FCA River Valley Run

Around 300 runners cross the finish line in all races combined each year at the annual fall running of Fort Smith’s River Valley Run Half Marathon, Relay, 10K & 5K, which takes participants on an out-and-back loop course just to the southeast of downtown through historic Fort Chaffee.The fort served as a military base dating back to the early 1940s and was the site of Elvis Presley’s induction into the army in 1958, and later served as the filming location for movies such as Biloxi Blues, A Soldier’s Story and The Tuskegee Airmen.Sponsored by locally based Arkansas Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization, the race marks its annual running this year, and features its starting and finish line in Ben Geren Park, just outside Fort Chaffee.

Starting and finish line in Ben Geren Park, just outside Fort Chaffee.From there, runners follow a counter-clockwise loop route that takes them out along Wells Lake Road, Custer Boulevard, Taylor Avenue and then back around toward the start along Fort Smith Boulevard.The race is run entirely on paved surfaces and takes the field through a combination of forest lands, base buildings and structures, and wide-open fields.

Given to male and female, each age group, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, 1/2 Marathon participants will receive a finishers medal. All runners will receive a dry fit run shirt, as well as many other items in your runner's gift bag!

3 hours for the 1/2 Marathon.