Back to Little Rock Marathon Information & Reviews
M. B. from North Carolina
(3/3/2008)
"too many walkers" (about: 2008)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Little Rock Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 The course was tough and hillier than expected. Coming from NC, where it is pretty hilly and I trained for hills, it was difficult. I would have liked to see the walkers behind the runners. They were way too close to the start and were on the right, left and middle of the road. Too much weaving in and out. The fans were great, as were the pacers for motivating the runners. I was disappointed in the expo and the lack of "goodies" in the goody bags. Maybe the bag they gave us at the end of the race should have been put in the bag at the expo (from the sponsors). Tech shirts were really nice but offered all-male sizes; I wish race directors would start having women's sizes. I will not be able to wear it as it is way too big. | |
D. M. from Texas
(3/3/2008)
"What Hills" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Little Rock Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first Little Rock Marathon. As a Houston flat-lander, the hills were tough but not too bad. The real bear is the 5-mile out-and-back on Riverfront. The out-and-back is flat, but tough mentally. The organization was OK. Sign-up and packet pick-up were a breeze. The starting line was narrow and filled with a lot of walkers. They may want to consider a wave start to ease the congestion. The ending was also a little disappointing. Once you leave the "runner's area," you cannot go back in. The water and Gatorade are in cups, so trying to get enough replenishment can be tough. This is the first marathon I've been to when the marathoner can't go back into the finisher's area. The volunteers were great. Plenty of water and Gatorade. The fans were pretty sparse. The medal is huge and made it worth the trip. | |
C. C. from Russellville, AR
(3/3/2008)
"Awesome" (about: 2008)
First Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first half marathon and I loved every minute of it. It was so organized. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. The people along the way, both spectators and volunteers, were so encouraging. The finish line volunteers couldn't have been better. They were genuinely happy for me and concerned for my well being. I am already ready to sign up for next year's race. Thank you so much for an awesome event. You guys did an outstanding job in every way. | |
michael maillis from YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO
(3/3/2008)
"great fun" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Little Rock Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Hilly. Hilly. Hilly. But it was great. Beautiful start and finish. Friendliest people. It basically rolls for the first 12, then runs uphill for 4, then goes slightly downhill for 4, and then basically goes flat. Miles 12 to 16 are tough. | |
Bryan Moffitt from Kansas City, MO
(3/3/2008)
"Overall a very enjoyable experience" (about: 2008)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Little Rock Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 3rd marathon but my 1st Little Rock Marathon. The hills are NOT that bad. I worked myself up over them for the last few weeks, but once I was on the course, they were very manageable... except for that dang hill on mile 25! Not fun but well worth the finish when they put that HUGE medal around your neck! If you are looking to run the 50 states, I would add this medal to your collection. My only complaint was the fact that many walkers started near the front of the marathon. I started around the 3:40 pace group and I passed at least a dozen walkers in the first 1/4 mile who were walking in the middle of the course. Also, the out/back from mile 20-24 was a little difficult because of how late in the race it was. Other than that, the race was very enjoyable for me. Packet pick-up was a breeze and the finisher's shirt (New Balance running shirt), plus the race t-shirt is a very nice benefit. ______ 1 Corinthians 9:24 | |
P. B. from California
(3/3/2008)
"Great day for a race in Little Rock" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 These comments pertain to the half marathon, not the full: This was a well-organized event. Packet pickup was smooth, the expo had just the right number of vendors, and I met some cool folks at the pasta dinner. Weather was absolutely ideal: A little sun, some clouds, and a nice breeze to keep things cool. The half marathon course literally was a 'What hills?' experience, with only a few slight inclines. Spectator support was fantastic. I especially enjoyed the Methodist Mile. The police did a great job of keeping the runners safe while helping motorists get through as well as possible. The only drawback is that my chip time came out same as gun time, which I don't understand because it took 7-8 minutes to reach the start line. | |
T. L. from Springfield, MO
(3/3/2008)
"First-time marathon experience" (about: 2008)
First Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 We had a four-woman relay team for our introduction to a marathon. We had a great time and everything worked out, but we were definitely "newbies." The only downside was that there was no "bag drop" at the relay exchange points and the shuttle bus to get from exchange point 2 to 3 would have ruined our race (as it didn't come in time); luckily a race organizer was there to provide a personal shuttle. We're already looking forward to participating more and planning for next year! | |
G. J. from USA
(3/3/2008)
"Great Race, Great Medal, Cheap Goody Bag" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Little Rock Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was my first time at the Little Rock Marathon and I loved almost everything about it. The course is challenging with some serious hills at 24-26 miles, plus a long incline from 13-15 mile marker. The volunteers and cheer groups were very energetic and supportive. Walkers that started at 6 a.m. instead of 8 a.m. were a nice surprise about the middle of the race when you started catching up to them. My only complaint would be the snack bag you get at the finish. A 35-cent Little Debbie snack, a bag of Chex Mix, and 2 Oreo Cookies is not much of a snack bag after running a marathon. Of course you can pay MORE than your entry and go into a perks tent for pizza and other foods. Make these perks for all finishers and I think this marathon reaches top-notch status. | |
J. W. from Ft. Smith, AR
(3/3/2008)
"Thank you, Little Rock" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 4-5 Little Rock Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Another great job by the organizers and volunteers. I have participated in all 6 of the LR events (2 halves, 4 fulls), and they just keep getting it better. Sad day for the family of the gentleman who died after finishing, and my prayers go out to his family. If you have not run LR, you need to put this one on your list. Great job, Little Rock. You truly ROCK. | |
L. L. from North Little Rock, AR
(3/3/2008)
"Start was too crowded." (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 Little Rock Marathons
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run the Little Rock Marathon twice and the half twice. This is the first year the start was on President Clinton Avenue. The street is way too narrow for the start of a large race and we were in a crowd for two miles. Walkers were not separated from runners and started too close to the front. I suggest a corral for walkers, in the back for next year. The new finish line was fine, spectators were great and the race was well organized. Next year, move the start back to Capitol Avenue... please! |
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