While I have not run the race in many years, I occasionally run and bike on the course and have volunteered or crewed at the race in recent years. This is a low-key race with few frills, but there are aid stations every 2 to 2 1/2 miles with water, sport drink, fruit, and other foods. There are large mile marker signs at every mile.

The course is a mix of residential and scenic rural areas, with a short section through downtown Benton. There are quite a few hills, though the steeper ones are mostly fairly short. The turns in town are all marked with signs and there have been ROTC cadets helping direct traffic and the runners. Outside of town the turns are marked with multiple arrows painted on the pavement. On race day there are also signs or ribbons marking the turns. However, there have been a few runners in the past who ran right past the markings. Recently there have been improved pavement markings apparently in preparation for the upcoming race and reportedly there will be enhanced signage at the turns.

There is no pre-race meal. Check-in is on race-day only. There is food at the finish line after the race. The awards are nice and the people involved are helpful and friendly.

I drove 13 hours to (and back home) to be able to run this marathon - it could have been worth it and a lot more fun IF the mile markers and people on the course did a much better job! I ran close to two extra miles, and ran the wrong way twice and almost three times.... Aside from that, the people were great; super water stations; neat finish line and I was able to shower after the marathon. Awards and shirts were nice. The course was hard - but worth the challenge.

The Arkansas Marathon is a wonderful race set in the rural area of the state just south of Little Rock. The organizers really work hard to make the runners feel welcome. Some of the highlights include: incredible hospitality, great weather this year, fall-color enhanced course, super post-race food (I'm the biggest donut fan after a race), well staffed and stocked aid stations, outstanding mile marker signs, a finish chute lined with the state flags from across the country, beautiful t-shirts, and warm showers afterward.

This was a great year for the Arkansas Marathon. The weather was just great, not too cold or too hot. The course is a little hilly and remote, but that is what makes this race special. These people really try hard to make this event special and make you feel special for being there. It may be a small race, but it has a great big heart. I'll be back again for my fifth run there next year.

For a small race this marathon is exceptionally well run. Water stops every mile. Enthusiastic supportive volunteers. Non-existent spectators.

This race used to be a few weeks earlier so maybe it won't be as hot.

This race starts in Malvern and travels through the countryside to Benton. The race usually has around 120 participants. The terrain is moderately rolling with a nasty set of hills at the end. Weather can be very hot and humid. If you were in the area this would be an excellent training race.