About

Matney Knob, sitting at 1,178 feet tall, is the iconic mountain that bookends the Ozark Highlands Trail- Sylamore Section in Norfork, Arkansas. Although it lacks the high elevation of some more prominent Mountain Races, it offers a rich bio-diversity and gnarly trail features that make it a viable option for those looking for the challenge of a "Mountain Classic" style race.

A "Mountain Classic" style trail race (formally recognized as a Classic Mountain or Classic Up-and-Down race by the World Mountain Running Association) is a traditional off-road endurance running event featuring a balanced combination of a substantial continuous climb followed by a fast technical descent.

Although this race is only 7ish miles long it will require your utmost respect, the terrain is unforgiving, highly technical, but most of all, extremely rewarding! It is sure to leave a lasting impression...making for great post-race stories.

Course Description

From the Start you will be climbing for roughly 3/4 mile on Doubletrack (Cool history note- this used to be an old Ferry Road that is now inactive). After the initial climb you'll begin your Singletrack journey on the Ozark Highlands Trail and remain on Singletrack until you get back to the same Doubletrack you started on. The Singletrack varies in technicality, ranging from smooth pine needle sections to extreme grades on unmaintained game trail. Expect roots, rocks, and boulders throughout most of the race.

The Numbers

Distance: ~ 7.5 Miles

Elevation Gain: ~ 1,800 Feet

Time Limit: 4 Hours

Miles of Pavement: 0

Race Rules

Stay on marked trail, we'll be using YELLOW flagging (from branches and at ground level).

Use proper trail etiquette when passing other runners (please don't use earbuds for this race).

No alcohol allowed within park boundaries but we can have all the fun at Misty Mornings post race.

Be courteous to other trails users. This will not be a closed course so you may experience other hikers.

As much as I absolutely love our four-legged companions, this is not the race for them. Dogs are allowed at Misty Mornings but not on the race course.

No littering...I know this is a no brainer!

Obey any race official's request.

Need to Know

-This is a donation-only event so offer what you can afford. The proceeds from this event will go towards the continued efforts to Build & Maintain the trail systems in and around the community of Norfork.

*Notable projects include:
River Ridge Trail- A roughly 3 mile loop trail along River Ridge Road.
White River Trail- Natural Space utilizing some unusable land for development in an a new subdivision along the White River. Distance TBD.
Matney Knob MTB Loop- In cooperation with the USFS (Ozark National Forest). We are in preliminary stages of development and design and hope to begin building the first of many miles of Singletrack Mountain Biking Trails around Norfork.

-Weather conditions for this time of year: (October 31st) average high around 66°F and a low of 36°F.

*If the race needs to be canceled due to extreme weather, we will try to reschedule the race if possible. No refunds or deferrals if you cannot attend on October 31st or the rescheduled date.

-No parking at the Matney Camp Trailhead but family/crew may park at the Matney Knob Trailhead and walk a short distance (40yds) to where runners will be making the turn onto the OHT.

-The start/finish area is the Misty Mornings Pavillion. This is a great venue for camping and spending the weekend enjoying the Race, other local trails, fishing, floating and much more.

Misty Mornings Arkansas Cabins and RV Sites
309 Riverview Trail
Norfork, AR 72658

Cabins, Car Camping & Primitive camping available, call 870-405-2620 and book your spot ASAP!

Donations & Race Shirts

This event is donation based and you can choose what suits your current situation best. Per our agreement with the Forest Service, we'll be capping entries at 75 so sign up early to guarantee your spot. You can choose from the following options: $0, $25, $50, $75

Given this is a donation style event we will not have free shirts. If you would like to purchase a Race Shirt with the killer logo, created by local artist Ashlie Hueter, you can add one to your entry for $15. These will be preorder only and we likely will not have extras at the event.

Thank you all for the support of our hard work on the local trails!

Awards & Post Race

We'll be crafting some custom finisher's awards from local resources.

Overall Awards in the following categories: Overall, Master's & Grand Master's

Once you finish your Adventure we'll be cooking up a "Big Bad Breakfast" and enjoying each others company. We hope you'll plan to stick around and cheer on other runners.

For those of you training for Spirit of Syllamo 38M / 100M we will also be planning an afternoon hike and a long run on Sunday morning.

Event's current local time: 6:53 AM CT