Running News Daily

Trevor Uyemura and Abigayle Money claimed victories at the 2024 Little Rock Marathon

On a day that showcased the epitome of endurance and speed, Trevor Uyemura and Abigayle Money emerged victorious at the 2024 Little Rock Marathon. Uyemura, hailing from Vienna, Virginia, clinched the men's title with a blistering pace, clocking in at 2:42:58.8. Meanwhile, Abigayle Money, representing Fayetteville, Arkansas, dominated the women's division with her impressive finish time of 2:51:37.4.

Race Day Highlights

The Little Rock Marathon, known for its challenging course and enthusiastic community support, did not disappoint this year. From the early hours, the streets of Little Rock buzzed with excitement as runners from across the nation gathered to test their limits. Uyemura's and Money's victories were not just personal triumphs but also inspirational achievements that underscored the marathon's competitive spirit. Their performances set a high bar for future competitors and added to the event's growing reputation as a must-participate race for marathon enthusiasts.

Behind the Victories

Both Uyemura and Money trained rigorously in the months leading up to the marathon, their victories a testament to their dedication, strategy, and resilience. Uyemura, at 40, proved that age is but a number when it comes to long-distance running, while Money's win highlighted the growing prominence of female athletes in competitive sports. Their successes are a source of inspiration for aspiring marathoners and a reminder of the physical and mental fortitude required to conquer such a demanding race.

Looking Ahead

The 2024 Little Rock Marathon may have concluded, but the stories of Uyemura and Money will undoubtedly fuel the aspirations of many future participants. As the dust settles on this year's event, the focus shifts to the next race, with athletes around the world already setting their sights on Little Rock for 2025. The marathon's ability to draw talent and foster a sense of community among runners is a testament to its enduring appeal and the unifying power of sports.

The victories of Trevor Uyemura and Abigayle Money at the 2024 Little Rock Marathon are not just remarkable achievements in their running careers but also significant milestones for the event itself. Their performances, underpinned by sheer determination and hard work, set new records and exemplify the spirit of marathon running. As the Little Rock community and the wider world of athletics celebrate their accomplishments, the anticipation for next year's marathon is already building, promising another chapter in the storied history of this beloved race.

 

(03/06/2024) Views: 722 ⚡AMP
by Salman Khan

Top US Spring Marathons to Get a 2024 Personal Best

 

Christmas, New Year, multiple parties, and family gatherings are just around the corner. With the holiday season and the cold weather, planning for your next spring marathon in 2024 is probably the last thing on your mind. 

 

However, there’s no such thing as being too busy or too early when planning your next race. In fact, a solid 20-week-long marathon training plan with some breathing room requires around five months. That’s why “now” is the best time to prepare for your next spring marathon. 

 

From World Majors and massive city marathons to trail runs and small-town races, there are a lot of marathons to choose from this coming spring. But we’ve got you covered. We’ve listed some of the must-try spring marathons across the United States. Check them out here. 

Myrtle Beach Marathon

In March, Myrtle Beach in South Carolina has an average temperature of 64 degrees, which might feel cool for swimming but is perfect for running a marathon. Hence, before the town gets busy with spring break, it hosts a race by the beach called Myrtle Beach Marathon. This year, it’ll be held on March 2, 2024.

 

Myrtle Beach Marathon is one of the best spring marathons in South Carolina that you can run all year. It’s a great choice for first-time marathon runners because the course is flat and follows the coast in a loop without many hills. The cool ocean winds also help you stay comfortable and prevent you from overheating while running.

Little Rock Marathon

Unlike most races that stick to simplicity, the Little Rock Marathon in Arizona goes all out to make their event extraordinary. They choose a theme every year to make their race as spectacular and entertaining as possible. In this coming race, the planned theme is a touch of prehistoric flair, so expect to see runners in Jurassic Park-themed gear on March 3, 2024. 

