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Little Rock Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Little Rock, AR, USA
- Race Date: 03/07/2027
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Little Rock Marathon Description
The Little Rock Marathon is a Boston qualifying race held each March, taking runners through Arkansas’s capital city on a rolling, mostly-loop course. The route passes historic downtown landmarks and the Arkansas State Capitol before a flat-to-downhill finish along the riverfront. A larger hill early in the race and several smaller rolling climbs test runners throughout, while lively crowd support and a well-organized race weekend make it a favorite. A half marathon runs alongside, drawing thousands of runners for one of the South’s biggest spring race weekends.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Little Rock Marathon Additional Details:
The Little Rock Marathon is best known for what happens after runners cross the finish line: the world’s largest marathon medal, according to Runners World, a themed piece of hardware that grows a little bigger every year and has weighed in at over three pounds. That theme runs through everything else too, from the expo decor to aid station costumes, and plenty of runners show up in their own costumes to match. On course, hydration stops arrive far more often than the typical two-mile standard, with some stretches offering three per mile, and the offerings get creative, think mini Coke bottles, pickles, and even sunscreen alongside the usual water and Gatorade. It’s less a race and more a full weekend celebration built around a genuinely enormous medal.
Course Information
Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Mostly Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 8 hours (full), 4 hours (half)
# of Finishers
Marathon: 1,133
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 828 ft (252 m)
Elevation Loss: 828 ft (252 m)
Average Temperature
- Low: 40°F
- High: 60°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Things to Do in Little Rock, AR, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Landmark
Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden
Wander the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden in Riverfront Park, home to dozens of sculptures of every size — an easy, flat, low-impact stop after race weekend.
Outdoors & Trails
Arkansas River Trail
Bike or walk the Arkansas River Trail along both banks of the river, taking in skyline views the whole way — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs.
Arts & Culture
Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
Take in free permanent exhibitions at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, part of the city’s growing arts scene — a relaxed, indoor way to spend a taper day.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
Little Rock Zoo
Take a behind-the-scenes tour at the Little Rock Zoo, home to animals from around the world — a flat, self-paced walk that’s gentle on recovering legs.
Shopping
Hillcrest
Browse local shops, restaurants, and coffee stops in Hillcrest, one of Little Rock’s most walkable neighborhoods — an easy, flat stroll for a post-race souvenir.
Food & Drink
Little Rock Farmers Market
Browse fresh food and local vendors at the Little Rock Farmers Market in the River Market District — a relaxed, low-impact way to refuel after race day.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Two Rivers Park
Take in peaceful views where the Arkansas and Little Maumelle Rivers meet at Two Rivers Park — a relaxed, flat way to spend a rest day after racing.
Museums & History
Museum of Discovery
Explore interactive science exhibits at the Museum of Discovery in downtown Little Rock’s River Market District — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race day.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Little Rock Marathon
Compare nearby hotels and book your Little Rock Marathon race-weekend stay in seconds.
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