Little Rock Marathon

NEW - 5K Award Ceremony at 10 am Saturday

Little Rock Marathon Expects Sell Out By Valentine's Day

2010 Little Rock Marathon Medal Rocks

Little Rock Marathon Unveils Medal

Training Meeting - January 19

This is what
participants say about us

(click here for details)

Over the last year, the hard working volunteers of the Little Rock Marathon have tried to answer all those questions you have and are afraid (or maybe not) to ask. If we have not answered your questions in any of the other sections, chances are the answers are here!

Questions are grouped by subject according to the following index:

Awards
Boston Qualifier
Course
Finish Line & Finish Line Refreshments
Gear Check
General/Miscellaneous
Little Rockers Kids Marathon
Packet Pick up
Participant Premiums
Post Race Party
Registration
Relay
Start Line
Timing
Weather

Awards

Is there prize money for winning?
No.
Are there awards for walkers?
No.
Is chip time/tag time or gun time used to determine awards?
Unless indicated otherwise, top three men and top three women in each division will be recognized. Awards are based on timing system time - aka tag time (the actual time elapsed between an athlete reaching the starting line and finish line).
What are the age groups for awards?
Marathon
Awards are given to the top three male and female finishers in each of the following age categories: 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+
Half Marathon
Awards are given to the top three male and female finishers in each of the following age categories: 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+
Will there be an awards ceremony?
Only the top three men and top three women in the marathon and half marathon will be recognized in an award ceremony at the finish line on race day. All other awards will be mailed once results are official.

Boston Qualifying

Can I use my Little Rock Marathon time to qualify for the Boston Marathon?
You bet! In fact, the previous winners have said it is a good tune up for Boston!
How do I submit my time to the Boston Marathon?
When registering for the Boston Marathon, enter your finishing time, finishing place, the race name and location, and the date of the race in the section entitled "Qualification Information." Be sure to indicate if the time you enter is gun time or chip time.
Will the Boston Marathon check to confirm my time?
Yes. The Little Rock Marathon will send a complete list of finishers to the BAA after the race. The time that you put on your Boston Marathon registration will be checked against the official time that they have on file. For any other questions concerning qualification for the Boston Marathon, please contact the Boston Athletic Association.

Course

Will there be an electrolyte drink offered on the course?
We proudly offer Lemon-Lime Gatorade Endurance at 18 aide stations along the course
Is the course certified?
Yes, both the marathon and half marathon courses are UST&F certified single loop courses. The marathon certification number is AR05002DLP. The half marathon certification number is AR07004DLP. Neither race is sanctioned by UST&F.
I'm not a big runner, but I love to walk. Can I walk in this race?
Absolutely! We love walkers!!! Everyone is a marathoner regardless if they run or walk. The marathon course is open for 8 hours beginning at 6 a.m. If you are unable to maintain a pace of 18:20 minutes per mile, you may be asked to move to the sidewalk as portions of the course close. The half marathon and course is open for 4 hours beginning at 8 a.m.
Is there an early start?
Yes. Athletes needing more than 6 hours (marathon and marathon relay teams) to complete the marathon course are encouraged to start at 6 a.m. There will be a special designation on your race number for an early start.
The early start is NOT an optional start. Participants who run/walk a pace faster than a 14-minute mile (6:04 marathon) could be removed from the course, banned permanently, disqualified, and/or will not receive an official finish time. The course at 6 a.m. is NOT set up for a pace faster than a 14-minute mile.
Can I push a stroller on the course?
No. The only wheels allowed on the course are our registered wheelchairs, hand cycles and race officials.
Are wheelchairs welcome?
Yes. Start time for wheelchair participants will be 7:55 a.m.
Can I have my friend run with me if he/she is not entered in the race?
No. All participants and their friends (and family too) must have a race number and sign a waiver to be on the course. Individuals without a race number will be consider bandits and promptly removed from the course.
How many aid stations are on the course, and what will be offered at these stations?
18 aid stations (one approximately every two miles), then one every mile from 20-25 offer Clear Mountain Water and Lemon-Lime Gatorade Endurance. Energy gels are offered strategically throughout the course typically at mile 7, 9, 13, 16 and 20.
What is the elevation change for the course? Is the course hilly?
Our standard answer -
"What Hills?" (wink.wink.nudge.nudge....that's why we have that t-shirt)
Or “it depends on your perspective.” One man's mountain is another man's bump in the road. The elevation change is no more than 250 ft over the course.
What are the time limits for the marathon and half marathon?
Marathon 8 hours (beginning at 6 a.m.)
Half Marathon 4 hours
Is there a map of the course online?
Yes, look at the course section of our website. A final map is always in the participant final instructions that are handed out during the Little Rock Health & Fitness Expo.
Where are the porta potties on the course?
Approximately every 2½ miles with more toward the end.
Is there a professional race photographer?
Action Sports International will be stationed along the course and at the finish line to capture your moment. Photos will be available the week after the race at www.asiorders.com. At Action Sports International, its goal is to capture an athlete's greatest moments on film.
Is there a pace team?
Yes, veteran marathoners will help you get to the finish line. Please check your final race instructions for pace times.
Can I wear an IPod, MP3, Walkman, or headphones during the race?
Our official answer is no. Parts of our course are open to vehicular traffic. Using devices like an iPod, MP3, walkman or headphones during the race is not only a safety issue but also an issue of politeness. When wearing an electronic device like these, it is hard, if not impossible, to hear other participants as they approach or volunteers/police as they try to give you vital information.
Can I leave items with volunteers along the course?
No. Volunteers will not accept items. If you leave something at a water stop or along the course you do so at your own risk.