 

Another unique feature of the race is their massive and extravagant finisher medals, some of the biggest in the business! Plus, the race will introduce a new course that’s a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. It’s one of the major races that allow betting from different sportsbooks like FanDuel Sportsbook. 

Los Angeles Marathon 

While the Los Angeles Marathon may not have the same global recognition as New York, Boston, or Chicago marathons, it stands out as one of the finest city marathons in the USA. What’s more, the vast and diverse landscape of Los Angeles provides a fantastic backdrop for the race. 

 

This race will be held on March 17, 2024. The course will begin at Dodgers Stadium, pass through iconic LA spots like Rodeo Drive and Hollywood Boulevard, and conclude on Santa Monica Boulevard. What makes this marathon even more exciting is the chance to run alongside celebrities who often participate in their hometown race.

Newport Marathon 

The Newport, Rhode Island often has two races: one in spring and another in fall. Both promise a scenic and memorable experience, blending natural beauty with a touch of local charm. They offer breathtaking views of the town’s stunning mansions, windy beaches, and rocky coastline. However, they’re managed by different organizations. 

 

The spring Newport Marathon, in particular, is well-known because it coincides with the city’s celebrated blooming of over one million golden yellow daffodils. This year, it’ll be held on April 13, 2024. After tackling the hilly course, you’ll also be treated to a finisher festival with plenty of goodies like a much-needed pizza. 

Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon 

Experience the thrill of racing through Churchill Downs, not just with horses but also as part of the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon. It will take place on April 27, 2023, a week before the renowned horse race. This allows you to run through Louisville, including a pass through the iconic home of the Kentucky Derby.

 

Since the marathon offers a blend of athleticism and the charm of the equestrian world, it’s recommended to turn your marathon into a full-fledged vacation. Consider staying for a week filled with events leading up to a lap around the famous track—a must-try experience for any avid runner! 

Eugene Marathon 

Surprisingly, Eugene (not Seattle or Portland) hosts the largest marathon in the Pacific Northwest. This means you’ll be part of a sizable running community, enjoy the cheers of enthusiastic spectators, and receive ample support from dedicated volunteers throughout the race. 

 

Next year, the Eugene Marathon will be held on April 28. Its back half takes you along the scenic Willamette River, offering beautiful natural landscapes to admire as you approach the finish line. Although it may sound hard, the race is beginner-friendly and a good start to getting a personal record (PR). It’s also a favorable choice to qualify for the Boston Marathon. 

Final Thoughts

Finding the right race for you involves considering your skills, training needs, and personal preferences. While this highlights marathons offering unique experiences and challenges next spring, it’s incomplete. Take the time to explore various options, ensuring that the chosen marathon aligns with your abilities and allows for adequate training and rest.

(12/09/2023) Views: 1,086 ⚡AMP

Don’t Forget: The Back of the Pack Deserves Your Support, Too

Here’s how to make all runners feel welcomed—no matter how long they are on the course.

As running catches on with a greater amount of people and paces, start lines at big races have ostensibly become more democratic spaces. This is another way of saying that marathons are getting slower. 

At the 2022 New York City Marathon, the average time was 4:50:26, almost 23 minutes slower than the average time in 2000 (4:27:45 ), according to The Washington Post. And in 1990, just six out of 6,168 runners at the Chicago Marathon took longer than six hours to finish, a sharp contrast to the seven percent of 48,000 finishers this year who took 6+ hours to complete the race. 

This is something to be celebrated—more people toeing the start line now who may not have felt welcomed or able to participate previously. But there’s a flipside to that coin. Back-of-the-pack runners face the same daunting challenges that every marathoner does, and then some. 

Slower runners don’t have the same race conditions as their speedier peers. Back-of-the-packers often receive less crowd support, hydration and aid stations often run out of supplies or close down before they reach them, and sometimes the course can become a slippery hazard with piled up cups and trash left by other runners. Then there’s the “sweeper” vehicles that usually follow the slowest runners and pressure them into getting a ride to the finish line if their pace slows. Sometimes back-of-the-pack runners don’t even receive a finisher’s medal, nor an official time, if they don’t make the race’s cutoff time.

