Grit and Guts Trail Race 2026

  • Date Sat 12th September 2026
  • Time 7:00AM CDT
  • Location Dardanelle, Arkansas
  • Price Free
  • Races 2 races
  • Distances Half Marathon

Event summary

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at the Grit and Guts Trail Race on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in the stunning Dardanelle, Yell! This exhilarating event offers participants the chance to tackle the challenging trails of Mt. Nebo, featuring both Half Grit and Full Grit options. Runners will experience a perfect blend of vertical climbs and fast-flowing trails, all while soaking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Prepare for a tough yet rewarding challenge as you navigate the rocky paths and tackle the climbs that make this race unforgettable. With aid stations every 4-6 miles to keep your spirits high, this fun run is perfect for both seasoned athletes and those looking to push their limits. Plus, registration is free, with the option to purchase a commemorative shirt from Rock City Outfitters! Join us for a day of camaraderie, adventure, and support for local cross-country teams, all while enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors. Don't miss out on this incredible experience!

Organiser's Description

Do you have the GRIT and GUTS to traverse up and down Mt. Nebo TWICE?

GRIT and GUTS is back!! Half Grit and Full Grit will be hard. And they will be beautiful.It will be equal parts VERT and equal parts fast flow, we promise!

That said: A warning. This is a tough race! The trails are amazing but rocky. Bring your climbing legs and big girl pants because it will get hard. Most race days start cool and then heat up. Not to scare anyone but this is probably not a good very first race. It will take you longer than a normal half marathon. You are welcome to bail early just come back to the start and check out. No judgement and no worries!

The race is a fun run so is FREE unless you would like a shirt to commemorate the day! Our sweet soft 50/50 shirts from Rock City Outfitters return! Shirts are unisex fit. The link to order shirts is: Coming soon [https://www.rockcityoutfitters.com/products/grits-and-guts-2025-race-tee] The shirts are $15 plus tax. We will pick up the shirts the week of the race.

All of the proceeds from this race go to local Cross country teams along with a donation to the Friends of Nebo.

We will have an aid station every 4-6 miles and would love to have you volunteer, run, or enjoy the mountain with family. If you're running and have family there we can put them to work! Parking will be in the 2 parking lots at Sunset point and temporary parking across the road. DO NOT park at the visitor center. Bathrooms are located at the campground/pool area when you first get up top!

The race starts from the Sunset point parking lot and after a quick look at the point and a short section of the 3C trail, youll head down the Sunset connector and take a left onto Lizard tail. Youll go roughly a mile on Lizard past the seasonal waterfall. Then up to the Rim trail where youll take a right and end up at Sunrise point for another beautiful view of the river valley. Then youll go down the Sunrise connector taking a right. Youll make your way down to the Bench trail crossing and go right onto Millers Goat. Youre at the 5k point and will follow Millers 4 miles (including a water stop) to end up at the aid station. Proceed on Miller's another mile past the Bench overlook to the Ox pull trail. Go down Ox 1.7 miles to the bottom and youll find another aid station to lift your spirits for the climb back up. Once you get back up turn right briefly on Miller's to the Overlook and then stay on the Bench trail back a mile to the Aid station. If youre doing 13 head up the Sunset connector to the finish. For the 20 you will head right down the Chickalah (pronounced like tequila!) loop trail for a mile and go left at the Y and do the loop clockwise. Then back up to the aid station one last time and up Sunset connector a long half mile to the finish. Piece of cake!

Races

  • Half Grit and Guts (13.1) @Mt. Nebo

    Sat 12th September 2026 (7:00AM CDT)

    Free

    OPENS 01 FEB
    13 miles of the Lizard Tail, Sunrise & Sunset connectors, Miller's goat and Ox Pull trails.
  • Full Grit and Guts (20 Miles) @Mt. Nebo

    Sat 12th September 2026 (7:00AM CDT)

    Free

    OPENS 01 FEB
    Same trails as the 13 plus the Chickalah Loop added in.

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Location

16728 W State Hwy 155, Dardanelle, 72834, AR, United States

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