LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The average person walks two to three miles a day, depending on factors such as age, health, and lifestyle. Recent University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduate and former Trojan cross country and track and field runner
Joel Allen will far surpass that daily average when he takes on the 100-mile Arkansas Traveller ultra-marathon on Oct. 4.
Allen, who now serves as a development associate for Little Rock Athletics and volunteers as an assistant coach with the Trojans' cross country team, competed for four years as a student-athlete. During his career, he captured multiple victories in the 3,000-meter steeplechase and earned several additional podium finishes across a variety of events.
Known as a leader both on his teams and across the athletics department, Allen was selected as the Community Engagement Officer of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee his senior year. He later received the Ohio Valley Conference's Community Service Award for his efforts.
Now, Allen is looking to add a new achievement to his resume by joining the 200-runner field at the Arkansas Traveller 100.
"The Arkansas Traveller 100 produced a lot of big talk during my time in college between my coworkers at Rock City Running and our previous cross country head coach,
Brock Hime, who won the race in 2013," Allen said. "This race suited my passion to complete this milestone fresh out of college. It was one of those significant races you just don't want to wait on because of how exciting it sounds. The distance teaches discipline, and you can never be too young or old to learn."
Allen will not only be racing to finish 100 miles — he'll also be raising money for the Trojans' track and field and cross country programs.
Little Rock Athletics recently partnered with CaringCent, a leading in-season fundraising platform for college athletic departments. Allen is inviting supporters to contribute toward areas such as nutrition, travel expenses, and facility upgrades. Funds will also support Little Rock as it prepares to host the OVC Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
"My dream is to ensure our athletes have everything they need to elevate their experience, recognition, and safety, while I push through every mile of the 100-mile race," Allen said.
The race begins at 6 a.m. on Oct. 4 near Lake Sylvia outside Perryville. Allen will be supported by Trojan alumni Nick Newby and
Andrew Payton, who will pace him through portions of the course. Katie Helms, UALR's director of sports management, will also be joining the race for her sixth time; she has provided Allen with advice and tips about the race throughout his training.
Allen has approached the race with his personal motto: G.R.O.W. — Gain experience, Raise money, Overcome 100 miles, and Witness sub-24 hours. He credits his time training at Little Rock as a major part of preparing for the challenge.
"Training and competing for Little Rock absolutely prepared me for this race," Allen said. "Not only did we train on parts of the race course, but my teammates and I backpacked, camped, and toured nearly the entire area."
The Arkansas Traveller course runs through the Ouachita National Forest near Perryville, along Highway 324 South. One of the oldest 100-mile races in the United States, it is being held for the 34th time this year. The route consists of a 17-mile loop followed by an 83-mile out-and-back through the Ouachita Mountains on forest roads, jeep trails, and stretches of the Ouachita Trail.
Twenty-three aid stations will be positioned about every five miles, staffed with volunteers and experienced runners. A live tracker will also allow fans to follow Allen's progress throughout the day.
Allen has trained for months with both the cross country team and on his own. His long runs have ranged from 10 to 30 miles over the past three months, with his main trial effort, a 30-mile run, coming five weeks before race day.
That test run began at Murray Park in Little Rock, where Allen jogged to Pinnacle Mountain, climbed the east side, then descended the west before returning, logging 30 miles. He started at 9:30 p.m. and finished at 4 a.m.
"This run simulated an early wake-up, long hours between the cross country meet and shoe store, and even more long hours running alone throughout the night," Allen said.
Track and field and cross country director
J.P. Behnke said Allen's work ethic makes him well-suited for the challenge.
"Joel has always embraced hard work, so I'm not surprised to see him take on this monumental challenge," Behnke said. "Running a 100-mile race is one thing, but the relentless training necessary in the months leading up to it is where Joel will thrive."
Cross country head coach
Jordyn Naylon agreed, complimented Allen's character and continued involvement with the program.
"I'm really excited for Joel going after a huge goal of finishing the Traveller 100," Naylon said. "It's important for alumni to continue chasing big goals despite finishing their eligibility. Using this race not only as a personal challenge but also as a fundraiser for the program speaks to who he is as a person. I'm looking forward to seeing how it ends up for him."
Join Allen's fundraiser:
CaringCent – Joel Allen's Mission
Track Allen live during the race:
Race Tracker