Observations from the back

Maria-Leena Kerr experienced some of these issues at her first marathon last year. By mile 14 of the New York City Marathon, her friends and family had no idea what was going on with her because her athlete tracking had been turned off. It was a “celebration beyond compare” when the 38-year-old mom made it to the finish line, but “Finding out that I didn’t get an official finish time but others that were slower did because they were in earlier waves made me pretty disappointed,” Kerr says.

Endurance athlete, inclusivity advocate, and seasoned marathoner Latoya Shauntay Snell says she thinks things are gradually changing for the better in the road running community for slower runners, but she sees many areas for improvement. Snell—who ran this year’s Chicago Marathon in 9 hours and 19 minutes—is not a stranger to being pulled off courses for falling behind, and she isn’t afraid of receiving a DNF if necessary. But she and other back-of-the-packers told Runner’s World that if runners are afforded the option to finish on the sidewalk, it seems appropriate to “at the very least, fulfill the most basic essentials like water on the course.” Snell says: “I know this is possible because I’ve seen other races like The Route 66 Marathon and the Little Rock Marathon make this happen.”

Every November since 2016, a group called Project Finish waits in Central Park until the very last runner finishes the New York City Marathon, to ensure that every athlete is celebrated and cheered for. Last year, they were out until 11:32 p.m. to encourage the very last runner, 75-year-old Rozanna Radakovich, as she completed her race in 15:10:18. It’s a labor of love, and there is always a small but mighty contingent of kind-hearted folks who show up and stay late to ensure that every finisher feels like a champion. 

However, runners who take longer than 6 hours and 30 minutes to finish at New York must complete their race on sidewalks, because after the sweep buses pass, streets are reopened to traffic. There’s no medical or aid stations available to runners at that point either, and the finish line in Central Park closes at 11:30 p.m.

Back-of-the-pack runners deserve the same race experience and support as the fleet-footed amongst us. Ashley Dean, a fitness trainer, advocate, and self-described “slower runner” in New York, says that it’s a common misconception that people in the back don’t train, which is often untrue. 

“I don’t believe anyone should run a marathon if they haven’t trained for it—whether they’re a 3-hour or 7-hour marathoner,” Dean says. She points out that participants are typically shelling out around $300 in race fees and thousands of dollars in training, gear, travel, and associated costs. “They all deserve the same tools on race day,” she says. 

New attempts at support

Some large races, like the London Marathon, have been experimenting with programs to circumvent these issues. In 2020, the race organizers announced the mass race would start half an hour earlier than usual and invited participants who anticipated finishing slower than 7 hours and 45 minutes to start at the back of the second or third wave to give them more time to finish. 

The marathon (which was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed in 2021) provided a group of fifty “tailwalkers” to walk the entire course and operate as a mobile cheer squad for those at the back of the pack. The race also kept timing mats, event photographers, and drink stations in place until the last participants were done so that everyone received the same race experience. 

In advance of the 2023 New York City Marathon, select runners including Snell and Kerr were invited to participate in a similar pilot program. On race day, Kerr will be lining up with Wave 1, which could potentially be a game changer, she says. The now three-time marathoner is glad that the earlier start time means she’ll have an official finisher time this year, but she’ll still be on the course for a long while. 

She’ll probably face some of the same issues she encountered last year, just further on. “The whole idea of not wanting to bother the fast runners makes me nervous: if it’s not an official program, do they even know?” she wonders. “Will our presence make for an uncomfortable or perhaps frustrated situation for them?”

Overall, she says she’s still excited for the race, but if it’s not doable to keep it up long term, then volunteers should at least be kept out longer, and the back-of-the-pack runners should have access to the same amenities as other runners. 

