This is a great race to pick up your Arkansas state for all the 50 staters. Perfectly sized race. Not too big to be caught up in traffic, nor too small that you get lost. Nice coverage in the newspaper the following day. The organization was fantastic. Everything ran so smoothly all I had to think about was just running. Sure there are hills, but that just adds to the challenge of a marathon. The VIP Perks area is worth the price of admission. Loved the medal. Sure it's over the top, in your face huge and very heavy... but that's the point!

There are a few hills...that is expected; but, they are mixed in with ample flat stretches, scenic areas, residential and city streets. The river front finish is a plus as well. Spectators were friendly and vocal with a good turnout for a relatively small event. During our brief stay we found the people of LIttle Rock were very friendly. A big thank you to the organizers, volunteers, and residents of Little Rock.

Perfectly managed! Other race administrators take note: Little Rock has outdone you all ! I walked in and was given my goodie bag. That's it! You see, if you know my name, my number, and what size shirt I wear, why not put it all in one bag??? Seriously, the simplicity of this approach was mind boggling. Why are there still two or three, or four, lines at other races?
Anyway, great race. It starts at 8, which is fine with me. The first half is flat, the second is crazy hilly, but a beautiful run.

The MEDAL ? Yep, so crazy over-the-top it defies description. It's literally bigger than an old LP album . Great race.

The medal is over the top huge. It is awesome!
Loved the course. Hill was kind of long, but not steep, which makes it doable.
Loved having the Gov. out front of his home cheering us on. Running by Central High was a highlight.
I really recommend this one!!!
Peabody Hotel was disappointing. WAY expensive for the bagels etc on race morning. Really ripped us off. And no late check-out as advertised.

This race surpassed my every expectation. Here are some random thoughts:

Course: The race advertises itself as hilly, and it definitely lives up to its billing. However, I didn't find the first half to be particularly difficult. Miles 13-17 were another story, as they formed what seemed like a long, gradual climb. You will then lose virtually all of that elevation in the mile that follows. However, 18 to the end is rather flat, save for a double dose of overpasses at 25 that will challenge you. I also enjoyed the variety of scenery, culminating in a greenway trail for the final 5 miles. That section, however, is fully exposed to the sun, so it can get hot on a warm day. One suggestion: Larger, more visible mile markers.

Organization: I found organization to be flawless throughout. The shirt is nice, and the medal is, of course, without equal in terms of size. The pasta dinner is high quality and worth doing, especially since the restaurants downtown are crowded the night before the race. Also, the Courtyard Inn by the start is an exceptionally good hotel. They allowed us to check in early on Saturday, and we didn't leave until after 2 on Sunday. They really cater to runners. Plus, we left the room at 7:40 and still were early for the start: No Porta-potty race morning! One suggestion: More variety of food after the race: The milk, chocolate milk and juice were great, but other than that I only saw crackers and snack cakes. Bagels would have been nice, but maybe I just overlooked them.

Spectators: Little Rock really supports this race, from beginning to end. The people turn out to cheer, and the police and volunteers are great.

Overall, this race is definitely worth the trip to Little Rock

I really like this race, the organization, the fans, and the city (particularly liked the $2.50 pints of beer at a local pub). A few negatives were; I would have liked to see more race-logo gear at the expo. The Peabody Hotel did not impress and did not appear to genuinely care about/support the racers - race morning, they offered coffee etc. in the lobby, but $2.50 for a banana? $2.25 for a rather small cup of coffee? I also heard there were many who were not allowed a late check-out. The 'free' shuttle to and from the airport was not available because I came in too late on Friday and left too early on Monday!

It is what it was said to be! A very well organized and controlled race with many enthusiastic Volunteers and spectators! It was hilly but I was prepared, weather cooperated and overall a fantastic experience. I can't figure out if this years medal is a cowboy belt buckle or a pizza stone!

Only bad thing was the temperature and nobody could control that. Course was challenging but great. Traffic control was fantastic. Only saw one issue and that was a car darting out of a parking garage, but no way they could station volunteers at every lot. Organization, Expo, after party, all were fantastic. Will be back!

This was my 7th Little Rock Marathon in a row, and every year it gets better. I can not say enough good about the race directors and the staff, the volunteers are about the best in the world. This marathon really look after its runners,they had a RUNNERS REGISTRATION/MIRACLES desk set up,and all problems were taken care of. A previous writer said that the PEABODY was not a 4 star hotel,I agree,its 5 STAR as far as i am concerned,and this was year 7 staying there. Its near to all the activities.

The medal lives up to all you hear about it,HUGH. I have made my reservations at the Peabody for 2013 and will be registering again for the Little Rock Marathon.

A great year for the LRM, though not a great one for me personally. I have run all ten so I was thinking back over past experiences.

First, the organizers will answer your questions quickly even if you ask them at the eleventh hour. They care about the runners.
Second, LRM is a welcoming race for all paces. Injured, I explored the early start option this year and found just how vigorous it is.
Third, the community supports this race. An enclosed mall opens up and lets runners wait where it is warm. There is even food and drink for sale. The LR Occupy protesters were cheering, and police were offering music from their car radios. Church goers, who were most inconvenienced by the race, were the most vocal supporters.
Fourth, you get a GIGANTIC medal.
Fifth, it is a nice finish. Some races have better food, but I do like the variety of sweet noncarbonated drinks and little snacks. A shout out to the volunteer by gear check who saw me juggling my snacks and offered me a bag to put them in. It is a good example of how people connected to the race are paying attention and want to help.

The course is still tough, but this is a race worth doing.