The Next Loop: Pinnacle Mountain
Three Ways to Race. One Incredible Trail.
On August 22, 2026, Pinnacle Mountain State Park becomes home to three unique endurance experiences. Whether you prefer the flexibility of hourly loops or the focused challenge of a continuous ultra, every event takes place on the same scenic 3.1-mile trail winding through rocky wooded hillsides with sandstone bluffs and views of Lake Maumelle.
Choose the event that matches your goals:
- The Next Loop Endurance Series – Flexible 5K to 50K hourly loop format
- The Next Loop 40 Mile Challenge – Continuous 40-mile trail ultra
- The Next Loop 50 Mile Challenge – Continuous 50-mile trail ultra
The Next Loop: Endurance Series - Pinnacle Mountain
Imagine a trail event that removes the stress of choosing one distance and instead lets you decide loop by loop how far you want to go — that’s The Next Loop Endurance Series. Held on a scenic 3.1-mile (5K) trail loop in Pinnacle Mountain, Roland, AR, the format is simple: start a new lap every hour, complete as many as you can, and each loop you finish counts toward your total distance. Whether you’re chasing your first 5K or mixing pace strategies across multiple hours, this unique endurance format works for runners of all backgrounds.
The Next Loop 40 Mile Challenge
- Race Date: August 22, 2026
- Distance: 40 Miles
- Race Location: Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Little Rock, Arkansas
- Time Limit: 12 Hours
- Start Time: 7:00 AM CDT
Who this race is for: The 40 Mile Challenge is ideal for runners stepping beyond the marathon or looking for a substantial ultra-distance effort without committing to 50 miles. It rewards smart pacing, efficient fueling, and the ability to stay consistent throughout the day.
The Next Loop 40 Mile Challenge delivers the same beautiful Pinnacle Mountain course in a traditional continuous race format. Unlike the Endurance Series, there are no hourly starts or decisions between laps. Once the race begins, you'll continue until you've completed approximately 40 miles or reached the event cutoff.
Using the same scenic 3.1-mile trail loop, runners benefit from frequent access to aid, crew support, and personal gear while still experiencing the physical and mental challenge of a true trail ultra.
Complete approximately 13 loops (course mileage may vary slightly) to finish the challenge.
Race Format
- Distance: 40 Miles
- Race Style: Continuous trail race
- Time Limit: 12-hour hard cutoff
- Start: Mass start with other 40-mile competitors
- Field Limit: 75 runners
- Course: Approximately 13 loops of the 3.1-mile trail course
Athlete Support & Logistics
- Fully stocked aid station every 5K loop
- Personal gear staging area with access every lap
- Dedicated athlete staging area
- Medical and safety support throughout the event
- Chip timing with individual lap splits
Who Should Race It?
Perfect for first-time ultra runners, marathoners ready to step up in distance, experienced trail runners seeking a fast and supported ultra, and athletes who appreciate loop racing with constant crew access and strategic pacing opportunities.
The Next Loop 50 Mile Challenge
- Race Date: August 22, 2026
- Distance: 50 Miles
- Race Location: Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Little Rock, Arkansas
- Time Limit: 12 Hours
- Start Time: 7:00 AM CDT
Who this race is for: Built for ultrarunners seeking a supported, continuous 50-mile trail race. Whether you're chasing a PR or your first 50-miler, this event rewards smart pacing, steady effort, and determination.
The Next Loop 50 Mile Challenge takes place on a scenic 3.1-mile trail loop through Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Unlike the hourly Endurance Series, this is a traditional continuous race where every lap returns you to the same fully stocked aid station for efficient fueling, crew access, and personal gear.
Complete approximately 16 loops (trail mileage may vary slightly) within the 12-hour cutoff. The repeatable format simplifies logistics while demanding physical endurance and mental resilience.
Pacers are permitted beginning at 4:00 PM to help athletes through the closing miles.
Race Format
- Distance: 50 Miles
- Race Style: Continuous trail race
- Time Limit: 12-hour hard cutoff
- Start: Mass start
- Field Limit: 75 runners
- Course: Approximately 16 loops of the 3.1-mile trail course
Athlete Support
Every lap includes access to a fully stocked aid station, personal gear, crew support, medical coverage, chip timing, and live 5K split results.
Age Groups
- Open
- Masters (50–69)
- Grand Masters (70+)
Pacers
Pacers may join at 4:00 PM after checking in and wearing official credentials. One pacer is allowed per athlete at a time, entering and exiting only through the start/finish area.
Course Overview
- Scenic 5K loop: The course follows a clearly marked 3.1-mile trail through natural terrain, offering variety with each lap.
- Loop-based structure: Runners begin each loop on the hour. After finishing, you rest, refuel, and decide whether to continue.
- Flexible distances: You’re never locked into a set goal — each completed loop builds toward a common distance milestone: 1 loop = 5K, 2 loops = 10K, 4 loops = Half Marathon, 9 loops = Marathon, 10 loops = 50K.
- Strategy-friendly: Run 1 loop or all 10 — every loop counts toward your official result, and your time is tracked per loop.
Scoring & Format
- Hourly starts: Each loop begins at the top of the hour, giving all runners equal rest and reset time between efforts.
- Loop timing: Your loop time is recorded from the start of the hour to when you cross the finish line.
- Total result: Final results are ranked by the number of loops completed and your combined total time.
- No penalties: There are no DNFs, no missed cutoffs, and no timeouts — stop whenever you choose, and your completed loops still count.
Aid Station & Support
- Hourly aid: An aid station is available at the central base area before the start of each loop to provide hydration and basic nutrition.
- Supportive venue: The centralized loop format makes it easy for friends, family, and crew to cheer, assist, and support between loops.
Runner Experience
- Inclusive atmosphere: Whether you're aiming for one loop or ten, the event encourages all levels of runners to push their own limits without fear of failure.
- Strategic challenge: With recovery breaks between loops, athletes can test pacing, endurance, and decision-making in a controlled, supportive setting.
- Data-driven results: Loop-by-loop timing allows runners to analyze performance trends and use results for future training or racing benchmarks.
Practical Details
- Price: $100 flat entry fee.
- Location: Pinnacle Mountain State Park, 9600 Hwy 300, Roland, AR 72135.
- Event hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM CDT.
Who this race is for
This event is perfect for new runners curious about longer distances and experienced runners looking to test endurance without the pressure of fixed distances. Expect a supportive atmosphere where you choose how far you go — one loop at a time.
EverFurther Events
The Next Loop: Endurance Series is produced by EverFurther Events, co-founded by veteran endurance athletes Joe Johnson and Terry Madl. EverFurther was created to reimagine what endurance events could be — inclusive, progression-focused, and built for real-world athletes at every stage of their journey. Unlike traditional races that require a fixed distance commitment, EverFurther’s loop-based model emphasizes personal growth over elimination, and celebrates every mile earned. With decades of racing, directing, and life experience between them, Joe and Terry are on a mission to build events that are accessible, repeatable, and centered on community — giving athletes the freedom to define success on their own terms.
Event's current local time: 1:37 AM CT