Thinking outside of the box

Snell suggests other ways to look out for slower runners on race day could include incentivizing volunteers to stay out later to cheer and support the back of the pack. “Race fees are already high and some runners are unable to participate due to the rising costs,” she says. “Offering an incentive like a discounted rate or gear to help back-of-the-pack runners will incentivize more people to help keep on these events. It may encourage a new wave of runners who are intimidated of signing up for races to consider becoming a distance runner for the long run.”

So long as there’s no ordinance preventing race organizers from doing so, she also suggests that roads be kept open a bit longer for runners, and to create mobile street teams positioned around every 5K. If funding is an issue, “perhaps networking with brands and companies to sponsor a mile or section of the course would be helpful for both racers and race directors,” she adds. 

Lastly, while representation and inclusivity in the running world has come a long way over the past few years, there’s still so much work to be done. Creating panels and conversations at expos geared toward the back-of-the-pack runners would be “incredible,” Snell says. “I don’t think there’s enough stories put out there during panels and keynotes for athletes running over 6 hours.” 

Fellow runners and spectators can help each other out, too. Dean encourages people who are planning to cheer to stay out a little longer to support beyond the 4-hour folks. “I promise you that the back-of-the-pack people are extremely grateful when you cheer for them,” she says. And if they want to provide extra support, she recommends bringing banana halves, orange peels, water, and vaseline to hand out.

Whether you’re running, cheering, or watching a live broadcast of a marathon, don’t forget the back of the pack. They deserve your support and respect, and if you’re reading this, you’re most likely a fellow runner, and you already know just how much a little encouragement can help on race day. 

“At the end of the day, we’re all running the same distance,” Dean says.

(11/04/2023) Views: 490 ⚡AMP
by Runner’s World

Colin Boerger and Jessy Sorrick win 2023 Little Rock Marathon

Colin Boerger and Jessy Sorrick are the winners of the 2023 Little Rock Marathon.

Beginning shortly after 11 a.m. Sunday and continuing into the afternoon, finishers of the 21st Little Rock Marathon will trickle across the finish line on La Harpe Boulevard.

Their legs plenty tired after completing the 26.2-mile course, runners will take a couple hundred more steps, following the signs directing them inside the back of the Statehouse Convention Center.

The runners will pose for pictures, then go grab a snack to refuel or some more water. Others might go for a celebratory Michelob Ultra -- or two -- before seeking out their friends and family for a hug.

But before any of that, each finisher will find a smiling volunteer and bow their head, awaiting one of the hundreds of oversized, sparkly, brightly-colored medals that will be placed around their neck.

Since its third edition in 2005, the Little Rock Marathon has awarded those who complete the race with a distinct, intricate prize -- enormous in size while also extravagant in detail.

This year's medal is no different, measuring in at more than 8 inches wide and nearly 3 pounds. Inspired by the theme, "Peace, Love, Little Rock Marathon," it features an interlocking peace sign and heart surrounded by symbols associated with the hippie movement such as flowers, doves, music and a van, brought to life with an array of bright, sparkly colors as is tradition for executive director Geneva Lamm.

Year after year, Lamm attempts to one-up herself with a unique and elaborate design, ensuring that each runner -- everyone from Searcy native Tia Stone, winner in five of the last seven women's races, to the final finisher -- has something to appropriately commemorate their accomplishment.

The idea spawned from a race Lamm ran in southern Texas shortly after beginning her role with the Little Rock Marathon in 2002. Lamm had just finished the marathon and her friend had completed the 5K race.

"When we finished, we got the same medal, and I was like, 'Oh, no, no, I did the marathon. I didn't do the 5K,' Lamm recalled. "They're like, 'No, that's the medal for everybody.' "

That didn't sit right with Lamm. She believed that everyone should get a medal the size of their individual achievement.

