Stars, Stripes & Steps

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

SCHEDULE CHANGES

We have made some big changes to the schedule. This year, the half marathon will start at 8:00 A.M. and the 5K and 2Mile races will start at 9:00 A.M. Please check the schedule to get all the details.

ROUTE

Thee 10th annual Stars, Stripes & Steps race will once again wind around road construction and unusable stair cases. CASTLE CRUNCH and CHAPEL CHARGE staircases will not be ready this year. The city is working on plans to replace both staircases and repair MUSEUM MASH, but these projects are going to be huge, both in dollars and time. We will keep you posted.

We were proud of our intrepid races last year, who took the unconventional route in stride, and confident you will have just as much fun this year with whatever route we come up with.

PARK ACTIVITIES:

We will have a fun kid zone again, including the popular Mammoth Science Zone and Mammoth MIni Golf. As always we are eager for community ideas and participation.

RACE OVERVIEW

RUN, WALK, STROLL or roll

All three of our STAIR-CLIMBING routes navigate the trails, hills, streets and steps that make downtown Hot Springs such a beautiful place to run, walk or stroll.

Children four and under are welcome to accompany parents or guardians at no charge

(no tee shirts, bibs, medals or SWAG), but be aware that these stairs are steep and strollers are absolutely forbidden, except on the zero-stair flip-flop romp!

We are a walker-friendly event (except for the Knee High Hilly Half Marathon). Some of our participants stroll the Sock Hop or Crazy Crew, window shopping and enjoying the scenery!

Leashed and well-behaved dogs are welcome, but you must follow the City's rules and regulations.

CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE

CONSTRUCTION CAN BE FUN!

By 2024-25 we hoped to have a brand new highway with a very cool walkway extending over the river, but it looks like that will be delayed. When the road work is done, sidewalks will be shiny new, and should run the entire length of the highway through town. We are excited for the finished product. In the meantime, we will all have to be patient. The route descriptions and step numbers are estimates based on last year This year things could be different, and we won't know until shortly before the event. But have no fear, we won't let you down. Your race will be fun, scenic and challenging!

SOCK HOP - 2 miles, 264 steps - 250 steps in 2023!

This two mile route is a great "starter" stair climb, terrific for kids and also good for those who are recovering from injuries. Many fast runners like it too—we are always surprised when those speedsters cross the finish line like rockets! You will share your route with the Crazy Crew and Knee High Hilly Halfers, making it lots of fun! You will pass two water stations along the way and lots of volunteers will cheer you on.

CRAZY CREW 5K - 5 kilometers (3.1 miles), 5 flights of stairs (657 steps) - 655 steps in 2023

This challenging route is our most popular event among men, women and kids. Although only a mile longer than the Sock Hop, those three extra staircases make it much more challenging—in fact more challenging by far than your ordinary 5K. The dogs love it too! Lots of steps and gorgeous views. You can run or take your time. You will pass two water stations. You will share the route with the Sock Hoppers and Hilly Halfers, so you will never be lonely!

KNEE HIGH HILLY HALF - half marathon (13.1 miles) - 6 flights of stairs, 744 steps - 742 steps in 20

This route takes you on a challenging tour of the steeps and steps of Hot Springs and a bit beyond and is not for the faint of heart. There are serious hills to climb as well as a few reasonably flat miles to stretch your legs and take in those astounding Hot Springs vistas. And of course 744 steps to climb on five town core staircases and the one private staircase in what we like to call the "outer limits" (PRIVATE STAIRCASE NOT ACCESSIBLE IN 2022). This route is mostly on paved walkways, streets and highways but also includes a bit of meadow) and a few gravel roads. THIS IS NOT WALKER FRIENDLY. COURSE CLOSES AT 2:00 P.M. You will be supported in the town center with the same water stations as the shorter routes, and in the outer limits there will be roving support cars with water, encouragement and a bail-out ride if you need it. (But you won't need it 'cause you are training, right?)

Find Route Maps Here!

Stars, Stripes & Steps 2024 Photos