Little Rock Marathon
Little Rock, AR
- Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Kids Run
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Named as one of Runner’s World “Bucket List: 10 Great Marathons for First-Timers” in 2017, come fill your bucket at the annual Little Rock Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Little Rockers Kids Marathon. A race with personality, loads of southern hospitality, tons of caring volunteers, a running or walking … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Mar 06):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 82 | 56 | 67 | 80 | 82 |
| L (°F) | 62 | 33 | 56 | 51 | 69 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
42nd Half towards 50 States
What was awesome is I did my 42nd State, and in Arkansas where the 42nd President is from- really enjoyed the race, and even more enjoyed visiting the William Clinton … MORE
What was awesome is I did my 42nd State, and in Arkansas where the 42nd President is from- really enjoyed the race, and even more enjoyed visiting the William Clinton Presidential Center, learned so much history. Walking everywhere in Little Rock was fun, weather was amazing this year, volunteers were friendly, and loved the theme – Every Mile a Memory.
Full Community
I Really liked this race! Which made it awesome. That the community as a whole was in full support for this race! Which you need for races that's longer than … MORE
I Really liked this race! Which made it awesome. That the community as a whole was in full support for this race! Which you need for races that’s longer than a half! I’ll be back for this race. But I’ll do the half next time! But what you need to train to get ready for this race. Is train on hills! That last hill was brutal! They had hills in the middle of the race which is okay. The only bad thing was that at the first turnaround. The full went straight the half did a turnaround. Then we(marathoners) did a turnaround then we got back with the half people for a decent amount then. I used to get back with the half marathoners towards the end. Which also I had to dodge half marathoners. I had to put my hands on someone because he didn’t hear me. He had his earphones on. But overall this race was really good!
Great Theme, Great Medal, Lots of Hills
If you’re looking for a race that challenges your legs but rewards your spirit, this is it. The hills are no joke! The logistics were seamless from start to finish. … MORE
If you’re looking for a race that challenges your legs but rewards your spirit, this is it. The hills are no joke! The logistics were seamless from start to finish. Packet pickup was a breeze, and the starting corrals were clearly marked and managed. What really stood out, though, was the course support. There were plenty of aid stations stocked with enthusiastic volunteers, water, and electrolytes, which made a huge difference as the miles added up.
Huge medal
The medal is insane. Course had two out and backs which was a little boring. Friendly production. T-shirt wasn’t great. Great volunteers. Not a lot of spectators outside of volunteers. … MORE
The medal is insane. Course had two out and backs which was a little boring. Friendly production. T-shirt wasn’t great. Great volunteers. Not a lot of spectators outside of volunteers.
Giant medal, fun race
Large expo with lots of vendors, lots of crowd support, fun race with lots of costumed runners and themed aid stations, half splits from full around miles 5-6 then rejoins … MORE
Large expo with lots of vendors, lots of crowd support, fun race with lots of costumed runners and themed aid stations, half splits from full around miles 5-6 then rejoins and then final split around miles 12-13, post race food – pasta & sauce, banana, dairy products, sodas, beer
A well run race in a delightful city
I enjoyed my time in Little Rock as much as I enjoyed the race. The race was well organized and the communication was good. There were plenty of aid stations … MORE
I enjoyed my time in Little Rock as much as I enjoyed the race. The race was well organized and the communication was good. There were plenty of aid stations on the route. The scenery along the course was lovely, there were some great neighborhoods with plenty of people to cheer you on. We ran past the historic Central High School, we had visited the Visitor Center the previous day which I highly recommend. Hot Springs National Park is not far away and is a nice place to add to your visit. The people we met in Little Rock were very friendly. The shirt was good and the medal is ginormous! All in all, its a really good event in a nice city to visit. I would definitely recommend this race!
Great race!!
Flew into Little Rock airport, caught the shuttle to the hotel (Little rock Marriott) the expo was in the convention center, didn't even have to walk outside of the hotel. … MORE
Flew into Little Rock airport, caught the shuttle to the hotel (Little rock Marriott) the expo was in the convention center, didn’t even have to walk outside of the hotel. Great expo, a lot of freebies! No problem getting my bib, efficient service. Did the 5k the day before the 1/2, both races were fun and full of energy. The half had great aid stations … but the mile markers were set up for the full marathon, so you had to minus one mile from the marker. Highly recommend this race.
