Misty Currier's Staging Area

As always Little Rock knows how to bring it. The bling, the race swag, crowd support, etc. It was good to see so many returning vendors to the race expo. As always packet pick up was a breeze. I was able to purchase a few running goodies at the expo. Race morning temps were awesome! Arkansas weather is always a toss up but this whole weekend was just perfect for running. I have run the 10k twice in the past. I felt strong and completed the race in under the time goal I had for myself considering my training. One perk about it you can sign up for training emails from LR and they offer them for free! Some other races you have to pay for that perk. I plan on being back next year!

This was the first MidSouth since covid struck. They went virtual one year and cancelled last year. Prior to covid this race brought it. They would have aide stations at every mile, age group awards, race pictures, etc. In the past there was additional food choices after the race besides bbq.

I signed up once it opened. This was my very first half and I tend to go back since it is so close to home. I was able to be in the batch that got a tech shirt for doing so (think it was first 50). The weather was perfect. The aide stations were reduced down. The number of runners was down. No age group awards. Whoever measured the distance was off. I talked to other runners so we actually got an extra half mile in before crossing at the finish, and there were some upset folks over that. I actually heard the RD saw it was a rebuilding year. I know there was another race in the state so that may have pulled some runners towards it.

You never know what you are going to get in Arkansas when it comes to the weather. The forecast called for thunderstorms race morning. It rained some off and on. Humidity was the worst part of it! The aide stations were packed with plenty of help. The crowds were cheering folks on. Felt like a pre covid race! It was great to see folks dressed up from past themes out on the course.

The race expo crowds were down at the time I went to get my packet which was disappointing. Still got to hit up my fav running stores that were present.

I picked up my race packet the morning of the race. We were asked to wear a mask prior to race start and could remove once we were running. Course does have some hills. The morning started off chilly and warmed up. You start off in housing area, go back down to cross highway and go up towards Lyon College. From there you hit a trail and on to gravel road. You end up back on paved roads. I wasn’t 100% prepared for this one being honest. The tech sweatshirt they gave out has been a go to in my closet as it is so blasted comfortable. The half was a one and done. I would go back for the 5k.

I understand with the Covid restrictions and the surge in the area at the time to make the decision to go virtual instead of outright cancelling. I was able to actually run the race on the same date it would have been held. This is a pretty course during the fall like weather we were having at the time and would have been a perfect day to run it. Hopefully we will all be together live next year.

The weather ended up being great for this race. Better than I expected for February. It had a slight mist but it stopped after the race started. They have two starts-one for the people who could complete the race in under 2:15:00 and a second wave for the rest of the pack. There were runners/walkers in record attendance this year for the race. The tech long sleeve t shirt and medal were high quality. Not really a race expo as you pick your packet up at Racquet & Jog which is a sporting good store. They were having a shoe sale that Saturday which was nice. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this race but I truly enjoyed every minute of it. The mile markers would indicate which state you were in. There were plenty of aide stations along the course. Plenty of food for those who were in the back of the pack. The fireball/bacon/mimosa station was an interesting touch. I would come back to do this race again. I walked it as I was recovering from a nasty cold. Next time I am running the line! The fun part was trying to figure out what state you were in 🙂

I have repeated this course three times. They have a small expo at race packet pick up. You can also bring your old running shoes to be recycled. They have tech long sleeve shirts as part of the swag.
As far as the race itself you start off by going downhill. It is a flat course. Each year that I have completed the race the weather has been different but good overall.
The half marathon you go out and back. You do not have to go back up the hill. They bus you back to the school where the after race awards ceremony are held. They also have an excellent spread of food for a race.

This was my 4th Midsouth 1/2 Marathon. This year’s shirt was a fitted short sleeve shirt. Last year they had a long sleeve t shirt option which I liked better. There seemed to be fewer aide stations this year than in previous years. The weather was perfect to run in this year. The leaves were turning which gave this route some scenic view to it. The post race meal options of bbq and pizza were plentiful when I finished the race. This years turnout seemed to be down from previous years. This race isn’t part of the Natural State Running Series which may have played into that.

1.Read the time limits on this race. Full marathon is 6 hours. Half is 3.5.
2.Make sure that you register prior to the deadlines if you want to ensure that you get a shirt or medal. They put the deadlines out way in advance and post on their Facebook page as reminders. They are strict about these cutoffs as evidence by the email from the race director prior to race weekend.
3.They post the race routes on their Facebook page. I believe that this year may have been a new route. Paved. Partially shaded.
4.Heart & Sole also posted what aide would be available to runners and at what spots along the half marathon and full marathon routes. The moved the popsicles that were noted in the email from early in the race towards the end which were a godsend as the temps were close to 90. There were plenty of support.
5.After the race there was plenty of food and drink available to all that participated. They had two ladies doing massages as well.

I started running with the Little Rock 5k. You always get a tech shirt and a very nice medal. You have the option to purchase the training shirt to wear up to the race.
The one thing about Little Rock in late February/early March you have to watch the weather. In Arkansas it can change prior to the race!

In full disclosure I run this race as a “hero” to fund raise for St. Jude. They have a huge expo when you pick up your race packet so bring your wallet. Each year I purchased a Cotton Colors Christmas ornament and had it personalized with the race date. They donate a portion of the proceeds to St Jude’s.
As someone who had to travel in for this race you need to get your hotel reservations early. Also you want to sign up for the race as soon as it opens as it tends to sell out each year.
As far as the course, I think they have changed it since I ran in it last. The course each year will take you through the heart of the St. Jude’s campus. Those kids being outside cheering you on, regardless of the weather, might make you shed a tear or it will also pump you up to finish the race strong for them. The thing that I like is that you finish on the Memphis Redbirds baseball field.
They have an area set up for food afterwards. You also have numerous places you can eat close to the stadium as well.