More than 300 athletes of all abilities came together in Bentonville over the weekend for TriFest for MS, a triathlon event that raises funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis. The race featured swimming, biking, and running segments around the city’s popular trails and parks, attracting participants from across the region and out of state.
Among the competitors was a man from Florida who has made it a tradition to return each year, drawn not only by the challenge but by the event’s spirit of community support. He says TriFest for MS is about helping others cross the finish line before themselves, emphasizing the role athletes can play in lifting up those affected by MS.
The course incorporated routes through local highlights like the Bentonville Square and sections of the Razorback Regional Greenway, providing a scenic backdrop that is well known to many residents and visitors. Volunteers lined parts of the race, offering water and encouragement to racers pushing through the demanding distances.
Organizers reported that this year’s TriFest raised significant funds dedicated to research and support services for individuals living with multiple sclerosis across Northwest Arkansas. The event’s inclusive approach welcomed first-timers trying sprint distances, seasoned triathletes, and adaptive athletes, ensuring that everyone found a way to participate.
Local businesses pitched in by sponsoring aid stations and providing equipment and services, highlighting Bentonville’s growing reputation as a hub for outdoor and athletic events. This community-driven effort underscores how the city continues to invest in infrastructure that supports active lifestyles, from interconnected trails to newly improved parks that offer training and recreational opportunities year-round.
TriFest for MS contributes to a strong calendar of events that bring people outside and connected, similar to other local races and outdoor programs promoting health and wellness. It’s also another reminder of Bentonville’s ongoing dedication to building spaces and occasions that invite all ages and skill levels to engage with the city’s natural and built environment.
Participants reflected on the power of the event beyond the physical challenge — creating bonds across backgrounds, sharing stories, and fostering a collective commitment to the cause. For many, TriFest highlights the difference a community can make when people come together to support those in need while celebrating their own capabilities.
This race sits alongside other local efforts weaving fitness and philanthropy, much like how Crystal Bridges continues to open applications for the Tyson Scholars of American Art or how city leaders address neighborhood concerns directly through the Bentonville City Council. Bentonville’s dynamic blend of culture, community, and outdoor activity is on full display in events like TriFest for MS.
Source: 5News KFSM