Finish Line & Finish Line Refreshments

Where can I meet my family and friends after the race?
Little Rock Riverfront Park and Amphitheatre will be our Athlete's Village where friends and family can meet up with participants and enjoy the afternoon.
What is the "Finish Line Refreshment"?
As you are leaving the finish area (which is a secure area), you will be given a refreshment bag. Our refreshment bags usually contain a banana, something salty and something sweet. Why? The refreshments are meant as a snack to stabilize you until you feel like eating something a little more.

Your race number has a stub that is for your post race party meal and beverages.

Friends and family can purchase tickets to our Post Race Party so they can enjoy Whole Hog Cafe BBQ and refreshing beverages from Diamond Bear Brewery with you following your fantastic finish.

Gear Check

Where is gear check located?
Look for the UPS trucks in Athlete’s Village.
How many bags can I leave?
Each participant may leave one bag at gear check on race day. All bags must be picked up by 2 p.m. No exceptions. The Little Rock Marathon is not responsible for bags that are not picked up. Bags not picked up by 2 p.m. will be donated to charity. All items must be in a bag with participant’s name and race number written on the outside of the bag. Volunteers will NOT accept loose keys or a cell phone. Those items must be in a bag and properly identified.
Can I leave jewelry, computers, or other valuables at gear check?
The Little Rock Marathon is not responsible for lost or stolen property, including anything placed at gear check.

General/Miscellaneous

How do I become a sponsor?
For information on becoming a sponsor, please contact Geneva Hampton at 501-371-4639 or email ghampton@littlerock.org.
Can I run with my dog?
No.
Are hotel discounts available for participants?
Yes, refer to the list of hotels and special rates found on the “hotel & area information” tab on the website.
Can I get a late check out at my hotel?
The Peabody Little Rock (host hotel) is offering a late check out if you request it at check in. We have no way of controlling whether or not any other hotel will give a late check out. If you would like a late check out, you must make those arrangements with your hotel.
When and where will the finishing times be posted?
Unofficial results will be posted Monday following the race at www.littlerockmarathon.com. Results will not be official for at least two weeks after the race. We have no control of unofficial results that are printed in any newspaper following the race.
Do we have the best Post Race Party?
Yes! As soon as you cross the finish line the party begins on the grounds of the Riverfest Amphitheatre (aka Athlete’s Village). We also have a more elaborate celebration planned beginning at 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon. Official participants are admitted free with a reservation (make sure to tell us when you register). Guest tickets may be purchased for $20 when you register. If you missed that opportunity, just send us a copy of your registration with a check and we will update your registration. Deadline to RSVP is February 26, 2010, after that date participants have to pay $20 too.
I am injured and/or cannot attend the event. Can I get a refund?
No. We do not refund or transfer fees. No exceptions.
Can I give/sell my number to another person?
No. Entries and race numbers are not transferable from one person to another. Any person caught trying to sell his/her race number, allowing another person to wear his/her race number and/or participating with somebody else’s race number will incur substantial penalties. Although is seems harmless, it could have dire consequences in an emergency situation to the individual using the registration and the entire participant field. It is imperative that the registration data associated with a specific race number belong to the individual actually participating in the race. The medical staff must be able to correctly identify participants in need of treatment.

