a couple hours’ drive of Little Rock.
The race is endorsed by the locally based Flatwoods Missionary Baptist Church and proceeds from the event will go to support the church’s Kenyan T.E.A.M. missions, which works in Kenya, Africa.
Runners will start the race next to the Flatwoods Missionary Baptist Church at the corner of Main Street and Flatwoods Drive, and from there heads west into town before heading out to the turnaround point on Highway 37.
From there, they’ll head out onto the challenging route, which unfolds along the streets of this town that’s home to Ozark Folk Center State Park and the Loco Ropes Treetop Adventure Park.
The race finish line lies back in town, on Washington Street.
All half marathon finishers will receive both a race t-shirt and a finisher’s medal, and organizers plan to have a post-race celebration with local musicians and “bounce” houses.
