Enjoy racing as an observer or prefer to be a participant? Arkansas offers many venues for both - from thoroughbred horse racing and greyhound dog racing to dirt track and drag racing, bicycle and cardboard boat races, senior Olympics, special Olympics and one of the largest Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure events held nationally.
Oaklawn Park
Oaklawn Racing and Gaming at Hot Springs features some of the finest thoroughbred horse races from late
January through mid April, plus simulcast horse racing the remainder of the year. Oaklawn's "Racing Festival of the South" attracts the
nation's top horses and the Arkansas Derby winner becomes eligible for the famous Triple Crown. While at the track, visitors can also take part in games of chance.
Dog, Car & Bike Races
Southland Park Gaming and Racing at West Memphis is ranked among the top
dog-racing facilities in the world and has live and simulcast racing year round. Situated on 140 acres at the western end of the
Interstate 40-Mississippi River bridge, Southland seats 10,000 fans and has a standing capacity of some 22,000. Fans can also try their hand at games of chance at the park. Dirt track and drag racing are also popular. There are 17 oval
tracks scattered around the state, plus four straight drag strips. Both
mountain biking and
endurance
bicycle racing may be enjoyed in The Natural State with more than 60
events slated each year. Barrel racing is a popular event at
county fairs and the Arkansas State Fair, Rodeo and Livestock Show.
Arkansas Razorbacks
Get Hog Wired with the University of Arkansas Razorbacks - the UA Track and Field
program holds several national records and the Cross Country Razorbacks have scored 30-straight conference championship titles.
Marathons, Triathlons and More!
Marathons, triathlons, festival runs and charity races, including one
of the most well attended Race for the Cure events held in Little Rock
every fall, attract participants from all over Arkansas and beyond. The Senior Olympics
and Special Olympics are also popular, and
Arkansas runners have organized a listing of events (and clubs).
Canoeing Events
Canoeing events are scheduled on smaller streams, and the Boy Scouts of America sponsor national canoe racing on the White River
(Bull Shoals to Batesville) for its Venturing (Explorer) Division.
Some popular and perhaps the most unusual state competitions involve:
For current information on upcoming racing events held in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas events calendar.