NWA's New Ultra Marathon - The 1.8 Atalanta AMRAP by READYGO

The Atalanta AMRAP premiered on May 30th as NWA's Newest Ultra Marathon

On May 30th 2026, the Atalanta AMRAP (as many reps as possible) premiered with 14 competitors on the start line. The athletes ran a 1.8 mile loop around Lake Atalanta, in Rogers, Arkansas, for 12 hours beginning at 6am. Cumulatively, 618 miles were run with multiple athletes surpassing 50 miles- making this NWA's new ultra marathon.

The event was hosted by READYGO, a local meal prep company serving fresh, high protein, and nutrient dense meals.

Henry Cozart (center), the first place finisher, and his race crew.

Conditions were challenging with temperatures reaching 87 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity around 84% - the course was hot and sticky.

READYGO presented this race to create an opportunity for both beginners and seasoned athletes to compete against themselves and/or set a course record. All athletes were local with the exception of one active duty service member who flew in from Washington D.C.

Carlee McCrary, first place female and third place overall finisher, and her friend biking alongside for support.

Each particpant approached the race with their own stratgey and support system. Many brought tents, gear, and race crews for support. Additionally, Rise Physical Therapy was on sight to provide free treatment to athletes. After each lap around the lake, athletes had the opportunity to stop for rest, treatment, and supplies. With high heat, frequent hydration and fueling was crucial.

As the day unfolded, athletes were supported by friends and neighbors that ran or biked alongside them. What started as a dark and quiet early morning run with 14 athletes, became a lively and motivating community event. The support from the community was infectious and morale remained high among athletes, race staff, and spectators for the full 12 hours.

While the race is an individual competitor event, the long format promotes camaraderie among the athletes. Around the course and at aid stations, race staff and athletes alike learned each others reason to run this race. Some ran to find their limit, others to heal, and several to support a friend.

Klay Klaerner, second place overall finisher.

One athlete, Erik Burkland, had never run more than 15 miles prior to this race, and ended the day with more than 36 miles completed. Similarly, third place finisher Carlee McCrary had never run more than 17 miles - this was her first marathon, 50K, and 50 miler. She finished as first place female and third place overall.

The race closed with a tightly grouped top three finishers: Henry Cozart in first place with 56.8 miles; Klay Klaerner in second place with 55 miles; and Carlee McCrary in third place with 51.6 miles.

Cozart and Klaerner jokeyed for the lead throughout the day. Their strength, and endurance were noteworthy. In the final hour, the two runners were tied at 55 miles, and with less than 30 minutes left on the clock Cozart ran a final lap to clinch the first place finish.

The event closed with meal prep for all finishers, and discounts for a full week of READYGO meal prep.

Plans are underway to improve and expand the race for next year. Registration for the 2027 Atalanta AMRAP will open in August of this year.

McCrary at the Aid Station with her Crew.

The scoreboard with tally marks displaying each lap the athlete ran.

Three athletes coming off the loop into the aid station.

Athlete Gurwell with his support crew.

Athlete changing their shoes and socks to be dry.

Athlete Alvarez finishing a lap accompanied by friends and family.

Athlete Chambers running the 1.8 mile course.

Athlete Goss cooling off with ice and a cold towel.

Athlete Burkland running the course.

Rise Physical Therapy giving athletes dedicated attention and assessments.

Athlete Ingalls running the course.

Athlete Campbell resting in between laps.