The Little Rock Marathon has been a bucket list race for me for the last 2 years. The medals are huge! They are perfect for the bling lovers! Also, it’s known for being an all around fun race. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
I got a jump on the festivities the night before the race at dinner with a few of my Fifty State Half Marathon club members. Good food and better company made for a great start to the weekend!
The weather on race day was amazing! It’s always a good to start with perfect running conditions! The race was a little hilly, but nothing I would consider over the top. I like hills, but they do strain my IT band a bit in it current weakened condition.
The first half of the course was a flurry of feet and activity! I got to enjoy a slice of grilled pineapple, I was sprinkled with holy water from a local priest, and I got to shake hands with the Governor and have a small conversation with him!
Even though I had ran the RnR New Orleans full the week before, and I had spent 30 hours in the car in the past 5 days, I still pulled a 2:20 half with all of my stopping (mentioned above) to enjoy what the race had to offer.
I took advantage of the row of couches at the split! It was a good thing, because the second half of the race had the largest hill. It reminded me of the hill at the Flying Pig, it seemed to go on forever. However, the residents came out and were vocal and supportive! It helped to make the time fly by.
The second half of the course was quieter than the first. It was also pretty flat after the large hill. The best aid station was found at about mile 20. They offered a wide variety of snacks and a “wall” that you could sign. I couldn’t pass that up!
The last several miles were very quiet. You had a lot of time to think about what you had just been through and what you were about to accomplish. However, the run to the finish was fun. There was a beauty stop so you could make sure you looked your best after conquering 26.2, and the finish line area was alive with excitement.
I felt this race was very well done! I really enjoyed myself! The medal is shiny, fun, and big! I would totally run this race again and you should consider it too!