I generally make two trips to Bentonville Arkansas per year. This is where Wal Mart is based, and since they are my largest single customer, I get out there when they come a calling. At first, Bentonville didn't have a lot to do. At least I never thought so. After doing some research a couple years ago, we happened upon a little running area called Slaughter Pen. This is a pretty cool little park area dedicated to mountain bikers, and the occasional runner. There are all kinds of terrain features, ramps, hills, berms, jumps, and other fun stuff. I'm generally here during the week, and it doesn't seem to be too crowded.
Here is a shot walking up to the starting area for the trail. I'm not sure what the name of this little creek is, but it sure is pretty.
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I jumped on the Tatamagouche trail, and off I went for a SLOW, steep, winding run.
As you wind through, you start to come across some of the fun features like berms and other planked trail sections.
There are all kinds of these sections throughout the park. It is pretty cool.
Once you complete your one way direction, the trail opens up into the free ride area. This is a BMX/mountain bike area. There are quarter pipes, a regular BMX type track, as well as lots of jumps.
From here you can either keep going for a shorter, easier loop back to the beginning, follow your original path back, or jump on one of the numerous other trails in the park. I think there are roughly six total within this phase of the park.
I chose to jump on a little more difficult trail running back to finish up the run.
Here is a shot of me deep in the woods.
Here is a look at my winding 3.5 mile run. It was slow and hilly, but felt great.
I was able to get out and do the run two days in a row. Felt really good, as I had to miss the Pasadena Half last month.
Time to build back up to another long run!
Happy Running.
Dave
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