Jeff Wagner's Staging Area

First off, I would highly recommend this race to anyone looking for a fast, BQ course. While not 100% downhill (there is a ~200′ climb from mile 5 to the 10K point), you get plenty of gravity assistance everywhere else.

Expo is small and outdoor but lots of pre-race photo opportunities. Race staff was outstanding when my wife’s bib couldn’t be located. They quickly corrected the problem with her registration and got her a bib. Compact and nicely organized whether you lingered or grabbed your swag and left.

Parking was clearly communicated and well marked for half marathon (we had a few in our group running the half). Walk to the buses was a quick 5-7 minutes then just a couple minutes wait to load. 45 minute ride to the start where the buses stayed if you didn’t want to wait outside in the ~45º air. Propane heaters were a nice touch lined up opposite the porta-potties, which were plentiful.

It was still dark at the start but lighting from the corral helped to provide some visibility in the first 1/4 mile. The sun was just starting to light the horizon to the east, which reminded me of scenes from Forrest Gump. If you looked at the course, you knew there was a steady climb leading to the 10K point then downhill or flat the rest of the way. The aid station at Mile 9 was far and away the best on the course. The neighborhood embraced the challenge with a Christmas theme and had signs along the median every 25-50 feet for about 1/4 mile. Sun finally rose above the mountains in a clear blue sky. Crossing the halfway point, the scenery noticeably changed to more city/industrial with long, straight stretches. I would have liked a at least one more aid station at Mile 20 to help with hydration for the last 10K. Last mile was unremarkable but there were plenty of spectators near the finish line.

Volunteers in the finish chute were outstanding and the medical staff was very aware of runner’s conditions crossing the finish. It was nice to be able to stay near the finish and be there for my traveling partners when they finished. I never felt rushed to clear out as in other races. The ice-water soaked towels were outstanding!

Post-race PT for stretching was a great asset especially on a warmer day. Line moved along quickly. Food and drinks were plentiful and I really liked being able to get printed results before leaving.

One suggestion for a better race experience:
1. Many runners travel for this race and may not be used to the AZ winter temps (like me). Consider offering ice, ice packs or ice-water soaked sponges after Mile 20.

All in all, a great destination race during the winter. I will definitely consider returning in the future.

Deferred my September 2020 entry to June 2021 and dragged a group of 12 to this race. It was one of the best ever. Some of us volunteered for the half marathon held on Saturday morning which enabled us to get a preview of the course. There was some uncertainty due to the extreme heat wave gripping the pacific northwest. The race director stayed engaged and communicated two days before that the marathon would start 1 hour earlier to help mitigate the temperature.

Packet pick-up was race morning but still left plenty of time to warm-up and get ready. The relatively flat 2.5 mile out-and-back set up nicely for entering the tunnel to begin the long downhill portion of the course. Headlamps are required and they had a drop point once you exited the tunnel if you so desired.

The scenery is outstanding and even with the limited aid stations, I felt there was plenty of water available (I did carry a bottle to refill every aid station too). Race director made ice available around Mile 18 and again later on due to the heat. It was a godsend.

My only complaint would be the finish. The last .1 miles has a sharp, descending turn off the trail toward the finish line. I really had to slow down to avoid hitting a tree and not tumbling into the brush. I wasn’t prepared for that and with tired legs it was a real challenge. Despite the heat, I managed a new personal best though missed my goal time by a couple of minutes.

Post-race area was compact but shaded where you could watch the other runners come to the finish line. Plenty of water, Gatorade, ice and snacks available.

I highly recommend any of the Super Series races or any race this race director puts on.

I chose Little Rock as my backup race after Tokyo Marathon got cancelled for the general entrants. This race is well organized and creates a festive atmosphere from start to finish. Expo had a wide variety of vendors and on race day became the race bag drop point and post-race party. Short 200 foot walk to corral entrance from bag drop.
This year’s weather was a bit warmer than usual and more aid stations would have been beneficial but did not hinder my performance. Course is moderately challenging with hills and a long ~2.5 mile climb to Mile 17. Steep 1 mile downhill toward the river will beat up your legs. Mostly flat finish from Mile 20 onward. Cut more than 1 hour off my previous Little Rock Marathon in 2014.