Running of the Tubs in Hot Springs

If you have ever wondered what it was like to witness a bathtub race, then this is the event for you. The Stuart Pennington Running Of The Tubs is held each year in Hot Springs. The race was created in 2006 as a nod to the city’s fabled thermal waters. The annual event takes place on Bathhouse Row and centers around costumed teams pushing wheeled bathtubs full of water and a bather the length of the Row.

The rules change every year, especially after the race has started, but fundamental rules always apply. A glimpse at some of the rules from past races:

• Of the four members pushing the tub, one must carry a large bar of soap, one must carry a nice bath mat, one must wear a loofah mitt and one must carry a bath towel.

• The four team members pushing the tubs must wear hats of some type and shape and also some suspenders.

• No motors or mechanical devices can be used to push the tub.

• Four members of the team must power the tub, which will contain the fifth member, plus water.

• The bathtub must be full of water at the start of the race and have at least 10 gallons of water left in the tub at the finish line.

• The fifth member of the team must be in the bathtub, taking a bath from the start of the race to the official finish line.

The race is named in honor of the late Stuart Pennington, a longtime business leader in Hot Springs. For more information contact Visit Hot Springs at 501-321-2027 or the Visit Hot Springs website: www.hotsprings.org.