2023 was the 10th annual and final run. *** RussVegas Half Marathon is more than just a PR fast course covering 13.1 miles in Russellville, AR, it’s an opportunity to help those we love by supporting the River Valley Circle of Friends and Children’s Hospital. It is a showcase as …
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2023 was the 10th annual and final run.
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RussVegas Half Marathon is more than just a PR fast course covering 13.1 miles in Russellville, AR, it’s an opportunity to help those we love by supporting the River Valley Circle of Friends and Children’s Hospital. It is a showcase as participants start and finish through the streets of Historic Downtown. It is an atmosphere with “Spirit Stations” throughout the course cheering and playing music. It is a community where more than 300 volunteers and local business’s pull out the red carpet for participants and family. Finally, it is a festival, this year we are continuing our Friday Night events to include a kids mile, 5k Glow Run, bands, food, and an expo. Whether you are looking for your best time, a fun time, or just a little down time — we look forward to showing you everything the RussVegas Half has to offer.
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Viva RussVegas: 10th & Final Anniversary
April 22, 2023 marked the 10th anniversary and final year of the RussVegas Half Marathon, which could not have been a more fitting choice for my 10th state on my … MORE
April 22, 2023 marked the 10th anniversary and final year of the RussVegas Half Marathon, which could not have been a more fitting choice for my 10th state on my 50 states quest. When the race kicked off, I eased into the first mile, and we ran through the neighborhood with little fanfare and lots of focus. There were 7 water and Powerade stops along the course approximately every 2 miles, with wonderfully enthusiastic and supportive volunteers who cheered us on as we passed through.
In between aid stations, the atmosphere was calm and quiet, with most of Russellville seemingly still asleep. The course was relatively flat, with some barely imperceptible rolling inclines and declines, until we reached mile 12. Mile 12 was an absolute beast of a hill. There were post-race snacks and refreshments at the finish line, so I snagged a bottled water and a banana, and I waited longer than I care to admit in a lengthy queue to have my photo taken in front of the giant inflatable RussVegas sign. For a “party on the pavement,” it was a cute little celebration of the final year of this race, and a lot of work for a free banana.
Packet pick-up was held at the Downtown Russellville Expo, which took place at the Missouri-Pacific Depot, a historic railroad station at South Denver Avenue and West C Street in Russellville. It was a relatively quiet and no-frills affair, with volunteers organized alongside the train depot at tables, handing out packets and T-shirts. There were a couple of tents set up with more assorted race shirts and merchandise for sale, and because it would be the last year this merchandise would be sold, any “RussVegas” shirts from that day forward would be considered historic collectible items in every runner’s race swag wardrobe.
Fantastic event, but this was their last
1000 person cap on the half with about 400+ 10k running at the same time. One hour early start available for anyone who expected to be at 3:15 or more … MORE
1000 person cap on the half with about 400+ 10k running at the same time. One hour early start available for anyone who expected to be at 3:15 or more to finish as course would close after four hours.
Incredibly well organized with lots of aid stations, portapotties, volunteers, and some of the best signage I’ve ever seen in 35 half marathons so it was very clear where to turn for which race.
Awesome, huge medal with spinning dice and moveable poker chips. Very nice tech fabric T-shirt and hooded long-sleeved shirt.
Def a party!
The course was fairly flat until the hill at mile 12. Temps started out cool in the morning but warmed up. Arkansas weather is always unpredictable. I even checked the … MORE
The course was fairly flat until the hill at mile 12.
Temps started out cool in the morning but warmed up. Arkansas weather is always unpredictable. I even checked the forecast before leaving the hotel. I was glad that there was an early start option for the slower runners. I enjoyed that perk!
Course support was excellent. I was shocked at the level of energy that RussVegas brought.
Swag-this year the medal was pretty cool. Got a tech shirt.
Best Race Around
Would recommend this race to all. Best medal, great course, and cheering spectators. Can’t wait to run it again. It will always be my favorite! MORE
Would recommend this race to all. Best medal, great course, and cheering spectators. Can’t wait to run it again. It will always be my favorite!
