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Little Rock Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Little Rock Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.2 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.6 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.2 
 
 
Number of comments: 409 [displaying comments 141 to 151]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 13 14 15 16 17 .. 41 > ]

 

Buffy XL from Chicago (3/9/2010)
"Surprisingly well done!!!" (about: 2010)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Little Rock Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Although Governor Beebe can't claim responsibility for the near perfect weather, he can be proud of the way his city hosts a marathon. The expo is delightfully big and varied. The course is flat for the first half, but not all that scenic. The hill at 14-15 had a few people groaning, but the downhill at 17 was a nice way to offset it. The out-and-back wasn't too bad since it was in/near a wooded area. There are a decent number of people cheering, and they liked to whoop it up. Thanks! I'd recommend this for a first-time marathoner or for those of you 50-staters looking for a great Arkansas marathon.

 

Doug Widowski from Chicago (Rockford) (3/9/2010)
"Great time in Little Rock" (about: 2010)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Little Rock Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


Great, little race. I started with the early start group, since I had some setbacks this year. Slower runners and walkers should have stayed to the right. There should have been someone or something to let these people know that it is for the safety of all and a courtesy to the elite and faster runners. The city is very scenic, and the people very nice. The course was tough, but that is part of the fun of running different marathons in different states. I had "OLD MAN" printed on my bib, and it drew a lot of laughs and encouragement from the spectators and volunteers. I would recommend this race to others and if they have the time to explore this city. My only regret was not having spent more than just two days in Litte Rock. This was my 44th marathon, in my 24th state.

- Doug Widowski

 

S. K. from Little Rock, AR (3/9/2010)
"Poor Direction" (about: 2010)

6-10 previous marathons | 4-5 Little Rock Marathons
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


I have run this marathon each year since its beginning ONLY because this is my hometown race. I think the first couple of years were wonderful; however, the current race directors have done a poor job of continuing that initial spirit of the marathon. Phasing out purses for the elite will only bring amateurs to this race, and charging an inflated entry fee will continue to exhibit their "overcompensation" for being a smaller marathon.

The course is wonderful for the first half. However, the lack of innovation has kept the out-and-back in the second half of the course, which sports an uninteresting jog down a long stretch that essentially has zero crowd support and no motivating factors. The finish is fine. I enjoy the River Market finish, although Capital/Victory was kind of cool in the past.

No finisher's shirt!!!!!! Really?? Once again, I go back to the fact that race leadership wants to overcharge its runners and cut amenities at many GREAT marathons.

 

K. S. from Mabelvale, Arkansas (3/9/2010)
"Great race for my first time" (about: 2010)

1 previous marathon | 1 Little Rock Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


This was my first marathon and I expected it to be a lot harder than it was. Granted, I did take my time, but I did so because I was enjoying the city and the spectators, waving and generally having a good time. Until the out-and-back at Murray Park, that is... they should scrap that part of the course - it's pointless. Yes, it's flat, but it's so boring that it drains all of your mental energy by that point. But all in all, I had a good first race. Plenty of water stops and friendly volunteers.

 

P. W. from Kansas (3/9/2010)
"Well organized and fantastic volunteers and crowd." (about: 2010)

2 previous marathons | 1 Little Rock Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I ran this marathon with my daughter. We had a wonderful experience. All of the workers and volunteers were friendly and helpful. The spectators were amazing from start to finish. We loved the bands, the little kids giving high-fives, the people with megaphones cheering for you each time your passed, signs, etc... Lots of water and/or Gatorade. The medal is fantastic (although the eighth annual could be smaller - several people thought I got eighth place). Excellent job on a great community event!

 

D. T. from Detroit, MI (3/9/2010)
"Good run organized by people who like runners." (about: 2010)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Little Rock Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


Spectators were sparse through most of the course. They have an early start for people who can't finish in the official time limit; that shows caring.

 

Sid Busch from Goose Creek SC (3/9/2010)
"FANTASTIC" (about: 2010)

50+ previous marathons | 4-5 Little Rock Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my 5th Little Rock and 166th marathon; and I could not ask for a better day and marathon to run.

The course on the second half can be a challenge, but the support gets you over the hills. If you're into medals, this year's medal is just AWESOME; you sure don't have to strain your eyes to see it.

I thought the food at the finish was great. I am not a big eater after running, and I thought the HOT DOG was awesome. They have an after-run party for all runners that evening, and the food there was the best, so hang around for that. Even with budget cuts, the quality of this marathon was maintained at a high level.

The people of Arkansas sure are great; they really support all of us as we run through their streets. The volunteers are the best. Without them there's no run. The expo was great. I really enjoyed the CARE BOOTH, where you could pet some dogs up for adoption. They have one of the best PASTA DINNERS EVER put on by the PEABODY HOTEL; the food was tasty and HOT - a lot better than at most major marathons.

All in all, a great way to see the City of Little Rock. I can't wait till next year. I will be doing neck exercises so that I can wear the medal again.

 

D. N. from Plano, TX (3/9/2010)
"My best overall marathon experience so far!" (about: 2010)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Little Rock Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my sixth marathon and by far the best and most well organized event I've participated in. The course is challenging but manageable. The aid stations were well stocked and prepared, especially for slower runners such as myself. The volunteers and police officers were superb and the spectators were very enthusiastic and supportive. Of course the medal was phenomenally HUGE! Totally awesome!

What really put this marathon experience over the top for me was the way the organizers set up the after party. They did it in the afternoon after all of the runners had finished and had a chance to recover and get refreshed. With the exception of the Cowtown Marathon, most post-race parties I've been to have been over and packed up by the time I got to the finish line. The post-race party for Little Rock was just that - a party! Plenty of delicious hot food and "drinks" for EVERYONE involved with the event. That's how a post-race party should be done.

Hats off and much thanks to the organizers, caterers, police officers, volunteers, and the citizens of Little Rock for putting on a first-rate event. This marathon will be on my running calendar for years to come.

 

B. F. from US (3/8/2010)
"Great race director and volunteers" (about: 2010)

11-50 previous marathons | 2 Little Rock Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I have run countless marathons. This topped them all for course support. I am so pleased to see a race director who cares so much for the runners and understands how to lead/organize. I recommend this race to any first-timers. Plenty of aid stations with food and drinks, and a huge medal at the end. Course was marked well. Little Rock P.D. was great. Town came out to cheer us on, continually including churches, live bands, etc. Little Rock rocks as a model for all other race directors to study. Thanks to all volunteers, neighborhoods and wonderful people. No room left for improvement. Thanks again.

 

R. P. from Illinois (3/8/2010)
"Great race... runners, watch out for walkers" (about: 2010)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Little Rock Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


Fantastic weather and race overall. Community support was very strong for a smaller race. Huge medal. I started in the middle of the back and was frustrated by passing walkers four abreast strolling along. Walkers, please start at the back of the race. Overall, a great race.

 

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