Penalties for being part of an unauthorized transfer are as follows:
- Unauthorized participant will be removed from the course.
- Should the unauthorized participant cross the finish line, he/she will be immediately disqualified, official time voided, and your name will be listed as being disqualified.
- Banned from entry and participation for a minimum of two years.

Little Rockers Kids Marathon

How old does a child need to be to participate in this program?
Children 7 to 12 years of age, who are in good health and have been given permission by your family physician.
How long is the Little Rockers Kids Marathon?
A marathon is 26.2 miles. The Little Rockers Kids Marathon is a modified marathon, which means your child can run or walk at least 25.2 miles prior to race day at his or her own pace over an extended period of time. Then on race day, your child completes the final mile on the official Little Rock Marathon course.
How long will it take to complete the Little Rockers Kids Marathon?
Depending on a child’s level of fitness and eagerness, he or she should be able to complete the mileage in four or five months.
What is the cost, and what does each child receive?
$35 at the Expo. Each paid participant will receive an official Little Rockers Kids Marathon race shirt, an official race number (MUST be picked up at the Little Rock Marathon Health & Fitness Expo) and race packet prior to race morning. Medals will be awarded race day when he or she crosses the finish line.
How does a child train for the Little Rockers Kids Marathon?
The Little Rockers Kids Marathon Training Program is free and made possible by Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Today’s THV. Your child does not have to participate in the marathon to participate in the training program. Training may be conducted at home on your time schedule or at your child’s school (if offered). All forms are available online, from program leaders, or mailed to you if you send a 10 X 13 self addressed, stamped envelope (requires two postage stamps).
How can I start a Little Rockers program at my child’s school?
If your school, church, athletic team, or civic group does not have a program and you would like to be a coordinator, please contact Geneva Hampton @.
When does my child log miles, and how can I determine the distance he/she ran/walked?
If your child trains with an official group, the leader will keep up with the mileage. If your child trains at home, an adult should accompany the child. You can measure the distance with your car, or take them to the local track or park.
Who do I call with questions about Little Rockers?
Geneva Hampton, Executive Director
Little Rock Marathon
500 W Markham, Room 108
Little Rock, AR 72201
501-371-4639
ghampton@littlerock.org

Packet Pick Up

When is packet pick up?
Packet pick up is Friday, March 5, 2010, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 6, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. the Little Rock Marathon Health & Fitness Expo.
The EXPO is located at:
Statehouse Convention Center
Governor's Hall I
#3 Statehouse Plaza
Little Rock, AR 72201
Can I have my packet mailed to me?
No. Packets can only be picked up at the Little Rock Marathon Health & Fitness Expo. Please see the “events & race information” tab, then “expo” subsection of the website for dates, times, and locations.
Can I pickup my packet on race day?
No.
What is included in my packet?
Your race number, participant shirt and final instructions will be in your packet. It is very important that you read the final instructions prior to race day. We will include only pertinent information to help you be more prepared for race morning. You are responsible for knowing the information that we provide to you in the final instructions. You will also need to pick up your timing device while at packet pick up so you receive an official time.
What do I need to bring with me to pick up my packet?
Every participant will receive a final confirmation email if you provided a valid address prior to race weekend. Bring photo ID and a printed copy of your confirmation email to the expo to pick up your packet.
Can a friend pick up my packet for me?
Yes. You can sign your final confirmation email and send it with someone else to pick up your packet. Your friend will need to bring that with them and show his or her own photo ID in order to pick up your packet. They will also be required to sign for your packet.
When will I receive my final confirmation?
Prior to race weekend.
How can I find out what my race number is?
You will be notified of your assigned number when you receive your final confirmation.

