Hot, humid, and hilly I expected. I didn't expect how well organized and enthusiastic this race would be. Two t-shirts, big, heavy medals, and enough food for lunch at the finish. Plenty of water and Gatorade--always worry about this for a first-time race--- even the good, blue Gatorade. The organizers tried very hard to make this a memorable and first-rate race.
The course is hard. Be ready. Rolling hills the first eight miles, then a long steady climb until mile twelve, where you get a fast downhill for about 2/3s of a mile. Then flat but hot for ten miles, and a really mean, steep climb at about mile 24 that lasts for about a mile. Do hill training.
This race is very relay and walker friendly.
Okay, it was too hot and humid in May, but next year the race will be in March, so only the hills will be a problem.

One of the best marathons I have run. The first 12 miles are very hilly. I made the mistake of going out too fast not thinking about the hills. Last half of the course is flat, one hill near the end. Little Rock did a great job hosting their 1st marathon.

This is my fourth marathon with previous experience in Honolulu, Dallas, and Oklahoma City.

Plus - The organization was first rate and the marathon committee is to be commended on the excellent job they did putting the race together. The finisher's medallion is truly a disco plate and is not your average coin-shaped pendant.

Plus - The spectators were awesome. Along the course, they supported you with encouragement, mints, Jolly Ranchers, oranges and water in between the official aid stations. The race committee made a great choice in printing the runners' names on the bib number. It's a lot more motivating to here someone call out your name instead of, 'way to go 392!'

Plus & Minus - The stretch out and back through the park and bike path was restricted to vehicular traffic - good for the runners, but this meant no spectators cheering you on through that portion. Look forward to the water stations for cheering.

Minus - I usually do not stay at the race hotel and the Doubletree in Little Rock is an example of the reason why. Check-in was supposed to be at 3:00 pm but my room wasn't ready until after 5:00. Even then, it took another 15 minutes for the desk clerk to get the information pulled up on her terminal. They also did not authorize a late checkout without paying for half a day (hmm, late check in through the hotel's error should equal late checkout for the customer? No? Oh well, won't be staying here again).

Plus - The aid stations and relay points were well operated. Almost all had water and Gatorade available and some had oranges and hard candy. The one that had CarBoom gel was located too close to the finish line, but better some than none. For those of you used to PowerGel and Gu, CarBoom is an acquired taste. Seemed kind of gritty to me.

Plus - A good challenging course with a nice long hill up Kavanaugh. Flat through the tough portions but who put that hill between mile 25 and 26? Thank goodness it's almost over with at that point!

God bless the Little Rock Marathon committee and all those who participated in this year's race; runners, volunteers, and spectators.

I give this marathon 5 stars across the board. Spectators are not as many as other races but they certainly were high spirited and energy charged. Yes the course was tough but showcased LR. This is my 3rd marathon and the organization was super. Expo will grow as the number of racers grow. I would like to see you add the half marathon next year now that you have the first one out of the way. Host hotel was not very cooperative and that needs to imporve. For anyone else out there considering this race you need to try it. It may not be a PR course but is a great event run in a professional manner. The move to March will help greatly. The humidity got me but that is nobodys fault. Great job Little Rock. I will be back.

Great job Little Rock organizers for a first-time marathon. Expo and package pick up was well organized and volunteers were plentiful and friendly. Southern hospitality really does exist. I did like the Carbo Cruise ideal of designating restaurants where race participates would get discounts instead of the usual pasta party line-up for cafeteria quality food. I, like many runners, don't eat much the evening before the race and the time and bother to attend a pasta party usually isn't worth it.
It was a bit hard to hear the race announcer near the front of the start line and we did have an aborted start with the long distance between start line and race announcer/starter. Great volunteers at all water stops. They need to water down the sport drink a little; it was at full sugary strength which is a little hard to take when running on a warm day. Decent amount of spectators for a first time marathon. Not any huge crowds anywhere, except of course at the end, but enthusiastic. Kudos for have "porta-potties" at all water stops. Not the flattest course I've ever run, but I know the race director wanted to make it scenic and send us by the best parts and historical areas of town. I like the out and back section where you could see the leaders and encourage runners coming at you and vice versa. Tough 'heartbreak like' hill at 25 miles, but a nice downhill finish near the capitol building. Might want to move it to April to avoid the heat more. Biggest finishing medal I've ever got. I almost fell over when they put it on me and my neck was sore after wearing it for ten minutes. ;-) Got not only a race tee, but a finishing tee too. Though I would have liked the finishing tee to say 'LR 26.2 Marathon Finisher,' rather than 'LR 26.2 Finisher,' because people other than marathoners would get it.
I would recommend this marathon to all.

Wonderfully organized and supported. It was a beautiful course and I didn't mind the hills! The never-ending out and back to the I430 bridge seriously messed with my head, but I will be ready for it next time. Very impressive for an inaugural. Fabulous volunteers and spectators! Can't wait until next March.

Friendly involved spectators,great aid stations although I had to look to find Gels.Great t-shirt and medals.Good tough course,heat and humidity produced my worst time.Will be back in March 04 to take revenge.

This was an outstanding marathon and will only get better.

The course is great, although the run along the river is somewhat monotonous (out and back about 5.5 miles each way). The spectators were great, considering this was Little Rock's first try. The move to March will help with the high humidity in the 2003 race. Great job Little Rock!

I participated in the two person relay for the Little Rock Marathon. This was the first marathon for Little Rock and they did an EXCELLENT job. The crowd support was wonderful. The volunteers, medical, and security staff all did a great job. This course was open for eight hours and walkers were encouraged to participate. There was a training program for walkers and runners sponsored by the marathon committee and many people completed their first marathon on this course. Congratulations to Little Rock - this was a first class event. Looking forward to completing the full marathon next year. The race will be in early March next year so the heat should not be an issue!