So, Lamm set out to make that the case for her race in Little Rock. She sketched out what she wanted of the first medal -- mostly in stick figures -- but quickly discovered that the companies bidding to produce them had a different idea of what it would actually look like.

That led Lamm to teach herself how to use the Adobe Creative Suite so she could specifically design the medals on her own. In 2006, she produced a sparkly version of the race's corporate logo, which Lamm calls "The Shield."

From there, the medals took on a life of their own, and each year, Lamm tasks herself with designing something one-of-a-kind to fit that race's theme.

In 2008, it was "Six in the City" to celebrate the race's sixth edition. In 2012, the theme was disco. The 2015 race was pirate-themed -- perhaps Lamm's favorite to date -- and as is the case each year, Lamm and race organizers encourage runners to dress in costume.

But idealizing and designing the medals is one thing. It's another to produce them, especially as the race has grown as large as 10,000 total runners across the different competitions -- marathon, half-marathon, 10K and 5K.

Steve Hasty, owner of Hasty Awards in Ottawa, Kan., has worked in conjunction with Lamm on and off for the last 12 years. It's not guaranteed Hasty will be the one chosen to produce the medals each race -- because the Little Rock Marathon is a fundraiser for the City of Little Rock's Parks and Recreation Department, Lamm has to run an annual blind-bidding process to determine who will get the contract for a given year.

But Hasty holds a special place in his heart for Little Rock because the medals are such a passion project for Lamm.

"There's no question that the Little Rock Marathon is the most fun race," Hasty told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. "[Geneva] is an educated customer, which makes it a lot easier."

The bidding typically begins in June, and for an early March race, Hasty likes to begin production no later than September.

For the marathon medals, the die-casting process begins by forcing each of the different colors of zinc-based alloy into the molds. Each of the different colors, many with glitter -- a Lamm specialty -- is allowed to dry before Hasty moves on to the next color.

All told, creating the Little Rock Marathon medal takes about 50 days. That's before the ribbon is hand-sewn on, all adding up to a cost of $13 per medal and leaving little profit margin for Hasty.

The goal is then to have all the medals completed and in Little Rock no later than January. Across the different competitions, that's between 9,000 and 10,000 medals -- almost a 400% increase from the 2,502 that participated in the inaugural race in 2003.

Lamm keeps a notepad on her desk at home with ideas for future themes, and she's already thinking about concepts and designs of medals for at least the next five years.

After 19 years, it's nothing but "a labor of love."

"It's always on my mind," Lamm said. "We're always trying to figure out how to do something better and new. ... The payoff for me and my staff is seeing those people cross the finish line."

(03/06/2023) Views: 1,226 ⚡AMP
by Mitchell Gladstone

2022 Little Rock Marathon calls for volunteers to help celebrate its 20th anniversary

The Little Rock Marathon is calling on the community for volunteers to help celebrate its 20th anniversary.

According to the Marathon executive director Geneva Lamm, it takes more than 2,000 volunteers and 60 sponsors to make the event happen each year.

“The Little Rock Marathon is one of the biggest events in Arkansas, and we couldn’t make it happen without the help of our tremendous volunteers,” Lamm said. “Volunteering is one of the best ways to experience all the excitement of race weekend.”

Organizers are asking volunteers to fill positions like registration workers, marathon aid stations workers, health and fitness expo volunteers, entertainers on the racecourse and workers for runner services and gear checks.

The weekend includes multiple races, including a free two-day health and fitness expo, the Little Rock Marathon, the Little Rock Half Marathon, the Little Rock 10k and the Little Rock 5k, organizers said.

(01/11/2022) Views: 1,021 ⚡AMP
by Alexis Nalley

2021 Little Rock Marathon Unveils its Medals

The Little Rock Marathon unveiled its 2021 finisher’s medals this weekend as it continued preparing for another sell-out event in the fall.

