Runners start the Paradise Found 5k

Guest blog written by: Taylor Reed, Peel Compton Foundation Marketing Manager

It’s no secret that Bentonville is home to some of the country’s best mountain bike trails! For those of us that crave a thrilling experience on two wheels, Northwest Arkansas is a really special place. Where else can you shred trails and then, in an instant, grab a coffee in the woods or find yourself at a renowned art museum?

Listen: 2024 happenings at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve

Although Mountain biking is one of the coolest ways to deliver adrenaline straight to your noodle (and a sure-fire way to stay in shape), have you ever considered hiking a mountain bike trail? How about racing on a trail system on foot? This summer, experience world-class mountain bike trails on foot at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve’s 3rd annual Paradise Found 5K Trail Run on Saturday, July 13th!

Group of 3 female racers posing for a photo.  A mom and son crossing the creek while racing the 5k.

Trail running is one of the most popular summertime sports, and for good reason! Running outdoors is a fantastic way to get your heart pumping, boost your mental health, and get a breath of fresh air all at the same time! Trail running is also a great way to challenge your brain as you work to navigate natural, techy terrain as opposed to sealed, paved, surfaced or asphalt roads.

Now, we know what you’re thinking… running? In the summer of all seasons? We hear ya, and the good news is Paradise Found starts at 7am – way before the sun cranks up the summer heat. Oh, and did we mention that all racers receive a special-edition finisher medal and race t-shirt? Seriously, if for nothing else, do it for the t-shirt! Awards will also be given out to the top overall runners as well as the top 3 in each age group. The Paradise Found 5K will be capped at 300 racers and is open to runners of all ages, meaning you should absolutely invite all your friends and family to race. No MTB experience necessary!

Learn more and sign up here. Hope to see you there!

 

OZ Trails community,

When I think about where this started, trail builders like Dave Renko, Nathan Woodruff, and Don West from the early days come to mind. They strengthened my belief in the power of trails and in Arkansas becoming one of the great places in the world to ride. It started simply: a few hand-built trails, a lot of conviction, and a community willing to put in the effort to create something special.

OZ Trails was never just about bikes. It was about building a way of life around the outdoors — a place where families spend more time together, where people find clarity away from screens, and where visitors feel welcome. It proves that something world class can still feel local, personal, and rooted in the land.

For years, we dreamed about this park. We walked the land, studied what it could become, and kept coming back to the same idea: Northwest Arkansas deserved a bike park that matched the ambition of this community.

Now, we’ve built it.

OZ Trails Bike Park is where so much of that work comes together. It was created with trail builders who treat their work like a craft, supported by bike patrol so riders can feel confident, and shaped by a team that cares about the experience from the moment you arrive. I've been riding the park throughout development, and I finish every ride believing it will change how people progress and connect with each other.

Founding Membership is an invitation to the people who get it — the riders who know what time on trail does for you: clearing your head, building confidence, finding your people, and feeling a sense of pride in the place you ride. We want you here from day one. Membership is more than access. It helps set the tone for what this park becomes. The first members should be people who care about the culture, who welcome others in, and who believe this place can keep growing into something truly special.

As a father, I often think about watching my kids progress on these trails — starting on green, moving to blue, and then deciding they’re ready for black. It’s part of why we built this place the way we did — so families can show up, everyone has something to ride, and they can keep building the skills to take the next step.

Alongside Founding Membership, we’re also launching a Founding Family Membership for those who want to share this with the people they love.

Our Founding Memberships open today.

Come ride it. This place was built for you.

Upcoming Events

OZ, LOCAL, AND REGIONAL

Weekend Warm Up

March 7, 2025 - November 7, 2025

Level 2 Mountain Biking Fundamentals

11/1/2025, 11/22/2025

Mountain Biking: Intro to Drops

November 1, 2025

BVL Cyclocross Training Series

October 26, 2025 - November 16, 2025

Coler MTB Youth Class

September 10, 2025 - November 26, 2025

Purple Heart Gravel Ride

November 8, 2025

Arkansas Enduro Series presented by Monster Energy

November 21, 2025 - November 23, 2025

EXPLORE ALL EVENTS