If you haven’t had an opportunity to visit “The Natural State”, now is your chance. Arkansas is renowned for it’s scenic beauty and abundant wildlife. Come experience the best of Arkansas while participating in one of its best half marathons.
RussVegas Half Marathon – Russellville
In only its 3rd year, the RussVegas half marathon is a pretty new event. But don’t let that stop you from registering. The race pulls in over 300 volunteers and local businesses every year to support the event and is very well organized. The race proceeds benefit the River Valley Circle of Friends and Children’s Hospital.
The Course
This race is advertised as being a fairly flat course and a great opportunity to set a PR. The total elevation gain is only 271 feet so you won’t need to worry about any serious hills. Aid stations are well stocked with water and Gatorade. They also have a couple stops that feature gummy bears and jelly beans if you need a little extra gas in the tank to get you through to the end. Register for the race here.
Credit: Map My Run
Reviews
“I think everything was handled amazingly, especially considering this was the first time they even held the race. If it had been another crappy experience like the first, I probably would have been really turned off from running but since it was so great, I definitely will be running another half, but not before I take a good long rest from training for the summer.” – Runningbreezy.com
” Race day was really by the book and lovely. There were plenty of volunteers on the course and an amazing amount of local police were available to keep the roads closed for the runners. The aid stations were wonderful and very well managed. They had water and gatorade at every two miles from what I can remember. The miles were very well marked and the course was lovely.” – Jessica Newbury, Bibrave.com
Run Bentonville Half Marathon
The Run Bentonville half marathon has been going on for 6 years now. The race itself both starts and finishes near the original “Walton Five and Dime” store which grew into the retail powerhouse known as Walmart. If you plan on running this race, be aware that the course has a 4 hour time limit, which shouldn’t be a problem for most runners. Get registered here.
The Course
This course comes with a good mix of both city streets and scenic country running and is paved the whole way. If you are looking for a PR course, this probably isn’t the race for you since most of the course is comprised of rolling hills. You’ll also want to be prepared for the 400 ft climb that starts at mile 10 and goes through the finish. There is a power bar and gel station strategically placed at the foot of the last hill and water stations are spaced about every 1.25 miles.
Credit: RunBentonville.com
Reviews
“The finish line was one of the best finishes! Thank you all for your cheers and encouragement. You helped to make my experience wonderful. I was super grateful for the volunteer crew for cutting off our timing chips because I was too tired to do it myself, LOL! The finisher medals were huge and very, very nice along with the race shirts and post race fuel which included Chicken Biscuits from one of my favorite restaurants, Chick-fil-a, pizza, fresh fruit, snacks, drinks, etc. also enjoyed coming out of the finishing area and going over to see my finishing results which they were posting on a wall as the runners came in. On it showed how you placed, etc.and if you won an age group award.” – IRunLong.com
“It is by far the best race I run all year long. This running community is fantastic, and so supportive! I have run all 5 half’s and will run this race as long as I am able” – Timothy Arnold; Facebook.com
Little Rock Half Marathon
The proceeds from the Little Rock Half Marathon go towards the local Parks and Recreation facilities. This half is a chip timed race and is limited to the first 5,400 participants. Since this race has so many participants of varying skill level, race organizers have set up start corrals corresponding to your average time. This prevents slower runners from lining up in front of faster one and makes a more enjoyable experience for all. Reserve your spot here.
The Course
This is course is relatively flat and is ran entirely on paved roads. During the race, traffic will be controlled for four hours. If you do not finish the race within the allotted four hour time limit, you will still be encouraged to finish and will receive your finishers medal, but you may be asked to use the sidewalk for the completion of your race. The lowest elevation sits around 225 feet while the highest is around 500.
Credit: Map My Run
Reviews
“We did the half-marathon but really enjoyed it. They send out emails and a bunch of Facebook posts to keep you up to date as the race approaches.The race course is awesome, but I suspect the hills come into play on the full. The registration and packet pickup was flawless. The expo is small but fun and very friendly.Water/Gatorade stations were well placed and you never needed for anything. Crowds were strategically placed on every upgrade to keep you going.The Governor cheered us on as we ran by his place.Food and drinks were plentiful with more than I have ever seen at any other race. The after party BBQ was delicious but the band was loud and not very good. We would have liked to visit and hear other runners stories but it was way too loud. Did I mention free beverages at the party?Awesome race and this is one we might do again.The medal is huge as everyone knows. – T.C., Marathonguide.com
“What a great half-marathon for my first. The staff were great, helpful, and wonderful. I was very impressed with how nice everyone was and how well organized this event was. I plan to return next year and the next year…. Thanks for making my first half-marathon a great time.” – M.G.; Marathonguide.com
Hogeye Marathon – Fayetteville
In the Hogeye Half Marathon, all finishers are awarded a medals for crossing the finish line. In addition, the top three in each age group and gender will be given additional awards on site. If you’re interested in running this race, it’s cheaper to sign up early. Registration opens as far as 8 months in advance at a fee of $40 and gradually increases to $100 until the race day in April. Find out more on their website.
The Course
The Fayetteville Police, University Police, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Department all work together to insure that traffic is controlled during the race. The course will take the runners around the gorgeous Lake Fayetteville. There are notable hills at the beginning of the race, around the first two or three miles, and a significant incline for the last three miles so keep some juice for the end.
Credit: Map My Run
Reviews
“I am from Fayetteville and have run the Hogeye Half lots of times. This year was my first full, and it was hot (~72 at 7:30 am, ~85 at 11:30), sunny, and windy. The course is tough with a good many hills, but it runs along a nice trail system that is great. There were at least 3 aid stations that were out of water when I got to them and all they had was super-concentrated Gatorade (yuck!). There was also a LONG stretch without stations between the Botanical Gardens and the dam at Lake Fayetteville. With the heat and lack of water, dehydration was very common (including me). I love this race in my hometown, but ya gotta have more water available.” – Gimmie Water., Marathonguide.com
“I ran the half marathon. The entire event was very community based, with friendly nice people at the registration and expo. The course director proudly told me he had personally designed the course, and it was a very pretty (and hilly) course, interspersed with a few straightaways. There were medals for both the marathoners and half marathoners ( a nice touch). Enthusiastic people at the water stops (could have used more gatorade). All in all, a nice community run which I would run again.” – J.M., Marathonguide.com
Soaring Wings Half Marathon – Conway
If you are just getting into this whole half marathon thing, Soaring Wings of Conway may be a great way to start! Soaring Wings offers custom training plans for runners of all experience levels from walkers to seasoned athletes. Proceeds from the event go to fund the Soaring Wings Ranch. According to the race website, “Soaring Wings is a Christ-centered family and home that provides security, love, and hope to children who need a chance, through no fault of their own, for as long as they need.” Get more information here.
Course
This course is self proclaimed as one of the flattest and fastest to run in the United States. I suppose that depends on your definition of flat, because there are a couple of decent inclines around miles 2 and 3. The course is totally paved so you won’t have to worry about adjusting to new surfaces along the way.
Credit: Map My Run
Reviews
”This was my first half marathon and I really had fun. The route was easy. I was wishing I would have signed up for the full. I will definitely be back next year!!!” – Becca Smith, Facebook.com
”This was one of THE best Half marathon courses and volunteers were terrific, even with the threat of T’ Storms they were still out there!! GREAT JOB!!” – Michael Hirons, Facebook.com
”A wonderful race, even with the rain, the route had lots of hills, way more than I expected, but still a great race! Will do it again, great support along the race route, appreciate all the volunteers, they were awesome.” – Kristen Stavely, Facebook.com