Whitney's Race 2026
5K & 10K along the Arkansas River — race, run, walk, or crawl for a cure.
Lace Up for the Fight
Registration is officially open for Whitney's Race 2026! Grab your spot early — prices go up after September 22.
Pricing
Early bird pricing ends September 22, 2026.
About Whitney's Race
Whitney's Race is our flagship annual event — a 5K and 10K run/walk at the Fort Smith Bakery District on October 24, 2026. Named in honor of Whitney Marsh, this race brings together survivors, families, runners, and supporters united in the fight against pancreatic cancer.
Every step you take helps fund cutting-edge research, support patients and families, and spread awareness about early detection. It's more than a race — it's a day of running, racing, eating, music, and community. A celebration of hope and the spirit to never give up.
Race Day Schedule
Here's how the day looks on Saturday, October 24 at the Bakery District:
- 8:30 AM — Packet Pickup Opens
- 10:00 AM — Fall Festival Begins (vendors, food trucks, family fun)
- 10:25 AM — Opening Ceremony with music, prayer, and survivor speeches
- 11:00 AM — 5K & 10K Race Start
- Until 4:00 PM — Live music, games, shopping, food & more!
Opening Ceremony Highlights
- National Anthem
- Prayer of blessing
- Remarks from a pancreatic cancer survivor
- Address from Foundation leadership
- Performances by local schools, bands, and teams
Packet Pickup
- Friday, Oct 23 | 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Bakery District. Find us on the back patio.
- Saturday, Oct 24 | 8:30 – 10:30 AM before the race.
Race Course
Start at the Bakery District, then run alongside the Arkansas River. You'll pass the Fort Smith National Historic Site, Belle Isle Park, the Fort Smith Trolley Museum, and the United States Marshals Museum.
This is a race course you won't want to miss.
Family Fun Festival
Whitney's Race isn't just a race — it's a full-day celebration for the whole family.
- Live performances all day from local schools, bands, and teams
- Vendor Village: shopping, food trucks, and drinks at the Bakery District bar
- Family fun: obstacle courses, face painting, and games for kids
Not a runner? No problem — grab a Supporting Spectator pass and join the party!
Know Before You Go
- Photo ID for packet pickup
- Your registration email/QR (mobile is fine)
- Running shoes and weather-appropriate layers
- Reusable water bottle
- Cash/card for vendors and food trucks
Downtown public lots and street parking are available near The Bakery District. Please arrive early and follow race-day signage.
We run rain or shine. Severe weather updates will be posted here and on our Facebook page by 6:30 AM on race morning.
Early bird pricing closes September 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM CDT. Don't wait — secure your spot and save!
Event Village & Vendors
We're partnering with the Fort Smith Bakery District to bring our biggest Event Village yet. Exclusive deals and products from local small businesses.
Interested in Volunteering?
The Whitney Marsh Foundation runs on volunteer energy — people just like you who want to make a real difference in the fight against pancreatic cancer.
Ready to Race?
Every registration fuels the fight against pancreatic cancer. Whether you're racing, walking, or cheering from the sidelines — you're making a difference.