The 2021 Little Rock Marathon Race Weekend was originally slated for March 5-7, but was pushed back to November 19-21 to accommodate necessary changes due to COVID-19. This year’s race will again be held in downtown Little Rock and will benefit Little Rock Parks & Recreation.

“For many years, the Little Rock Marathon medals have set a standard in the marathon industry,” said Geneva Lamm, Executive Director of the Little Rock Marathon. “Our medals are an extraordinary keepsake that celebrates each participant’s finish.”

The 2021 family of finisher medals feature the race’s whimsical Runderland theme. This year’s marathon medal weighs more than 3 pounds. According to Lamm, the medal is a significant factor in the event’s growing popularity and sold-out races each year.

Other events taking place during race weekend include the Little Rock Marathon Health & Fitness Expo, the Little Rock Marathon, presented by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the Little Rock Half Marathon, presented by Baptist Health, the Little Rock 10K, the Little Rock 5K, presented by Arkansas Federal Credit Union, and the Little Rockers Kids Marathon, presented by the Hatcher Agency.

The 2021 Little Rock Marathon is also sponsored in part by the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Heart of Arkansas, Premium Refreshment, Little Rock Marriott, Golden Eagle of Arkansas, Rock City Running, Loreal USA, KTHV Channel 11, Fence Brokers, and DataMax Office Systems.

Registration will be available online through 11:59 p.m. CST Friday, Nov. 12, 2021 or the race is sold out. 

(04/06/2021) Views: 1,908 ⚡AMP

2021 Little Rock Marathon changes date from March to November due to pandemic concerns

The annual Little Rock Marathon that was originally scheduled for March 6-7 has been changed to Nov. 20-21 due to coronavirus concerns.

If you have already registered for the marathon, you can move it to the race in November or defer your registration until 2022. 

The 19th annual race brings thousands from across the nation and world to compete in Arkansas's capital city.

(01/12/2021) Views: 930 ⚡AMP

Jeremy Provence, cross country coach at the University of North Alabama, won the Little Rock Marathon clocking 2:42:24

Runners with Arkansas ties won the 2019 Little Rock Marathon. "I was running by myself so I just wanted to settle in and find a pace I could handle.

I just grinded it out, mile by mile," he said. "My goal this year was to win, I just wanted to do that, so I am excited to win. I was just focusing on staying even with my splits, and it paid off."

Little Rock Central High School graduate Jenny Massanelli was the first female (3:14:43).

"I like running in the cold and wet, so it didn't bother me," she said. "It was not as bad as I thought it would be. I was so happy, I could not believe it. I usually finish 7th or 6th and to be first, I feel like I'm going to wake up soon. Hometown girl - I can't wait to go to work tomorrow."

An estimated 12,000 runners participated in the weekend's festivities, including the marathon, half marathon, 5k and 10k.

(03/04/2019) Views: 1,982 ⚡AMP

Little Rock Marathon forecast predicts cold rain during the race this weekend

lt will have some roar in the form of rain and arctic air invading the Natural State going into next week, and it may be the start of meteorological Spring, which is broken down into 3 months for weather records, but temperatures will be below average after Saturday.  

As a system develops to the west and cold front approaches from the north the weather will be changing going into the weekend.

Rain will move in through Saturday afternoon, March 2 into Saturday evening, March 3, and there could be some thunder and lightning mixed in at times. 

By Sunday an area of low pressure system moves SE of the area and colder air pours in from the NW with gusty winds of 10 to 20 mph. Temperatures will be falling through the day and it is expected that rain will change to a mix then to all snow for north Arkansas.

Minor accumulations of a Trace to 1” are possible in the higher terrain of north Arkansas. A sleet pellet or a flurry is possible for central AR Sunday afternoon before the moisture moves out.

