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☰
Little Rock Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Little Rock Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.2 
Organization 4.6 
Spectators 4.2
Number of comments: 409 [displaying comments 151 to 161]
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Y. F. from Maryland
(3/8/2010)
"Southern Hospitality, Great Course" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my 6th marathon in the last 7 months. I have traveled far and wide to run and I usually just enjoy reading comments from others without adding my own. I am compelled to add my two cents this time because LR is not a destination and off most people's radar screens. I saw a lot of 50-states runners. The race is among the most well organized ones I have experienced. The volunteers were warm, enthusiastic and hard-working. Food (bananas and oranges) started at Mile 6, and Hammer Gel started at Mile 9. There was so much food and drink that I felt like I ate a lot, and the time I took to eat might have slowed me down!!! How about those young and handsome soldiers at the Mile 17 water station, and the marines at the finish line? Even some cops were cheering. ATVs were combing the course, back and forth. With some senior and less-fit-looking people walking the 26.2 course, this was quite reassuring. The beer at mile 24 was great (thank you to the gentleman who served us), and the lipstick at mile 25 was wild. I stayed at the La Quintas Inn, less than one mile from the start. The hotel started serving breakfast at 5:30 a.m., with a generous supply of food and even bottled water! The gentleman was constantly putting things out - very generous, since the official breakfast time for Sunday is 7 a.m. Late checkout? No problem at all (unlike the Madison, Wisconsin Marriott lady). A minor disappointment was that they ran out of race bags when I got to the expo at 3:30 p.m. I was given a cheap grocery bag to hold things, but luckily, there was not much to put in the bag, and this bag was not suitable for bag check. Overall, great weather, great course, and most of all, getting to know the kind people of LR was a treat. Seeing so many people walking the course, starting at 6:30 a.m., was also inspiring. One lady's back had a sign that read, "Grandma is doing it at age 72." I passed her and said, "You go, grandma." She told me I was doing great. I also saw a middle-aged woman with a prosthetic leg, pushing a teen who might have cerebral palsy. Very moving. I doubt that I will travel there again, so I will forever treasure this visit. | |
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B. H. from Little Rock, AR
(3/8/2010)
"Highly suggested, and I will run it again...." (about: 2010)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Little Rock Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my third marathon (most challenging yet), and the best one by far. Even though it was much tougher than the Bass Pro in November, I still finished a few minutes faster. The weather was incredible, and the local support was even more amazing. This race made me want to do another, and I was really proud of my home town. My only complaint is a sore neck from that ridiculously massive medal. =) Great marathon, Little Rock! | |
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D. S. from Knob Noster MO
(3/8/2010)
"G2" (about: 2010)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Little Rock Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 First things first: Geneva and Gina put on a first-class act. The support and care they give to the runners is second to none. I highly recommend this race to anyone who wants to see a race done right. The overall experience is fantastic. The course gets lower marks due to the out-and-back from miles 18-23. I really think there's more of the city than can be incorporated into the course to eliminate this section or convert it to a straight run to the finish. Likely this will involve more uphill on Kavanaugh, but why not make that a legendary hill? Kavanaugh Hill is amazing, painful, cruel, entertaining and will decide your race if you're not ready for it. Organization was top notch. Package pickup was easy. The expo, although small, was well laid out. The pasta dinner was good and the lines moved very fast. I liked the one-man band for entertainment. The corrals were well organized and I think this was the smoothest start I ever had from the C-corral. The finish area was well channeled, well supported, and provided the works from food, to hydration, to medical support and attention to detail. My only suggestion for the finish area is a cut-out to allow the folks in the perks pavilion to avoid the downhill walk just to have to walk back uphill on the other side of the fence. That's a painful 200 feet after 26.2. I highly recommend the perks pavilion package. Having porta-johns, bag drop, massage tables, food, shade, etc. all on hand was worth it. The city was out in force to cheer in many areas. It seemed like every church I passed stepped out to support the runners and the music was phenomenal. There were gaps in the crowd in some neighborhoods, and the out-and-back was empty. A thank you goes out to the Irish folk musicians on Lookout and to the guys providing a beer stop around 25.5 miles. An aside: Holy pig iron, Batman! That medal is huge! They're going to have to put wheels on it if it gets any bigger. Arkansas is off of my 50-states list, but this race is one I would do again. | |
