As an Arkansas native, I was very proud of the organization, volunteer effort, and runner-friendly amenities that the Little Rock Marathon folks had put in place for the 2010 event.
* Pre-race information was plentiful and helpful.
* Expo was well-manned and efficient.
* Aid stations were numerous and well-stocked.
* All of the novelties were very entertaining - lipstick stop, ENORMOUS medal, rousing start, names on bibs, etc.
* Crowd support was absolutely the best that I have ever encountered in a race of this size! Kudos to the community for embracing the event and participants.

The only minor issue that I might suggest attention for in the future is the gear check. Doubling the number of volunteers here would probably solve the long waiting line.

Overall, it was a tremendously enjoyable event. Well done, LR!!

What a fun race! The weather was perfect, the volunteers friendly, and the fans energetic. The hills - now that's a different story. As an Illinois flatlander, I was done in by the constant, challenging hills. The medal was humorously huge - I couldn't even wear it without doubling over. The food at the end was terrible - a bag of junk food - but at least there was something left when I finished. All of these things resulted in my loving this race!

First time I ran this half marathon. I love the course. It was better than I thought. The volunteers were great! I love to run this course again in the future.

Although Governor Beebe can't claim responsibility for the near perfect weather, he can be proud of the way his city hosts a marathon. The expo is delightfully big and varied. The course is flat for the first half, but not all that scenic. The hill at 14-15 had a few people groaning, but the downhill at 17 was a nice way to offset it. The out-and-back wasn't too bad since it was in/near a wooded area. There are a decent number of people cheering, and they liked to whoop it up. Thanks! I'd recommend this for a first-time marathoner or for those of you 50-staters looking for a great Arkansas marathon.

Great, little race. I started with the early start group, since I had some setbacks this year. Slower runners and walkers should have stayed to the right. There should have been someone or something to let these people know that it is for the safety of all and a courtesy to the elite and faster runners. The city is very scenic, and the people very nice. The course was tough, but that is part of the fun of running different marathons in different states. I had "OLD MAN" printed on my bib, and it drew a lot of laughs and encouragement from the spectators and volunteers. I would recommend this race to others and if they have the time to explore this city. My only regret was not having spent more than just two days in Litte Rock. This was my 44th marathon, in my 24th state.

- Doug Widowski

I have run this marathon each year since its beginning ONLY because this is my hometown race. I think the first couple of years were wonderful; however, the current race directors have done a poor job of continuing that initial spirit of the marathon. Phasing out purses for the elite will only bring amateurs to this race, and charging an inflated entry fee will continue to exhibit their "overcompensation" for being a smaller marathon.

The course is wonderful for the first half. However, the lack of innovation has kept the out-and-back in the second half of the course, which sports an uninteresting jog down a long stretch that essentially has zero crowd support and no motivating factors. The finish is fine. I enjoy the River Market finish, although Capital/Victory was kind of cool in the past.

No finisher's shirt!!!!!! Really?? Once again, I go back to the fact that race leadership wants to overcharge its runners and cut amenities at many GREAT marathons.

This was my first marathon and I expected it to be a lot harder than it was. Granted, I did take my time, but I did so because I was enjoying the city and the spectators, waving and generally having a good time. Until the out-and-back at Murray Park, that is... they should scrap that part of the course - it's pointless. Yes, it's flat, but it's so boring that it drains all of your mental energy by that point. But all in all, I had a good first race. Plenty of water stops and friendly volunteers.

I ran this marathon with my daughter. We had a wonderful experience. All of the workers and volunteers were friendly and helpful. The spectators were amazing from start to finish. We loved the bands, the little kids giving high-fives, the people with megaphones cheering for you each time your passed, signs, etc... Lots of water and/or Gatorade. The medal is fantastic (although the eighth annual could be smaller - several people thought I got eighth place). Excellent job on a great community event!

Spectators were sparse through most of the course. They have an early start for people who can't finish in the official time limit; that shows caring.

This was my 5th Little Rock and 166th marathon; and I could not ask for a better day and marathon to run.

The course on the second half can be a challenge, but the support gets you over the hills. If you're into medals, this year's medal is just AWESOME; you sure don't have to strain your eyes to see it.

I thought the food at the finish was great. I am not a big eater after running, and I thought the HOT DOG was awesome. They have an after-run party for all runners that evening, and the food there was the best, so hang around for that. Even with budget cuts, the quality of this marathon was maintained at a high level.

The people of Arkansas sure are great; they really support all of us as we run through their streets. The volunteers are the best. Without them there's no run. The expo was great. I really enjoyed the CARE BOOTH, where you could pet some dogs up for adoption. They have one of the best PASTA DINNERS EVER put on by the PEABODY HOTEL; the food was tasty and HOT - a lot better than at most major marathons.

All in all, a great way to see the City of Little Rock. I can't wait till next year. I will be doing neck exercises so that I can wear the medal again.