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LITTLE ROCK MARATHON

March 7, 2027 · 7:00 AMLittle Rock, AR, United States

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Race Day

55°F

43–66°F · Feels mild

Total elevation gain

551ft

Moderate rolling hills · Net elevation change +66 ft

Participants

4,000

Medium-sized race

Crowd Rating

4/ 10

Moderate spectator support

The Lowdown

The Little Rock Marathon, first run in 2003, has grown into Arkansas’s premier spring distance event and a cherished tradition for regional and national runners. Held each March, the race celebrates Little Rock’s riverfront and historic neighborhoods and is known for its friendly, community-driven atmosphere. The marathon is a USATF-certified course and a Boston Marathon qualifier, attracting a mix of competitive athletes chasing qualifying times and recreational runners out for the spectacle and scenery.

The course showcases Little Rock’s best landmarks, winding through downtown, along the Arkansas River Trail, past the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Museum, and across the iconic Big Dam Bridge — the world’s longest pedestrian/bicycle bridge — before looping through scenic parks and residential streets. Runners experience rolling but runnable terrain, wide riverfront paths, and frequent shade in later miles, with several memorable river views that make the effort feel rewarding.

Race day is festive and supportive, with enthusiastic local crowds, live music at multiple points, aid stations staffed by community volunteers, and family-friendly activities at the finish festival. Whether you’re chasing a PR, a Boston-qualifying time, or a first marathon finish, the Little Rock Marathon offers excellent organization, strong spectator support, and a capital-city backdrop that leaves many runners planning a return.

Course Highlights: 01Little Rock River Market – Downtown riverfront area with shops and the starting/finish vicinity along the Arkansas River
02Arkansas River Trail – Scenic multi-use trail along the river that the course follows for several miles
03Clinton Presidential Center – Iconic museum and park named for President Bill Clinton, visible along the downtown waterfront section
04Big Dam Bridge – The world's longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge, a highlight crossing with river views
05Old State House Museum – Historic capitol building and museum near the downtown course
06North Little Rock / Junction Bridge – Converted railroad-to-pedestrian bridge linking Little Rock and North Little Rock with skyline views
07Arkansas State Capitol – The gold-domed state capitol building near the marathon route in central Little Rock
Also on this race weekend: Half marathon · 10K · 5K
Time Limit: 8 hours (early start athletes only); 6 hours (general start)
Boston Qualifier: This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.

Minimum Age: 18 years
Entry Methods: Online Registration
Charity Entry
Tour Operator
Relay/Team Entry
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old to register for the marathon (participants under 18 require parent/guardian signature on waiver)
All entrants must sign the official race waiver and medical release during registration
Participants should be in adequate health and it is recommended to obtain medical clearance prior to racing
There is a course time limit of 6 hours 30 minutes; runners not maintaining required pace may be removed from the course
Proof of age may be requested at packet pickup or on race day
Wheelchair and handcycle athletes may enter but must register in the appropriate division and follow race organizer rules
All entrants must comply with event policies (aid station rules, course boundaries, and local law enforcement directions)
No unofficial pacing teams or support vehicles allowed on course
Required Documents: Signed race waiver / liability release (online or at packet pickup)
Photo ID for packet pickup (government-issued)
Emergency contact name and phone / medical information
Proof of age (government ID) if entering age-group category or required for verification
Parental/guardian consent for participants under 18
Cancellation & Refund Policy: No refunds under any circumstances
Deferral to the following year's race allowed until 30 days before race for a $25 administrative fee
Bib transfers to another registered runner allowed until 7 days before race with $10 processing fee and completed transfer form
Race may offer a virtual race option; transfers to virtual must be requested at least 7 days before race

01: The Little Rock Marathon is a USATF-certified Boston Marathon qualifier, so many runners use it to attempt Boston qualifying times.
02: Race weekend includes multiple events (marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K and kids' events), an official race expo with packet pickup, and a Saturday pasta dinner for participants.
03: Finishers receive a custom finisher medal and a technical race shirt, and the event uses chip timing with live results and overall and age-group awards.
04: Aid stations with water, electrolyte drink and fuel are located roughly every 1.5–2 miles, and downtown finish-area parking is limited so organizers recommend early arrival or using designated shuttle lots.

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, moderate weather Difficulty Analyzer551ft gain, 55°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

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