FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Little Rock Marathon Training Program Begins
Informational Meeting slated for August 9
LITTLE ROCK, AR (August 3, 2010) - An informational meeting for individuals
interested in training for the 2011 Little Rock Marathon and companion
races will be Monday, August 9 at 6 pm in the Central Arkansas Main
Library/Darragh Center, 100 Rock Street in Little Rock according to Little
Rock Marathon race officials.
The Little Rock Marathon Training Program, presented by Academy Sports +
Outdoors and KARK Channel 4, is a free running/walking program created to
prepare individuals who plan to take part in one of the races next March.
The Little Rock Marathon is presented by the Arkansas Democrat Gazette and
benefits Little Rock Parks & Recreation.
In addition to the marathon (26.2 miles) distance, schedules are available
for the half marathon (13.1 miles), relay marathon (approximately a 10K),
and a 5K. Schedules are available on the training section of the website.
"Our training program is really a year-round program," said Tom Singleton,
Head Running Coach of the Little Rock Marathon Training Program. "After the
first Little Rock Marathon in 2003, the group never stopped training and we
never stopped coaching."
"The training schedules are very do-able and are for every level of
fitness," Singleton said. "We had about 2,500 people in last year’s
program, which was up about 48% from the previous season. Our program
caters to first time marathoners and first time runners/walkers (meaning
they have never run a step)."
"Training for a marathon does not have to be dull, even if it means you
have to be serious about it," he said. "The old philosophy ‘no pain, no
gain’ is a thing of the past. A marathon is not a competition, but an
individual challenge."
"To get people thinking about the marathon, we offer a "pre" training
program," said Hobbit Singleton, Head Walking Coach of the Little Rock
Marathon Training Program. "The Build-Up Program begins in early August and
lasts six weeks. By the end of the "Build-Up" schedule an individual should
be able to run or walk a 10K (6.2 miles). The official marathon schedule
begins September 20 and finishes on marathon day."
"Every September, our athletes say, 'You expect us to go 6 miles?! What's
wrong with you people?' and that next February the same athletes say, 'Wow,
we only have to go 6 miles? It's hardly worth getting up and putting my
shoes on for that short of a distance!' What a difference a training season
makes."
"Finishing a marathon requires remarkable determination," said Hobbit.
"Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned athlete, there is a place for you
in the Little Rock Marathon training program."
Official training groups are now being formed across the state. Individuals
interested in leading a training group outside of Central Arkansas are
asked to contact the Singletons at to get more information.
Registration for the training program is free and available online at
www.littlerockmarathon.com/training.
For more information about deadline, details and the race, visit the
website or contact the Little Rock Marathon office at 501-371-4770.
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