Hilly course from mile 15-20
Nasty hills from mile 15-20 after that flat to finish off race. Tons of aid stations with lots of different items. Swag was ok. Nice packet pickup though. Overall nice … MORE
Nasty hills from mile 15-20 after that flat to finish off race. Tons of aid stations with lots of different items. Swag was ok. Nice packet pickup though. Overall nice marathon.
A must do for 50 state hopefuls
Little Rock loves their marathon. A small city but they put a ton of effort into making it a very special weekend. Pros: - The Marriot is the place to … MORE
Little Rock loves their marathon. A small city but they put a ton of effort into making it a very special weekend.
Pros:
– The Marriot is the place to stay; connected to the expo, the start, and the finish. Enormous hotel, we were still able to book rooms a month out from the race despite it being the obvious choice for hotels. Lots of good restaurants walking distance from the hotel.
– World famous medal that is notable for its size. I’ve never heard of a bigger medal than Little Rocks. Think dinner plate size, and different every year based on the theme of the race.
-Great post race food. Spaghetti bolognaise, bars, water/sodas/energy drinks, a beer, etc.
– Great organization. Lots of aid stations, well marked course, Supportive fans.
CONS:
– The scenery on the course can be a little drab at times. There are a couple cool highlights like the capital building, but overall it’s not a “breathtaking vistas” kind of race.
Overall, this is an obvious choice for anyone looking for an Arkansas race. It falls into the category of “little city big race” along with some other well known races (Grandmas most notably) while still offering plenty of affordable hotel options.
Great Logistics, but not an easy course
From a logistics standpoint, this race is great. You start and finish behind a Marriott hotel, so you get cover from the elements in case that is an issue. Unpopular … MORE
From a logistics standpoint, this race is great. You start and finish behind a Marriott hotel, so you get cover from the elements in case that is an issue.
Unpopular opinion, but I think the medal is too big. I would be in favor of downsizing a bit if it meant a few dollars off of registration.
There was crowd support in areas, but there were also areas where there wasn’t.
For someone coming from an area with no hills, the climbs in this race cooked me a bit. I should have trained better for the hills.
Signage for the expo was almost non-existent which is my one gripe with the race.
Little Rock Big Bling
First off the Medal is gigantic and super heavy. It is one of my favorites. Pre-race communication was precise and very informative Expo was top notch and had everything that … MORE
First off the Medal is gigantic and super heavy. It is one of my favorites.
Pre-race communication was precise and very informative
Expo was top notch and had everything that you might need.
Packet pickup was super easy.
We stayed in a hotel about a mile walk from start/finish line to save some money.
Iriana Pizza was very delicious for my pre-race meal.
Pre-race had an area with tables setup were you and your family could hangout, also had snacks that you could purchase
Plenty of restrooms inside the convention center and plenty of port-a-potties outside
Course did have some hills. Scenery was okay, views of Arkansas River in the first few miles.
Plenty of aid stations along the course. Fully stocked with Gatorade, water, oranges, and some had gels.
Crowd support was great
Staff and volunteers were superb!!!
The mile markers after mile 6 were for the full marathon and did not match your actual mileage. It would be nice if they had them for half and full.
Post race party had spaghetti, cokes, Gatorade, chocolate milk, bananas, beer, fruit bars, yogurt, and Bubble’r sparkling water
This was one of my favorite races. I definitely recommend this race and will be doing it again in the future.
Once upon a Time in Little Rock!
I have been running Half Marathons in all the state and I picked this one to complete Arkansas and what a race. The location of the race was in Downtown … MORE
I have been running Half Marathons in all the state and I picked this one to complete Arkansas and what a race. The location of the race was in Downtown , next to the river. The course was very good only some parts where basically there was nothing to see. The city was supporting the runners and I really loved that. The post race was good, was indoors so was something new to me. I would definitely recomend this race!
HA bit hilly for a flat lander
Claimed state #24 with a marathon or longer finish today at Little Rock (lifetime #63 marathon or longer). I ran Texas Marathon Jan 1, Galveston Marathon Feb 1 and Little … MORE
Claimed state #24 with a marathon or longer finish today at Little Rock (lifetime #63 marathon or longer). I ran Texas Marathon Jan 1, Galveston Marathon Feb 1 and Little Rock Marathon today…..cant find an April Fools Day marathon to keep the first of the month streak going.
