Fort Smith General Darby Challenge

🏃‍♂️ Event Overview

• Event: Fort Smith General Darby Challenge Event: 13.1 m Ruck: 13.1 m Half Marathon: 10K: 5K - Ruck, Run, or Walk
• Date: Sunday, April 27th, 2025
• Time: 07:00 am - Noon CST. This is a "mass start", non-sanctioned, but timed event. Dead Stop: 12:00 noon
• Location: Downtown Fort Smith at Cisterna Park. FSGDC begins and ends at the “Darby Statue” (1001 Garrison Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901)

📅 Schedule and Check-in

• Mass Start: 07:00 am at Darby Statue at Cisterna Park in Downtown Fort Smith
• Check-in: Check-in for all divisions begins at 6:30 am at the Darby Statue. Ruck with 25lbs or more weighed before and at finish line.
• Ruck/Backpack weigh-in: Begins at 06:00 at the Darby Statue / Start Point.
• Finishers: Medals will be awarded to participants completing the challenge and special recognition will be awarded to those with the best times.

🎖️ Participation Categories

• Divisions: Ruck/Weighed (before and at finish), 13.1 m Run, 5K, 10K
• Eligibility: Open to civilians, those on direct military orders, active and/or retired military, ROTC/JROTC.
• Virtual Participation: Available for those unable to attend in person.
• T-shirt: All participants have the option to purchase a t-shirt at registration for $20.00. Last day for t-shirt orders is April 14th.

🌍 Route Information

• Start Location: Begins at the General William O. Darby statue in Cisterna Park.
• Route Details: Continue down “A” Street to the Greg Smith River Trail, turn north along the Riverfront to Fort Smith Park, then retrace the trail back.
• Honoring General Darby: Participants can pay their respects upon completion of the challenge.
• Event Map: Event Map & Information

🅿️ Parking and Lodging

• Parking: Available throughout downtown Fort Smith.
• Hotels: Holiday Inn Express: Hampton Inn: Home 2 Home: Homewood Suites: Fort Smith Riverfront RV Resort: Springhill Recreation Area & Campground / RV.
• Additional Resources: Booking through Priceline: Travelocity.
• Contact: Questions and/or sponsorship info.

🇺🇸 General Information

• Event History: The 2nd Annual Fort Smith General Darby Challenge honors General William O. Darby and the cities of Cisterna and Nago-Torbole.
• Commemoration: 80th anniversaries of General Darby’s death and World War II’s armistice featured along a Silent Mile.
• Sponsor Dinner: Will take place on the evening of April 26, 2024 at the Fort Smith Museum of History.
• Proceeds: All proceeds will benefit the Fort Smith Museum of History and the new Darby House organization.

🔗 More Information

• Hosting Organizations: More information is available at fortsmithmuseum.org or darbyhouse.org.
• Facebook Event Page: Event Page Link
• Race Registration: Visit this link to register.