If you love doing something quirky and unusual while traveling, put Hot Springs, Arkansas, and the World Championship Running of the Tub on your radar. It honors the history of Springs National Park and offers clean (pun intended) enjoyment for both residents and visitors. Yes you read that right. I said bathtub race.
Hot Springs Arkansas Bathtub Race
World Championship Running in Hot Springs, Arkansas since 2005. Four people carry tubs on foot, and a fifth person sits in a tub filled with water. The tubs are elaborately (often playfully) decorated and themed, adding to the enjoyment of the audience.
There are rules in Basra races
Like all serious sports, bathtub racing has serious rules. At least 10 gallons of water must be left in the finish line tub, and each runner, called an attendant, must carry one of his four items during the race and present that item at the finish line. there is. Goods are solid soap, bath mat, loofah mitt, bath towel.
Various obstacles and challenges await the racing team as they charge through Bathhouse Row. These challenges are facilitated by bathrobe-wearing judges who like to introduce rule changes or create new rules on the fly to keep pranks interesting.
Various categories and prizes
There are three categories of entries: traditional, modified, and stock. Awards are given to the most vibrant, most original, and best overall. There is also the famous “battle of the badges” race between the local police and fire departments.
race watching tips
I don’t have any real bathtub race tips other than running faster than your competitors and not spilling too much bath water, but I do know a few things about watching races.
Crowd participation is encouraged and is not limited to applause and cheers. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet, and bring a super soaker and a water cannon. Everyone can “reload” as the trough fills with water along the course.
get ready to get wet
If you want to watch the bathtub race but don’t want to get wet, stand away from the street. Still, there’s no guarantee you won’t catch an accidental (or deliberate) blast from someone’s water pistol, so if staying dry is that important, this may not be the event for you. not.
Go early to get a good seat and consider taking a folding chair. Otherwise you will end up sitting on the curb. Bring sunscreen, a hat, drinking water and snacks for the race.
Where to watch bathtub race
If you’re close to the street, you can’t go wrong along Bathhouse Row. You’ll have to decide if you’re close to the start or close to the finish, but getting there early gives you a better chance of picking a good spot.
Adults are generally expected to let enthusiastic kids put water cannons and super soakers in front of them and let them do whatever they please. The actual race he lasts 2-3 hours.
A bathtub race that traces the history of hot springs
Each of the eight historic bathhouses on Bathhouse Row was built naturally. hot springBuilt between 1892 and 1923, the bathhouse was once a popular spot for tourists to relax in the hot springs.
Watch the bathhouse “attendants” run in their tubs along the historic building’s boardwalk (the area is now a National Landmark District) and learn how the city and Hot Springs National Park were formed. It’s a fun and easy way to remember.
Today’s sento building houses a National Park Visitor Center, a museum of the bathing industry (very cool and a bit weird, don’t miss it), gift shop, spa and brewery.
Get ready for summer with the 2023 Running of the Tubs.
This year’s race is Saturday 3rd June 2023
I recommend getting a room within walking distance of Bathhouse Row. Parking in downtown Hot Springs is generally difficult and roads are closed on the morning of race day.
i stayed in Hotel Hot Springs Last year, it was an easy walk to downtown Hot Springs and Bathhouse Row. Hot Springs has plenty of other activities. Fun, walkable downtown area with national parks, Lake Katherine State Park, charming botanical gardens, theme/water parks (Magic Springs), and plenty of shops and restaurants.
Want to do more than root for Bathtub Racers? still time to enter – The deadline is May 5, 2023.
This article was written and distributed by Wealth of Geeks.
Jill is an expert travel writer with a focus on family and adventure travel, and also offers practical tips to help travelers get the most value from their vacation experiences. In addition to Wealth of Geeks, Jill writes for her Business Insider, MSN, Tripsavvy, Matador Network, Canadian Traveler, and Travel Awaits. She lives in San Antonio with her husband and her sons, but is usually in another location.
