Little Rock Marathon (Little Rock, AR) - 4 March 2007

53rd Marathon
35th State
13th in age group
3:47:25

The Little Rock Marathon is a tour of the capital city of Arkansas, a small state with only 2.5 million people. The race organization was top notch with water stops every two miles and volunteers adding just the perfect touch of southern hospitality. The city shows up to support the race by lining the streets with crowds of spectators. The Little Rock Marathon markets itself as providing the largest finisher's medal in the world, and they aren't kidding. It is by far the biggest medal you will ever see and will likely make your neck hurt if you try to wear it after the race. Participants at this year's race received two shirts: a t-shirt with their registration and a micro-fiber finisher's shirt afterwards. Runners also enjoyed a post-race party when they crossed the finish line. For an extra fee, runners could purchase a pass to the Perks Tent at the finish line. The tent offered free pizza and beer, shorter bathroom lines, pre- and post-race massages, and a private pre-race gear check. The course featured many hills between miles 10 through 18. A lot of runners were not prepared for them, as evident by race splits.