Every year, the Annual White River Marathon brings runners from across the country to Cotter for a flat, fast course along the White River. The race finishes in Big Spring Park. Ember Shoals Resort sits at the other end of a riverside trail that leads right to it.
If you are running the full, the half, or the 5K, here is why Ember Shoals makes race weekend simple.
What makes the White River Marathon worth the trip?
The White River Marathon is a certified Boston Qualifier, and the course has earned its reputation for fast times. It runs flat along the river, through some of the prettiest country in the Ozarks. Registration is capped at 800 runners, so the field stays uncrowded and the atmosphere stays friendly.
The event includes three distances:
Marathon (26.2 miles), 7:00 AM start
Half Marathon (13.1 miles), 7:00 AM start
5K, 7:30 AM start
All distances share a generous cutoff, so walkers are welcome too. Confirm current start times and register on the [official race site](INTERNAL LINK: race registration).
Where is the finish line, and how close is Ember Shoals?
The race finishes in Big Spring Park on the riverfront in downtown Cotter. Ember Shoals connects to the park by the Big Spring Nature Trail, a flat walking and biking path that runs beside the White River.
That means no hunting for parking after the race. Cross the finish, celebrate with your crew, and walk back to your cabin along the water. Family and friends can make the same walk to cheer you in.
What does race weekend look like from Ember Shoals?
Friday evening. Check in, drop your bags, and head to Cotter Schools for packet pickup and the pre-race pasta dinner. Everything is a short drive, so there is no long haul the night before.
Saturday morning. Wake up in Cotter instead of driving in from Mountain Home or beyond. Typical race-morning temperatures sit in the low 40s, so lay out your layers the night before and enjoy a calm start.
Saturday afternoon. Walk the trail home from Big Spring Park. Put your feet up on the porch, soak in the river view, and let your legs recover.
Sunday. Stay an extra night and see why people come back to the White River all year. Take an easy shakeout walk on the trail, or book a guided fishing trip and spend recovery day on the water.
What lodging does Ember Shoals offer for runners?
Ember Shoals offers new cabins and riverside RV sites on the White River, with walk-in river access right from the property.
Cabins: A comfortable home base with space to stretch, refuel, and rest before and after the race.
RV Sites: Bring your own rig and stay steps from the river and the trail.
Running with friends, a club, or the whole family? Ember Shoals hosts groups of all sizes. Reserve several cabins together and turn race weekend into a team trip. See group stays for details.
When should I book lodging for the White River Marathon?
Book as soon as you register. Cotter is a small town, and lodging near the start and finish fills quickly with an 800-runner field plus families and spectators. Locking in your stay early means one less thing to think about during taper week.
Plan your race weekend in Cotter
The White River Marathon is a fast course in a beautiful place. Staying at Ember Shoals puts you on the river, minutes from packet pickup, and a short trail walk from the finish line.
Check availability for November 20 to 22 or call us at 870-425-3333.
Planning a trip around another event? Browse the Ember Shoals events calendar.