Post Race Party

How much does the post race party cost, and how do I get in the party?
Participants are admitted free with a RSVP.
$20 for everyone else. We will have limited guest tickets so do not wait to purchase them. To get free admission you must do two things…
_{Item #1)}Make a reservation by February 26, 2010, (so we know how many to plan for). You can make a reservation for yourself by.....
     a) when you register online (that's why we ask
         that question),
or
     b) send a change form in with a reservation request
        to be added to your registration. Reservations will
         not be accepted by phone.
_{Item #2)}Bring your race number to the party. It will show your reservation.

Participant Premiums

What do I get for my registration fee?
Participants receive an official race t-shirt (sizes are subject to availability), a commemorative poster, post race ticket (attached to race number), timing device and race number. The marathon and half marathon participant shirt will be a short-sleeved wicking shirt. All other races will be short-sleeved cotton.
What do I get when I finish my race?
We have a thing about medals. We think everyone should get hardware (aka a medal) when they cross the finish line. Marathon and half marathon finishers also receive a finisher’s certificate (available online).
Can I have an extra t-shirt?
Sorry, we can only provide one t-shirt per registered participant.
Will all the teammates in the relay get medals or just the person who runs the 4th leg?
Each relay participant will celebrate his or her finish at the end of the leg by crossing their very own finish line and receiving their very own medal!
Why the big medal and how big will the medals get? Why? Because we can. We believe finishing a marathon is a significant achievement, and we think a finisher should have a medal that represents their achievement. Each year our medal has gotten bigger and bigger. Our 2009 medal was 7 1/4” tall and weighed about a 1 ½ pounds. According to Maxwell Medals, the average medal size is 2 1/2". Join us in 2010 to see how big the medal is.