Little Rock Marathon Forecast, 7 a.m. - Rain is likely with possible thunder. Chance of rain 90%. Temperatures in the upper 40s. Winds N 10-15 mph

10 a.m. - Rain, heavy at times, windy. Chance of rain 90%. Temperatures in the low to mid 40s. Winds N 10-20 mph

(03/02/2019) Views: 2,129 ⚡AMP

Little Rock Marathon race officials announced Heifer International will serve as sponsor of the 2019 Little Rock Marathon Expo

“Heifer International is proud to sponsor the Health and Fitness Expo for the 2019 Little Rock Marathon,” said Carly Samuelson, Heifer International Peer-to-Peer Program Manager.

“This great city is home to our world headquarters and it’s a privilege to partner with the marathon in order to showcase one of our fundraising programs, Team Heifer. Our finish line is the end of hunger and poverty for all.”

“We are honored to have the support of Heifer International for our Health and Fitness Expo,” said Little Rock Marathon co-director Geneva Lamm.

“The city of Little Rock is fortunate to be home to such a wonderful program that encourages others to “pass on the gift” by sharing animal offspring in their effort to eradicate hunger and poverty around the world.”

The 17th annual Little Rock Marathon weekend will be held March 2-3, 2019 and will include the Little Rock Marathon and Half Marathon, the Little Rock 10K, the Little Rock 5K Fun Run/Walk and the Little Rockers Kids Marathon.

(02/27/2019) Views: 2,167 ⚡AMP

Little Rock marathon will be hosting DC Wonder Woman 5K/10K

Wonder Women, Wonder Men and Wonder Children will race through downtown Little Rock dressed as superheroes May 11 when the DC Wonder Woman 5K and 10K arrive in Arkansas.

Featuring costumes for all racers and a party atmosphere, the new footraces are part of the DC Wonder Woman Run Series, a joint project of California-based promoter SON Events and Warner Bros. Consumer Products on behalf of DC.

Little Rock Parks and Recreation’s Little Rock Marathon team is bringing the series to Clinton Presidential Park.

In 2018, its first year, the series of five races in California drew more than 10,000 participants, according to a news release. This year, the organizers are booking 10 events in cities across the nation and Canada.

Geneva Lamm, co-executive director of the marathon, said the marathon team is partnering with the series in Little Rock. "We are setting it all up and we'll be running it and creating the fun. We are part of the organizing body of the event."

For its work, the marathon will receive a $10,000 fee and possibly a bit more, Lamm said Thursday.

She and marathon co-director Gina Pharis attended a Wonder Woman 5K/10K in Los Angeles in November "to see is this something we want to bring to Little Rock."

(02/01/2019) Views: 2,496 ⚡AMP

Gary Corbitt is being honored by the National Black Distance Running Hall of Fame

The National Black Marathoners Association (NBMA) is pleased to announce that their Official Historian and Researcher, Gary Corbitt, will be one of the 2019 National Black Distance Running Hall of Fame honorees.

Gary, son of Ted Corbitt, "the father of long distance running," is being recognized for his contribution to the research, preservation, verification, and distribution of African-American distance running history.

Tony Reed, NBMA Executive Director says, "Gary Corbitt is the 'Carter G. Woodson' of African American distance running history. Without Gary's knowledge and support, there may not be a National Black Distance Running Hall of Fame.

He produced the African American Long Distance and Middle Distance Running History Timeline (1880 – 1979). This compilation is the first of its kind and is the Hall of Fame's foundation."

Gary says, "I accept this honor because I know my contributions to the preservation and dissemination of long distance running - track & field history is important. I'm grateful that in retirement I have time and interest in filling this need, and that my work is appreciated and making a difference."

The induction ceremony will occur at the 2019 NBMA Annual Summit Banquet at the Little Rock Marathon on Saturday, March 2. This is the organization's fifteen-year anniversary. The 100th anniversary of Ted Corbitt's birth and the fifth and tenth anniversaries of Meb Keflezighi's victories at the Boston and New York City Marathons, respectively, will also be recognized with commemorative medallions. Both were previously inducted in the Hall of Fame.

