2026 David's Trail Endurance Run
David's Trail Endurance Run (DTER) 2026 will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Rocking Chair Resort in Mountain Home, AR. The event is scheduled for the Ozarks region, where participants can expect a challenging trail running experience through single and double track trails across Robinson Point, Panther Bay, and Bidwell parks along Norfork Lake. The course is known for its significant elevation changes, with the 50K race featuring over 5,000 feet of elevation gain. Weather conditions in Mountain Home during February can vary widely, ranging from sunny and mild to cold and snowy, with temperatures fluctuating between 10 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Runners should be prepared for unpredictable conditions and bring appropriate gear. The event is structured with multiple race distances, including 50K, 25K, and 7K, with start times beginning at 8:00 AM for the 50K, 9:00 AM for the 25K, and 10:00 AM for the 7K. The 50K course has been redesigned for 2026, and no cash purse will be awarded for setting a course record this year.
What distances are available for this event?
- →50K race starting at 8:00 AM
- →25K race starting at 9:00 AM
- →7K race starting at 10:00 AM
How much does registration cost?
- →50K: $110
- →25K: $90
- →7K: $65
What are the registration deadlines for each race?
- →50K and 25K: February 27, 2026 at 8:00 PM CST
- →7K: February 27, 2026 at 8:00 PM CST
What is the schedule for the event?
- →Friday, February 27: Packet pickup and on-site registration from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- →Saturday, February 28: Packet pickup from 6:30 AM to 9:45 AM
- →50K start: 8:00 AM
- →25K start: 9:00 AM
- →7K start: 10:00 AM
What are the cutoff times for the 50K race?
- →Overall cutoff: 9 hours (5:00 PM)
- →Mile 18.25 (50K turn-around): 1:00 PM
- →Mile 26.25 (Panther Bay Pavilion): 3:30 PM
- →Mile 31.75 (Finish at Rocking Chair Resort): 5:00 PM
What are the rules and requirements for the event?
- →The event is cupless; participants must bring their own handheld, reservoir, or purchase a HydraPak SpeedCup for $5.00 during registration.
- →Post-race feast requires participants to bring their own plates, cups, and utensils; no paper or plastic goods will be provided.
- →The race is held rain or shine, sleet or snow, with conditions ranging from 10 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the course like?
- →The course consists of a mix of single and double track trails through the Ozarks Mountains.
- →The route passes through Robinson Point, Panther Bay, and Bidwell parks on David's Trail along Norfork Lake.
- →The 50K race is considered one of the toughest 50K courses with a relentless elevation profile.
What is the event standard?
- →The event meets ATRA's (American Trail Running Association's) Event Standards.
What is the status of the 50K course for 2026?
- →The 50K course has been redesigned, and no cash purse will be awarded for setting a course record this year.
What are the course records for previous years?
- →50K Male: 4:42:38 (Wesley Hunt, 2023)
- →50K Female: 5:31:33 (Abigayle Money, 2025)
- →25K Male: 1:39:09 (Wilton Norris, 2022)
- →25K Female: 2:26:01 (Katherine Ketchum, 2022)
- →7K Male: 00:35:42 (Tucker Davidson, 2022)
- →7K Female: 00:38:30 (Sharla Mathes, 2022)
What are the accommodation options near the event?
- →Rocking Chair Resort offers start/finish line lodging (cabins to full houses) and is likely to sell out.
- →Wagon Wheel Resort is recommended as an alternative option.
- →Lake Norfork Inn's operational status for 2026 is uncertain.