Fantastic race in amazing town!
This is just an incredibly well administered race. They did an outstanding job with all pre race communications - easily the best I’ve ever experienced. The race production was really … MORE
This is just an incredibly well administered race. They did an outstanding job with all pre race communications – easily the best I’ve ever experienced. The race production was really first rate. Great DJ at the start and finish. Absolutely beautiful area. I will absolutely be back to this one. After the race, grabbed some fantastic breakfast at Stobys right by the finish line. It was five star too. I really feel like this whole town rolled out the red carpet to do this race. Loved it!
My first race to Pace (2:20:00). I <3 it
This course is amazing. I was at mile 9.2 before I really even realized it. Course kept you entertained and engaged the whole time. The support groups set up along … MORE
This course is amazing. I was at mile 9.2 before I really even realized it. Course kept you entertained and engaged the whole time. The support groups set up along the road were awesome. The police did an amazing job of keeping runners safe. This is one of the best races I have ran. I highly recommend giving it a try. I also have to point out the swag!!! The metal has FLASHING lights on it!!!
One of My Faves
This is one of my favorite half marathons! I’ve done this one ever since o started doing half marathons. With the exception of the hill of death at mile 12 … MORE
This is one of my favorite half marathons! I’ve done this one ever since o started doing half marathons. With the exception of the hill of death at mile 12 this race is easy-peasy! Love the community participation and support, and great aid stations! I do this race together every year with Russellville friends that I met the first year of half marathons. Love, love, love it!
Looking Forward to Next Year!
The course was fairly flat with a few gradual-climb hills and one overpass near the end. This was my first time doing this race (in person). The scenery was lovely … MORE
The course was fairly flat with a few gradual-climb hills and one overpass near the end. This was my first time doing this race (in person). The scenery was lovely and the spirit infectious. I would recommend doing the glow 5K the night before to help get you motivated and learn the lay of the land. The one thing that stuck out most for me was the support along the way. Many times, the people working the intersections are not friendly and do NOT want to be working as many are forced to volunteer by their respective departments. This was NOT the case in Russellville. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to see us. It was so encouraging. The aid stops (water, sports drinks, potties) were about 2 miles apart which seemed like plenty this time of year (spring). It was well organized and well attended. You just can’t beat Arkansas for natural beauty and southern hospitality.
First timers delight!!
Course is not to difficult for a the average runner. The pacers really help out a lot. My 2 hour pacer dudes were awesome. Very encouraging and kept us slightly … MORE
Course is not to difficult for a the average runner. The pacers really help out a lot. My 2 hour pacer dudes were awesome. Very encouraging and kept us slightly under a 2 hr pace all the way. I didn’t get their names, but they were responsible for me running the time I did.
10k is fast
Don’t let the overpass at mile 5 distract you. The course is fast and the crowd support is awesome. I usually do the half marathon, but this year has unexpected … MORE
Don’t let the overpass at mile 5 distract you. The course is fast and the crowd support is awesome. I usually do the half marathon, but this year has unexpected challenges. I was pleasantly surprised by the fast 10k course! Highly recommend
Such a fun race!!
Lots of aid stations and people from all over town cheering in different places! Safe and fun course!! The double down option with the 5K the night before and an … MORE
Lots of aid stations and people from all over town cheering in different places! Safe and fun course!! The double down option with the 5K the night before and an additional medal is a nice option! Lots of downtown restaurants and a quaint small-town race feel! Loved that we got finishers HATS this year in bright yellow as well as finisher t-shirts!!
Easy course. Not the most friendly staff
Guys on the bicycles hollering at us to get out of the way when a 1/2 marathon runner came through could of been handled better. Was already on the very … MORE
Guys on the bicycles hollering at us to get out of the way when a 1/2 marathon runner came through could of been handled better. Was already on the very edge of the road only place to go would of been in the grass by the ditch. Need to route them different if it is such an issue . Some are not as fast as others. But overall had a good time easy course to walk/run. Do not know if we will come back though with the experience.