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C. M. from Pensacola, FL
(3/8/2010)
"One of the best!" (about: 2010)
50+ previous marathons
| 3 Little Rock Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 196th marathon and Little Rock has now moved to the top of my FAVORITES LIST. Great restaurants, sightseeing, and shopping; free parking; hassle-free packet pickup. Wonderful volunteers and spectators. There was a very well organized two-hour-early start, which gave over 275 slow runners and walkers the opportunity to say, "I completed a marathon." Police and all aid stations were ready and waiting for us. Seemed like our own race. Early starts, if available, usually require you to bring your own water, and a map. This was so much fun and relaxing. I feel rested and ready for another marathon next week! I usually do not spend much extra money, but the Perks Pavilion is definitely worth the money. Lots of fruit, coffee, juice, and bagels before the race, and plenty fo pizza, cold cuts, and goodies afterward. With your entry, you will also get some nice goodies, and they already have much of it bagged for you, so there was no need to juggle. Overall, an awesome event, and the medal is something else! | |
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S. L. from Colleyville,TX
(3/8/2010)
"BEAUTIFUL WEATHER and COURSE!!" (about: 2010)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Little Rock Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 What a wonderful marathon. I am not a super speedy runner, so I loved the early start. Plus, just getting to get started at 6 a.m. is great!! The weather was beautiful. The crowds and supporters were great. I wasn't sure how I would feel about the out-and-back part, but there was SO much support there that it was great. The big surprise for me was the lipstick station. That was hilarious, but now I have a new favorite shade! Sign up for this race in the future - it is a must-do! | |
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G. R. from Atlanta, GA
(3/8/2010)
"Great Marathon... Little Rock Rocks!!" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a small marathon with lots of guts and great amenities (tech t-shirt and finisher's medal), awesome volunteers, great spectators (definitely a spectator-friendly course), good traffic control, ample hydration stops, port-a-potties throughout the course and a very nice/active downtown area. Although challenging at times, the course was nice and it gives you a good tour of the city and the neighborhoods. My only complaint: the food at the finish line (if you want to call that food) really sucked. They provided green bananas and a bag with cheese crackers and some other junk. Hot dogs? Seriously? Do people still eat this garbage? Other than that... I enjoyed Little Rock! | |
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J. A. from Arkansas
(3/7/2010)
"Good race" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
| 4-5 Little Rock Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 Best weather you could hope for in a marathon. The city comes out and really supports the race. My only complaint is the corral system, which was ridiculous. Putting everyone who registers after February 1st in the next-to-last corral is not safe. I overheard many runners complaining about this. I saw many runners in the grass dodging much slower runners. Also, if you are going to require proof of time, then put that on the registration form where it belongs. It's kind of pointless with a race this small. The race itself is good, with good spectators. I enjoyed the Methodist church singing about 8 miles into the run - that was pretty cool, seeing the congregation outside. Finish line had good spectators, GREAT volunteers and plenty of food. | |
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C. B. from Belleville, IL
(6/12/2009)
