New Jack-n-Back Half Marathon in Hot Springs

Hot Springs is home to a new half marathon—the Jack-n-Back. The race, which was rescheduled to March 22 due to bad weather that hit on the initial race day, has been dubbed Arkansas’ version of Pike’s Peak, the famous hard-core annual race/ascent that takes place in Colorado. The event is a 13.1 mile road race trek over Jack Mountain and back.

According to the race website, the course starts at the Highway 84 junction. Racers run over Jack Mountain on Highway 128 to the Arkansas Highway intersection and back. At its steepest, the Jack Mountain Road path is a 13.1 grade incline and the course includes over 3,000 feet in elevation. Those interested can sign up online at jack-n-back.com, by mail, or they can walk-in and sign up at either Render Creative Group at 801 Central Avenue, Suite 30 in Hot Springs, or the office of Burke Pharmaceuticals at 3633 Central Avenue, Suite I in Hot Springs. Racing categories include walking, running, and team relay. Of note, each racer will also be given a donkey tail accessory as part of their racing package. All finishers will  receive an official “Jack-n-Back” medal. You can keep up with the race at their Facebook page at:  www.facebook.com/jacknbackrace.