The World Championship
Running of the Tubs

The World Championship Running of the Tubs is a signature tradition in Hot Springs, Arkansas, that celebrates the history, creativity, and community pride of America’s original spa city. Held each year in downtown Hot Springs National Park, the event brings together locals and visitors for an unforgettable race down Historic Bathhouse Row.

Hot Springs has long been known for its natural thermal waters, which have attracted travelers for generations. For more than a century, people from around the world have come to bathe in the mineral-rich springs and experience the legendary bathhouses that line Central Avenue. The city’s classic motto, “We Bathe the World,” reflects this heritage and remains at the heart of Hot Springs culture.

In 2006, the World Championship Running of the Tubs was created as a fun and spirited tribute to that historic identity. The race was named in honor of Stueart Pennington, a respected downtown businessman who envisioned an event that would showcase Hot Springs’ unique past in an entertaining and community-driven way. After his passing, the city turned his idea into a reality, and the Running of the Tubs quickly became one of the most anticipated annual festivals in Arkansas.

The concept is simple, but the execution is unforgettable. Teams race bathtubs on wheels through the heart of downtown Hot Springs. Each tub is decorated and customized with themes that range from hilarious to impressive works of craftsmanship. Teams dress in elaborate costumes, transforming Bathhouse Row into a moving celebration of creativity and competition.

A standard tub team includes five participants. Four bath attendants push the tub, while the captain sits inside and steers. The race begins with the tub full of water, and teams must finish with at least ten gallons still remaining. This requirement makes the event far more challenging than it appears, especially as tubs bounce, splash, and slide through the course.

Bath attendants also have an additional responsibility. Each must carry one required bath item throughout the race, including soap, a bath mat, a loofah mitt, and a towel. These items must be presented at the finish line in order for the team to complete the race successfully.

The course includes obstacle stops where teams must halt and follow the judges’ instructions. These challenges are part of what makes the Running of the Tubs so unpredictable and entertaining. Judges are known for adding surprise rules and spontaneous tasks, keeping racers and spectators on their toes.

Spectators are not just observers. The crowd plays an active role in the experience, lining the streets with lawn chairs, costumes, and water sprayers. Fans are encouraged to spray racers with water blasters as they pass, adding a playful challenge to the competition. This tradition has become one of the most memorable aspects of the event and contributes to its high-energy atmosphere.

Teams compete across three divisions: Traditional, Modified, and Stock Tub. Traditional tubs are cast iron, Modified tubs are plastic or fiberglass, and the Stock Tub division is designed for nonprofit and community organizations with tubs provided. Each division brings a unique level of competition and participation to the race.

One of the most anticipated traditions each year is the Battle of the Badge. In this race, Hot Springs first responders compete head-to-head, with the Police Department and Fire Department battling for pride and bragging rights. In 2025, the Garland County Sheriff’s Department joins the competition, making the rivalry even more exciting.