"It's all about the bling!" (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Little Rock Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I've run several marathons and each is memorable, but this one stands out in particular! First, the course, while somewhat challenging (hills) in the middle section, was very enjoyable: great neighborhoods, historical landmarks. There was beer at mile 24 - something I usually don't partake of on the course, but I saw another hill ahead and said, "What the hell?" Oh, and lipstick (for your finisher photo) at mile 25! What a hoot! Of all the things I might have needed at mile 25, lipstick was not on the top of my list. The post party at the Clinton Library was ok. The free BBQ meal line was too long (we ended up eating else where), but they did have Ketel One vodka (under the volunteers' table, which they were willing to share). But the absolute best was the Medal...it is HUGE! Believe it or not, I lost it out one evening (showing it off). I contacted the race director to see if I might be able to purchase a second one, or at least pay for the shipping and handling (I'm telling you it's HUGE!). They were kind enough to send another medal wrapped in a long-sleeved Little Rock Marathon t-shirt (different from the one we received in our packet). This marathon ROCKS! | |
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D. H. from Des Moines, IA
(4/15/2009)
"BIG congrats for a great race" (about: 2009)
6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Please accept my thanks for a job well done at the 2009 running of the Little Rock Marathon. I am in pursuit of the 50 States Club designation and chose Little Rock based on the time of year, the state, and the information listed on the website. Things I enjoyed about Little Rock: 1. The destination. 2. The nice expo. The packet pickup was organized and efficient. 3. The great location filled with fun places to eat and plenty to do. 4. The large area to gather, warm up, use the bathroom (in a real bathroom!), drop off a gear bag, and pace before the race. 5. The exceptionally well organized start. The corrals were great. The corrals were spaced well enough that people weren't packed in uncomfortably close waiting for the start. Nice. 6. The scenic course highlighting various areas and landmarks in Little Rock. 7. The pace groups with TWO pacers! I was impressed by the use of two pacers, at least in the pace group I used. Great idea. 8. The water tables placed so frequently. Really nice. I knew I could count on them. 9. The variety on the course. Even though one hill was 3 miles long (miles 13-16), it was well advertised on the website and I was ready. The variety helped break up the monotony. 10. The churches that had praise music on the course. I really enjoyed the First United Methodist Church crowd. Excellent! 11. The finish line was well organized. 12. The volunteers were friendly and efficient every step of the way. This is not an easy accomplishment... so major kudos to the team! 13. The proximity to the Clinton Library for Sunday afternoon. What an amazing place. I was inspired. Things that weren't optimal: 1. The 3:45 pacers weren't on the same page. We started 30 seconds per mile too fast for the first 4 or 5 miles. The female pacer was trying to get the male pacer to slow down, but he wasn't listening. I decided not to rely on them since they weren't really on a constant pace. 2. Even though it was advertised and I knew what to expect, the food bag at the finish was really minimal. I had it all eaten before I got to my car and was still hungry. I was a bit disappointed. Overall, I LOVED the Little Rock Marathon and will highly recommend it. I enjoyed the theme with the huge medal (though it hurt my neck, I smiled at the fun the race team has with the BIG theme). Being on a marathon race committee, I recognize the time, dedication, and work it takes to plan and implement a marathon. You and your team deserve a BIG congrats for a job well done. Please share my gratitude with the race committee and countless volunteers. This runner greatly appreciates your work. | |
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D. S. from Coram, New York
(4/11/2009)
"Very nice experience" (about: 2009)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Little Rock Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 In general, this was a very good race. Marathoners receive a participation shirt plus a finisher shirt. Additionally, they receive a HUGE medal. This medal really looks good, and trust me, it's worth it to travel all the way to Arkansas just for that. It's great. Besides water and Gatorade, beer was available on mile 25! The course is good, even though miles 13-15 hilly. In my opinion, the hilly part was ok. The part that I found very boring was between miles 19-24. Even though it was flat, there was nothing to see, nothing to hear, and nothing to do. The part that I didn't like at all was the post-race food. They just give you a plastic bag with "junk" food. So far, what I know from races is that at the end you can pick your food by yourself. The local newspaper will post your name, so don't forget to buy it! Clinton Ave. has many nice restaurants to eat in. There is a nice brewery there with many beers from all over the world. North Little Rock, on the other side of the river, has a very nice Irish pub too. Lodging: I stayed at Travelodge, three miles from downtown but cheap ($36) and safe. So if you are willing to walk a little bit, why pay more? |
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