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 … MORE
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.
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Rebuilding 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 … MORE
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.
Decided to go virtual
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 … MORE
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.
Another Midsouth finish
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. … MORE
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.
Small town inexpensive race
This race is an example of you get what you pay for. A very inexpensive race that checked Arkansas off my list. I was hoping for a scenic country race. … MORE
This race is an example of you get what you pay for. A very inexpensive race that checked Arkansas off my list. I was hoping for a scenic country race. Instead, I spent most of the time avoiding road kill. I love to run some of the small town races, this wasn’t one of them.
The people associated with the race were nice enough but I didn’t get to participate in the postrace meal as I never received directions as to its location, only to find out later that is was in the school cafeteria. The shirts are not tech shirts, but I guess you shouldn’t expect that for the price. The “wood” medals were a disappointment.
Of the 25 states I have completed so far, this was the most disappointing.
Good, not great
This was like running at home, you enjoy running, so it's nice to be outside, but sometimes you expect a little more...scenery or something. I'm not dissatisfied with this race, … MORE
This was like running at home, you enjoy running, so it’s nice to be outside, but sometimes you expect a little more…scenery or something. I’m not dissatisfied with this race, but I probably wouldn’t go back. If it fits the schedule, try it out, maybe even cross Arkansas off of the list, it is cheap.
For the record, I didn’t love the medal.
Wonderful Rural Marathon
Beautiful rural run in Arkansas next to Autumn fields. One section of busy highway on the front and tail of the race, otherwise rural highway. (Sloped road.) Great course support... … MORE
Beautiful rural run in Arkansas next to Autumn fields. One section of busy highway on the front and tail of the race, otherwise rural highway. (Sloped road.) Great course support… not many cheerleaders.