(01/04/2019) Views: 1,661 ⚡AMP

Little Rock Marathon Race directors announced today they will be hosting Black Marathoners Hall of Fame honorees

Little Rock Marathon Race directors announced today they will be hosting the National Black Marathoners Association (NBMA) in recognizing their 2019 National Black Distance Running Hall of Fame honorees. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will occur at the 2019 NBMA Annual Summit banquet at the 17thannual Little Rock Marathon on Sat., March 2, 2019. The honorees include: Herman Atkins, Alisa Harvey, Oscar Moore, and the Honorable Mayor Catherine Pugh of Baltimore, MD. An estimated 700 NBMA members from across the country will take part in the marathon and ceremony. These individuals are recognized for their running abilities from 800 meters to the marathon and for their service and leadership in the African-American and running communities. This is the organization’s fifteen-year anniversary. “We’re very excited about returning to Little Rock to honor standouts in the African-American distance running,” said Tony Reed, NBMA’s Executive Director. “We feel that it’s important that we acknowledge the things our runners have done, even if others haven’t.” (09/06/2018) Views: 1,821 ⚡AMP

Nikhil ran with two numbers at the Little Rock Half in memory of one of his patients

Completing the Little Rock Half Marathon was more than an athletic feat for Nikhil Meena, M.D.; it was a symbolic gesture as well. For the second year in a row, the UAMS interventional pulmonologist wore two numbers on the 13.1-mile course: one for himself and one in memory of a patient. “I want to let the families of my patients know that even though they are gone, they are not forgotten,” said Meena. She ran the March 4 race in memory of Grover West III, a lung cancer patient who died Nov. 20, 2016. Meena was part of the lung cancer team that treated West and remembers him as an upbeat person who always greeted her with a smile. “He knew he was very sick, but he had such a good spirit,” she said. (03/06/2018) Views: 1,673 ⚡AMP

Tia Stone Runs Sub-3, Wins Little Rock Marathon

More than 12,000 runners took to the streets of Little Rock for the 16th annual Little Rock Marathon. Racers competed in the marathon, half marathon and wheelchair events. The 39-year-old Tia Stone of Searcy won the women's race in just under 3 hours, marking her third marathon win in a row. Stone previously ran cross country and track at Harding University and has a daughter who runs cross country in middle school.“This was my fifth Little Rock Marathon and this was my fastest time," Stone said. "I’m 39 and I really wanted to go sub 3:00. I love winning this race, but if I had to choose between winning it and running sub 3 hours, I’d choose sub 3. I saw my kids throughout the course, they have been cheering for me because they know how much I have trained for this.” (03/05/2018) Views: 1,809 ⚡AMP

Mother of four wins her third straight half marathon - Little Rock is next

Tia Stone, a 39-year-old mother of four children, captured her third straight women's overall title Sunday morning in the 11th annual Run the Line half-marathon. The Searcy, Ark., runner, who placed fourth overall, completed the 13.1-mile course in 1 hour, 25 minutes, 46 seconds. "This race is like a good practice run for me." said Stone, who will be running in the Little Rock Marathon in two weeks for the third straight year. "It was my dad that got me interested in running because he was a runner where I grew up in southeast Florida," she said. "I ran relays in high school as well as college." For Stone, Sunday's half marathon was just a warm up for a full marathon in Little Rock (02/19/2018) Views: 1,748 ⚡AMP

This race upped the ante for impressive runner bling

The Little Rock Marathon has unveiled its 2018 finisher medals. The marathon has long been known for its epic race bling, and the race has certainly kept up the tradition for its 16th year. For 2018, the marathon medal measures 8.5 inches tall and weighs 2.5 pounds. Besides the medal "our mission is provide a premier event open to athletes of all abilities, while promoting a healthy lifestyle through running/walking and raising money for Little Rock Parks & Recreation." Race date 3/4/18. (01/03/2018) Views: 1,540 ⚡AMP