Register for Stars, Stripes & Steps

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!

​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.

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!

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?)