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Little Rock Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Little Rock Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.2 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.6 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.2 
 
 
Number of comments: 409 [displaying comments 301 to 311]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 29 30 31 32 33 .. 41 > ]

 

K. H. from St. Louis, MO (3/8/2006)
"Easy-Going Marathon" (about: 2006)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Little Rock Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


I didn't set a PR, but the run left me with a good feeling. The start reminded me of some small-town fun runs which helped to relax any nervous thoughts I might have had. The course led us through a variety of interesting neighborhoods, with quite a few spectators for a Sunday morning, lots of churchgoers lining the streets in front of their churches. Everyone was so friendly and encouraging, many making the effort to shout out names off our bibs. It was great to get to see historic Central High on the run.

The hill was a challenge, but not devastating. It was followed by a short decline, then a long, flat stretch next to the river. That was a welcome bit of course, though it had few spectators. I like to think of that part as belonging to the runners, with lots of runners shouting out encouragement as they double-backed towards the finish. Because the start/finish line was next to the capitol, you could see it from a long way away and it told you the end was near (or far).

The race seemed well organized, but coming from out of town, I didn't make it to the expo, which closed at 5 p.m. on Saturday evening. The organizers might consider keeping it open later for those driving to Little Rock on Saturday to be able to attend. I had very little information about the race other than knowing the race start location and time. I would hope that had I attended the expo I would have felt more apart of the weekend. What I did see was good though. It's a huge honking medal, and the two shirts are nice.
 

J. C. from NEWPORT KY. (3/8/2006)
"always well done" (about: 2006)

50+ previous marathons | 2 Little Rock Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


I came back this year as a 50-state finisher. As always, the event was well done, with a good massage before the race at a nice expo that had everything you could think of, and a full bag of goodies.

The volunteers as always were outstanding; we can't do these races without them. The police were at every intersection and did a great job keeping us safe. I will be back. The course was a little hilly, but it keeps you honest.
 

S. V. from St. Louis, Missouri (3/7/2006)
"Very well organized, host hotel issue" (about: 2006)

11-50 previous marathons | 2 Little Rock Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


Congratulations on a well organized and fun marathon. I was back after a run here in 2004 and pleased with the growth and improvements. The course has a little of everything and I would encourage you to experience this marathon. The spectators can be a little sparse at points but, where they are, you'll know it. My only beef was the Peabody Hotel not allowing late checkout. Makes no sense to me to associate with the event as host hotel for a marathon beginning at 8:00 a.m. and require runners to be checked-out by noon.
 

N. B. from Milan, TN (3/7/2006)
"Challenging Course" (about: 2006)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Little Rock Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I found the course to be quite a bit more challenging than I expected but that is not a knock, just an observation. The organization was excellent; there were numerous intersections and I don't recall any being unattended or handled poorly. I don't really notice the areas around the course much when I am running so I can't really comment on that and the same goes with the spectators. I appreciated the ones that were there but I came for the sport more than the "event" so spectators aren't that important to me. I really like Gatorade Endurance so that was good. I had a solid run but for me this is definitely not a PR course.
 

D. I. from Gainesville, FL (3/7/2006)
"OUTSTANDING!" (about: 2006)

4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I had heard good things about the Little Rock Marathon... and, of course, I wanted the big finisher's medal... but it was even better than I had expected. The support and the spectators were FANTASTIC!!! They were in full swing from start to finish. There was also plenty of food and drink at all aid stations and at the finish. I liked that they announced my name as I came across the finish line. That was a nice touch. I appreciated the early start for walkers as well. I tried to stay out of the runners' way and appreciated all of the encouragement from the runners who passed me! The course had more hills than I anticipated... but it was a great course. The pasta dinner was also good. Thanks, Little Rock, for showing me a great time!
 

V. C. from Little Rock,Ar. (3/7/2006)
"disappointment in relay recognition" (about: 2006)

2 previous marathons | 2 Little Rock Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I was a participant on the "ready to relay" team, and my team and I had a wonderful time. The day, course, and fans could not have been any better. However, having said that, I was highly disappointed in how the relay teams were treated by the race organizers this year as opposed to last year. Last year we felt a part of the marathon, but this year we were given a different t-shirt, different colored number, not announced when we completed the finish line, and not included with the finish times in the paper. Although our participation level is not as intense, it supposedly was considered part of the marathon when you advertised for relay teams and accepted our entry fee. I sincerely hope this oversight is corrected next year; after all, I thought the race was supposed to be a place where we all are embraced. If not, my team and I will participate without your encouragment because we are proud of our efforts and this fine city.

Respectfully,
Valerie Cloud
 

Todd Lewis from St. Louis, MO (3/7/2006)
"I will be back for this event!" (about: 2006)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Little Rock Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Outstanding job! Everyone was so wonderful and the police went out of their way to make the runners feel welcome! The course was tough but rewarding. Great medal!
 

P. M. from Little Rock, AR (3/6/2006)
"What a great first race!" (about: 2006)

1 previous marathon | 1 Little Rock Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Being a Little Rock native, I was excited to train and participate in the Little Rock Marathon for the first time this year. I walked the full marathon. Most of the course was great. I didn't mind the uphill parts. One huge decline is what hurt me the most! I enjoyed walking around my home town. The best part of the race is the people who cheer you on. I know that the spectators were up this year from previous years and I hope that trend continues!
 

j. s. from Oak Forest, IL (3/6/2006)
"Great Mid-Size Marathon" (about: 2006)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Little Rock Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


The course is tough; it has too many turns, many hills, and an out-and-back flat section along the river that was rather boring. The positives of the course are that you see many sights while running. It starts and finishes by the state capitol; you pass Central High School, the 1957 civil rights historic event, the Governor's Mansion, President Clinton Library, Art Museum, Sports arenas. The hills were tough, however I believe this helps change the muscles your legs are using.

The spectators, police, and volunteers all rocked. They all were very vocal and helpful. The expo was well done, although they could have had more info and a booth available for the pacers - many runners did not even know they were available. The pasta dinner was well done, though pricey at $15, but when I went for seconds, they refilled my plate! The start and finish went smoothly.

Suggestion(s) for next year: more port a potties next to the start line, more variety of food available at the finish, and the massage tables should be separate with more reserved for the full marathoners. I placed in the top 40 of the marathon and had to wait a long 30 minutes. This was due to the relay & 1/2 marathon runners. Yes, they deserve a massage, however the marathoners deserve a shorter wait.

Little Rock was a fun city that was easy to get around; I would run this race again. L.R. is only in its 4th year they are doing very well.

Overall Grade: B+.
 

J. F. from Tulsa, OK (3/6/2006)
"Go for the Perks Tent" (about: 2006)

4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


The most challenging part of the course is the stretch from miles 14-16. Three-mile hills are never good. Spectators are very patchy throughout the course, but when you do run into them, they tend to be very encouraging. The name on your bib allows them the opportunity to encourage you personally and that is a nice touch. If you do anything at this marathon, shell out the extra $15 for the perks tent. The pre-race rub down, food spread, personalized bag check and short potty line were all, in and by themselves, worth the $15 price. Out of the five marathons I have run so far, this was the most relaxing with the most stress-free pre-race preparation I have encontered.
 

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