Registration

Can I register on the day of the race?
No.
How can I check to see if I am registered?
After you have registered, you should receive an email confirming your registration. You can also confirm your registration here.
Will I receive a confirmation card?
No. We send a confirmation email to participants that provide their email or register on line.
Why haven't I received an email confirmation?
It could be that your computer's spam filter has blocked the email confirmation that was sent to you. Please check your Spam/Junk Mail Folder and move us to your "allowed senders" list. If we are not there, please contact us to confirm your registration.
Do you limit the number of runners in each race?
There are registration limits for each race. Please refer to those race pages for each participant limit.
When do you expect to reach the field limit in the marathon and half marathon?
In both 2008 and 2009 the marathon and half marathon sold out in February approximately three weeks before race weekend. In 2009, the relay sold out a week before the race, and the 5K sold out on the first day of the expo. So register early.
Can I switch races?
Participants may switch between races (i.e. marathon to half, half to relay, 5K to half) ONLY if the desired race is not sold out. Changes may be made with the following restrictions:
- Participants cannot transfer their registration to another individual. Please see General/Misc section of these FAQs for penalties to unauthorized individuals.
- Change requests will NOT be processed until the Change Form is received with your signature and any increase in applicable fees.
- Changes requested through 11:59 CST February 1, 2010, will not incur an administrative fee.
- Changes requested after 11:59 CST February 1, 2010, will incur a $10 administrative fee, plus any increase in race fees.
- There are NO refunds on fees.
- Race changes requested after 11:59 CST February 26, 2010, will be processed at race weekend rates (if space available).
- To correct personal data, please submit the change form as quickly as possible. Corrections of personal data are made free of charge.
- Do not spontaneously change events on race day - you will be disqualified.
Can I change team members on my relay team?
Yes, but a new entry form must be filled out by the new team member. On or before February 1, 2010, no processing fee will be charged. After February 1, 2010, a $10 processing fee will be charged. No changes will be made until fee is paid.
What are the age restrictions?
The minimum age for participation in the half marathon is 12 years old and 16 years old for the marathon. Any age can participate in the 5K and relay marathon as long as the participant is in good health, has paid a registration fee and shows up race morning. All registrants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian's signature of approval on the entry form. The Little Rock Marathon directors reserve the right to require proof of age. Little Rockers Kids Marathon participants must be between 7 – 12 years of age. Classic Rockers participants must be over 55 years of age.
What is a physically challenged athlete?
The Little Rock Marathon defines a physically challenged athlete as an individual not competing in the wheelchair or hand cycle divisions.
Additionally, we define a physically challenged athlete as an individual with "(A) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual; (B) a record of such an impairment; or (C) being regarded as having such an impairment," defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).*
_{^{*CRS Report for Congress, The American with Disabilities Act (ADA): The Definition of Disability, March 9, 2006.}}Further, a physically challenged athlete as define by the International ParaOlymic Committee Classification Code (Nov 2007), Section 5, Subsection 5.2-5.3: 5.2 to be eligible to compete, an athlete must have an impairment that leads to a permanent and verifiable activity limitation. 5.3 The impairment should limit the athlete's ability to compete equitably in elite sport with athletes without impairment.
Do I need to register my young children for the 5K?
Yes. Every individual on the course (regardless of age) must have a number and must sign a waiver. Participants under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.
How late can I register?
Online - The last day to register online is 11:59 p.m. CST on February 26, 2010.
Mail in – Entries must be post-marked no later than February 26, 2010. Mail-in registrations postmarked after February 26th will be held until the opening of the Expo at which time they will be processed with a higher fee applied. Registration will resume at the Health & Fitness Expo race weekend. Please see the “expo” section for details on time and location. Higher fees apply at the expo. See section above for field limits.
Is there a waiting list of applicants who are added due to cancellations?
No. We accept more than enough participants in anticipation of cancellations.
What materials should I expect to receive when I register, and when should I receive them?
Registrations submitted online or by mail with a valid email address (valid also means legible – in their spare time our volunteers are learning to read ancient hieroglyphics, but really haven’t mastered that yet) will receive an email confirmation within 24 hours of receipt.

Relay

I am registered to run the marathon or half marathon. Can I run on a relay team as well?
Yes, but you must do the following:
- You must be properly registered (and fee paid) for both the marathon or half marathon and the relay.
- You must run the 1st leg of relay.
- You must wear both the marathon or half marathon race number and the relay race number of the front of your person.
- You must wear both the marathon or half marathon timing device and the team's timing device.
What is the shuttle schedule for relay participants?
Relay Shuttle Depot
William J. Clinton Presidential Center (parking lot)
River Market District

Relay No. 1 _{^{(no service - within walking distance of start)}}
Main Post Office at Capitol and Ferry

Relay No. 2
Arkansas State Capitol (behind it)
9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Relay No.3
Murray Park (2nd Entrance)
Rebsamen Park Rd
8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Does each team get one medal?
No. Each member of the team is presented their finisher's medal at the exchange area after they pass their timing device to the next team member.

What is the distance and location for each relay exchange?

	_{Start Location}	_{Finish Location}	_Mileage
1)	Start Line	Main Post Office	6.2 miles
2)	Main Post Office	AR State Capitol	6.9 miles
3)	AR State Capitol	Murray Park (2nd Ent)	7.8 miles
4)	Murray Park	Finish Line	5.3 miles

Start Line

How should I line up at the start line?
Invited athletes will line up in the front of the start area in a secure area (aka corral). After the invited athlete corral, secure corrals for seeded placement begin. The corral system is designed to offer a quicker and smoother start for all athletes race morning. Assignment to start corrals is based on submitted qualifying finishing time in a recent marathon or half marathon and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. You must qualify to be placed in Corral A and Corral B.

As of February 1, 2010 Corral A & B are closed to new athletes.