Fast and fabulous
Very flat course! Only one small overpass at mile 12 and the rest is flat. Great community support. BLING is the best! Races for the entire family. Awesome charity event … MORE
Very flat course! Only one small overpass at mile 12 and the rest is flat. Great community support. BLING is the best! Races for the entire family. Awesome charity event for Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
Very organized and well out on. Must do for Arkansas.
TOP NOTCH RACE
You can not ask for a better race, couple of hills one being an overpass and it is a fast course unless a turtle like me. Plenty of cheering sections … MORE
You can not ask for a better race, couple of hills one being an overpass and it is a fast course unless a turtle like me. Plenty of cheering sections and course support, Excellent race director and the community really turns our for the event, The glow run the night before combined with the half marathon gives you a Double Down option which is a 3rd medal for the weekend.
Over all great race would do it again
Great race awesome metal I'm all about the bling after party was what I call ok, swag was weak but I loved the race itself overall !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MORE
Great race awesome metal I’m all about the bling after party was what I call ok, swag was weak but I loved the race itself overall !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great Race, Horrible Time for Me
I love this race so much! This year, I was a week from having a stomach virus. I thought I was well enough to do the race, but about 6/7 … MORE
I love this race so much! This year, I was a week from having a stomach virus. I thought I was well enough to do the race, but about 6/7 miles in I couldn’t go on. The race people and cops were amazing with getting me to the finish. It sucked that I didn’t complete it, but I’m thankful for all of the support from the race people. You need to do this race! Their bling and swag gets better every year. The cause is incredible—a children’s hospital. There were kids at the finish giving the medals. It was so sweet! The finish line had great food, activities, and vendors. It was great!
Fun Fun Fun
Love the medal. it spins, it lights up and is a great size. Smooth packet pickup. easy parking. Great local restaurants. Small town with good feel. Plenty of swag. We … MORE
Love the medal. it spins, it lights up and is a great size. Smooth packet pickup. easy parking. Great local restaurants. Small town with good feel. Plenty of swag. We had a blast and are headed back this year.
Small town Race with Large City Support!
Me, My fiancee & her parents ran this half marathon together. This was my first time running the Russvegas half & i couldn't be happier with the experience! It felt … MORE
Me, My fiancee & her parents ran this half marathon together. This was my first time running the Russvegas half & i couldn’t be happier with the experience!
It felt like the whole town was involved with the race, cheering everyone on as they ran past their “spirit station”, as you run throughout the town. The support alone will make me want to run in this race again.
The course is fairly flat with a steep hill at an overpass before you get to mile 12. You start the race downtown as you run along a few neighborhoods, onto main street out to the lake, run past some farm fields, back into town, you run through the college as you make your way back to the finish about 2 blocks away from where you start.
The finisher medal is nice! Any medal that lights up and spins has to be added to your collections.
The packet pickup/expo was fairly small. mostly the sponsors tent with 1-2 canopies for race gear/russvegas apparel but the race pullover was really nice & they had some great deals on previous race years apparel.
We will definitely run this race again soon. We cant wait to go back!
Keeps Getting Better
Each year, this race gets better! Great swag. Great people working it and volunteering. Great course and course support! You need to do this race!! MORE
Each year, this race gets better! Great swag. Great people working it and volunteering. Great course and course support! You need to do this race!!
My favorite Half (3rd time running it)
The bling is awesome. Any time you have a spinning thing on the medal it is great. The course is fairly flat with a few hills the highest and steepest … MORE
The bling is awesome. Any time you have a spinning thing on the medal it is great. The course is fairly flat with a few hills the highest and steepest is a small overpass about mile 12. The crowd support is awesome with live bands on course and plenty of aid and cheering stations. It is spectator friendly. The spectators can walk short distances and see the racers at several points along the race. I will be running thsi race again this April for my 4th time. I have vowed to run it every year as long as I am able to.