Not my best performance today – I definitely felt the hills plus around the half-marathon my left calf (about where it meets the foot) flared up – tough to put weight on it for a mile or so then sore through the finish. But, finish it I did in about 4:36.
Met some very nice fellow runners (a couple Houston area runners and others.) The medal is as big as a dinner plate (that’s what is is sitting on in this image).
Great race
I did the half last year and really enjoyed it, so I signed up for the full this year- plus I wanted the giant medal. The course is very well … MORE
I did the half last year and really enjoyed it, so I signed up for the full this year- plus I wanted the giant medal. The course is very well marked and so many aide stops- you were never hungry or thirsty. It seems the whole town of Little Rock comes out for this race. The aide stations all had Gatorade and water, plus May had bananas, oranges, pickles, and so much more. If you want it to be, this race can be one giant party. The medal is about the size of a dinner plate. There is great pre race communication. People say it is hilly- I did not think it was anything bad, until mile 25 when there were 2 short but steep hills. The finish line is one of the most organized I have ever seen. I would highly recommend this race.
Well run race with a lot of enthusiasm
This is a nice race that’s managed well with a lot of local enthusiasm around it. The aids stations were plentiful with a lot of excited volunteers. The medals steal … MORE
This is a nice race that’s managed well with a lot of local enthusiasm around it. The aids stations were plentiful with a lot of excited volunteers. The medals steal the show by being large, heavy, and matching the annual race theme. A race-day first for me, I received Communion around mile 9! Lots of post-race food and drink to celebrate a finish!
A great weekend experience
This race weekend production is the cream of the crop. Top notch expo, swag, volunteers and staff. Great location for start/finish, all paces welcome and encouraged. Little Rock has a … MORE
This race weekend production is the cream of the crop. Top notch expo, swag, volunteers and staff. Great location for start/finish, all paces welcome and encouraged. Little Rock has a lot to offer in lodging and dining and extra add ons for a fun trip. Love that we see some history also during all races.
Big Race, Small City
Nice course that tours the city, a few hills to keep it interesting. The Expo is great and the medal is huge. Perfect for a group if there is mix … MORE
Nice course that tours the city, a few hills to keep it interesting. The Expo is great and the medal is huge. Perfect for a group if there is mix of runners, walkers and those wanting to do the 5K and 10K. Everyone can do their race at their pace.
Little Rock Marathon Weekend was Awesome
I did this race as a part of the Little Rock Challenge 10K on Saturday and Half marathon on Sunday. You get a 3 medal for completing both races. 10K … MORE
I did this race as a part of the Little Rock Challenge 10K on Saturday and Half marathon on Sunday. You get a 3 medal for completing both races.
10K is not a distance I run very often maybe 4 total, but I was able to set a PR.
Pre-race communication was precise and very informative
Expo was top notch and had everything that you might need.
Packet pickup was super easy.
We stayed in a hotel about a mile walk from start/finish line to save some money.
Plenty of restrooms inside the convention center and plenty of port-a-potties outside
Course did have some hills, but it was a fast.
Scenery was okay, views of Arkansas River.
Crowd support was great
Staff and volunteers were superb!!!
There was 4 aid stations for the race, well stocked with water and Gatorade.
Weather was perfect.
I recommend this race weekend and plan to do it again in the future.
Huge medal, great race production
Great race - stayed at the Little Rock Marriott, and the expo and race start/finish was right outside our door! Great expo - decent sized with lots of vendors and … MORE
Great race – stayed at the Little Rock Marriott, and the expo and race start/finish was right outside our door! Great expo – decent sized with lots of vendors and freebies. Course runs through a lot of Little Rock. Medal was huge for the half marathon, and even bigger for the marathon. Lots of freebies at the finish too (loved the beer and the pasta!). Great weather and crowd support in some areas.
Loved This Race
This was my second marathon and I was a bit afraid of the cut-off. I submitted for the early start and was accepted. I LOVED that option. Our pacer was … MORE
This was my second marathon and I was a bit afraid of the cut-off. I submitted for the early start and was accepted. I LOVED that option. Our pacer was AWESOME. Check out my YouTube video for a breakdown. https://youtu.be/RreBV4V9zJY?si=aSXkLR9AfeuMe7WE