Marathon/

Corral
Half Pace Relay Marathon Pace

A (closed)
~~1:30:59~~
~~6:56:41~~
~~3:20:59~~ ~~7:39:93~~

B (closed)
~~1:45:59~~
~~8:05:07~~
~~3:45:59~~ ~~8:37:14~~

C
2:00:59
9:13:72
4:00:59 9:11:47

D
2:15:59
10:22:37
4:30:59 10:20:12

Open
NA NA

If you do not give an estimated finish time, you will automatically be assigned to the Open corral. Don’t panic, all races are timed with a timing system (the thing on your shoe) so you will know your net time regardless of your start corral. The Open Corral is also secure area for participants only and for those athletes that do not qualify for a faster corral. Finish times in the Open Corral range from 2:16 – 4:00 hours (half marathon) and 4:31 – 6:00 hours (marathon).

Is there a shuttle service from the hotels to the start/finish area?
Please refer to the hotel page of the website.
How far is the start line from the finish line?
Not far, maybe three blocks.
Where does the race start and finish?
The race starts at President Clinton Avenue and Sherman Street with the Museum of Discovery on your left, the Courtyard Marriot on your right and the Clinton Presidential Center straight ahead. The race finishes behind the River Market in Little Rock's picturesque Riverfront Park.
Where do I park race morning?
Ample parking is available downtown, but do not park on the course. Cars parked on the course will be towed.
What time should I get there on race day?
The Little Rock Marathon Start/Finish area and Athlete's Village will be open at 5 a.m. We suggest you arrive early to familiarize yourself with the area.
What time do the races start?
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Little Rock 5K Fun Run/Walk
8 a.m.
Little Rockers Kids Marathon Final Mile
NOON

Sunday, March 7, 2010
6 a.m.
Marathon & Relay Early Start
(only for athletes needing more than 6 hours)

7:55 a.m.
Wheelchair, Hand Cycle, &
Physically Challenged Athlete Start

8 a.m.
Marathon, Half Marathon, &
Relay Marathon General Start

8 a.m.
Classic Rockers Final Mile Start

Timing

What type of electronic timing system will be used?
The Ipico Timing Tag will be utilized during the 2010 Little Rock Marathon to ensure that all race participants receive an accurate time. For more information on the IPICO Timing Tag please visit Ipico Sports website. There is a $20 fee for all unreturned tags.
Where and when do I get my timing device?
Your timing device will be available when you pick up your race packet at the Health & Fitness Expo (March 5-6, 2010). If is not inside your race packet. You will have to pick it up before you leave the Expo.
What is chip time/tag time, and how is it different from gun time?
Chip time/Tag time is recorded by a timing device attached to the participant's shoe. The device records the time the participant crosses the start line, the finish line and several locations on the course. Chip time/tag time is often times shorter than gun time because chip time/tag time begins when the participant crosses the start line while gun time starts when the gun is fired; many participants do not cross the start line until several minutes after their official gun time has begun.
Why use a timing device?
A timing device is a more accurate measure than gun time of how long it takes a participant to complete the race. Gun time is only 100% accurate for the first row of runners who cross the start line when the gun sounds.
What happens if I lose my timing device?
If you lose your device, you will not have an official time and will not be recorded as an official finisher of your race. This means that you will not be able to use your race time to qualify for other races such as the Boston Marathon. In addition, participants who do not return their device after completing the race will be charged a replacement fee.
What if the timing device gets wet?
The device is completely weatherproof and will work regardless of rain, heat, storms, humidity or other inclement conditions.

Weather

What will the weather be like on race day?
We would all love to know the answer to that question! Unfortunately, we will have to refer to the historical temperatures for Little Rock in mid March. The average high in Little Rock is 64°F and the average low is 43°F.
What happens if it rains?
The race will go on regardless of precipitation. In the event that weather conditions present an imminent danger to participants, the race will be cancelled.

Thank you for taking time to read the FAQs on our race. If we have missed something, please direct your question to:

Geneva Hampton,

Gina Pharis,