Bentonville’s Worst Race Ever Promises Mystery Medals and Maybe Tacos
Some races promise personal records, premium swag, and perfectly organized finish lines. Bentonville’s Worst Race Ever promises absolutely none of that—and runners can’t get enough.
This September 6th event at Old Tiger Track has built a loyal following by celebrating every runner’s pet peeve. Think mystery swag bags filled with random items, confusing race themes, and that one family member who will inevitably ask “how was your marathon?” after you finish a 5K.
THE DEETS
📍 Old Tiger Track, 517 Tiger Blvd, Bentonville
📅 Saturday, Sept 6, 2025 • 7:00 AM
💲 $35 (register by Aug 6 to guarantee your shirt); $45 at packet pickup
🔗 More info: Run Bentonville’s Worst Race Ever page or check their Facebook Event Page.
What Makes It So Wonderfully Awful
The race organizers have turned traditional 5K expectations upside down. Your registration gets you “another shirt” and a bag of mystery items that could be anything from useful running gear to completely random objects. Cross the finish line and you’ll receive “some type of medal”—the vague description is intentional.
The post-race food situation? It might be tacos. It might be nothing at all. The uncertainty is the whole point, creating an atmosphere where runners bond over shared confusion and unexpected laughs.
Don’t worry though—this is still a legitimate race. You’ll get timing chips and actual results, so your Strava feed won’t suffer. The course winds through Bentonville neighborhoods, giving you a scenic tour while you wonder what oddball surprise awaits at the finish line.
Race Day Logistics
When & Where:
Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Old Tiger Track, 517 Tiger Blvd, Bentonville
Registration:
$35 if you register by August 6 (guarantees your shirt)
$45 at packet pickup
Packet Pickup:
September 4-5 at McLarty Daniel Buick GMC (2517 SE Best Lane)
Open 8:00 AM–6:00 PM both days
Parking:
Use the School Administration lot across from the track or park at Thomas Jefferson Elementary. The lot next to the track will be closed for race operations.
Join the Anti-Race Movement
Bentonville’s Worst Race Ever has tapped into something runners didn’t know they needed—permission to laugh at the sport’s more ridiculous elements while still logging legitimate miles. Whether you’re a seasoned racer tired of cookie-cutter events or a beginner intimidated by ultra-serious competitions, this race creates space for everyone to just have fun.
Early arrival is recommended since part of the experience involves witnessing other runners’ reactions to whatever chaos unfolds. Just remember to leave your four-legged running buddy at home—dogs aren’t allowed on the course for safety reasons.
