Dirt Circus is a celebration of community and sport, a spectacle of all things trail running, an exhibition of what's possible when we come together on the trails.
Did you know that there are thousands of small local trail running events across the United States each year?
Our goal is to connect runners with races and with one another, to highlight race directors, running stores, coaches, and the other local businesses that make up the fabric of our trail running community. The best way we know how to do that is by going for a run together. This sport is a little wild and we like it that way, so come join the Dirt Circus with us.
Meet with race directors, find your next event, run with friends, win prizes and more. Think of it as a live and in-person version of ultrasignup.com, but even more fun.
Event Director: Rob Goyen
free community events
Each community event is FREE but limited to around 250 attendees (subject to change per location).
- Celebrate local trail running, learn about local races and talk to race directors.
- Community Run with shoe demos from your favorite trail running brands.
- Raffles and giveaways!
- Race Expo - learn about local races, coaches, fitness experts, and local race clubs.
- Local brand reps hawking their wares
- Food, drinks, and more available for purchase
- Get exclusive running store discounts
Schedule
For the 2024 Dirt Circus tour, we are excited to visit even more cities across the US!
- April 27 - Phoenix, Arizona
- June 15 - San Francisco, California
- July 13 - San Luis Obispo, California
- July 24 (Wednesday!) - Seattle, Washington
- August 10 - Boulder, Colorado
- September 28 - East Coast - Boalsburg, PA
- October 19 - Flower Mound, Texas: REGISTER NOW
- November 15 - Bentonville, Arkansas: REGISTER NOW
PROMOTING LOCAL RACES
Trail running is a unique sport because of the people within the trail community. At the heart of that community are the local races and the race directors. Dirt Circus is a party to celebrate trail running with the local race directors. Get to know them. Learn about new races. The local race directors are the architects of our dreamiest and most challenging events. They are the voice inside your head that keeps asking you "can you do it?" Come on down to Dirt Circus and hang out with them.
Check out the races and business below that you can find at the Dirt Circus.
Why a Circus?
Once upon a time, ultrarunning looked a little different. The sport has its roots in pedestrianism, where people would gather under the big top and walk and run for sport. Bets were made, the limits were pushed, and popularity soared. So come entertain yourselves with us, under the metaphorical big top.
FAQs
Q: How much does it cost to attend Dirt Circus?
A: Dirt Circus will have 9 free community events in 9 cities in 2024! The finale event in Bentonville will also include three race options, which you will need to register and pay for. Registration for the Bentonville 5K, 10K, and 25K race opens 4/1.
Q: Where exactly will the events be in each city?
A: You can find this information on the individual event pages. We will continue to add more info as the permits are finalized.
Q: What will the community run be like? Who should participate?
A: The community run will be a 1 hour, no drop run. We encourage all event attendees to participate!
Q: I am an elite runner, how do I compete in the USATF 10k Trail Championship in Bentonville? Is there be a cash prize?
A: The USATF 10k trail national championship race in Bentonville will recognize winners in youth, open, and masters categories. The men and women will race separately. To be eligible for the USATF award categories you must be a registered member of the USATF.
Q: I am a race director, how do I exhibit at a Dirt Circus event?
A: Reach out to Rob Goyen, rob@ultrasignup.com to get set up in the event expo.
BENTONVILLE - THE BIG RACE
Welcome to the Big Top. November 16-17, 2024 in Bentonville, AR
In 2024 the Dirt Circus Bentonville will offer a free community event, along with two 5K options, 10K, 10 Mile, and Kids 1K races.
10K - USATF 10K Trail National Championship
- Saturday November 16
- Prize Purse starts at $10,000
- Men and Women will race separately
10 Mile - USATF Arkansas Association Championship
- Sunday November 17