Lace up your running shoes for the Get Down to the Loose Caboose races, returning to Paragould, Arkansas, on Saturday, May 16, 2026. This dynamic event offers distances for every runner, including a Half Marathon (13.1M), 10K, and 5K, providing a fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself while experiencing the charm of Paragould. Expect typical race day conditions in mid-May to feature highs around 79F and lows around 59F, with about a 19% chance of precipitation.

The 10K and 5K races will primarily take place on the scenic 8 Mile Creek Trail, offering a pleasant and engaging course for participants. Runners in the Half Marathon will begin their journey at Bland Park at 7:00 AM, with the 10K and 5K starting at 8:00 AM from the same location. The 10K concludes back at Bland Park, while 5K participants will finish at Harmon Park, with a convenient shuttle service available to transport racers back to Bland Park from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Runners can anticipate newly improved starting points for 2026, thanks to the completion of the 8 Mile Creek Trail expansion.

More than just a race, the Get Down to the Loose Caboose is a highlight of the larger Loose Caboose Festival, a cherished community event making its return to Downtown Paragould. Beyond the competitive distances, the day features a "Fastest Kid in Town Race," adding to the family-friendly atmosphere. Participants who register before May 1st will receive a commemorative Loose Caboose Festival T-Shirt. All proceeds from the races benefit the Paragould Chamber Foundation and the Greene County Future Fund, supporting vital local initiatives.