More than 4,000 runners and walkers are expected to take to the streets Sunday, March 4, for the fifth annual Little Rock Marathon, which starts at 8 a.m. The 26.2-mile course starts at Third and Broadway and continues on a loop around downtown, through Hillcrest, down Lookout to Rebsamen Park Road and Murray Park and back up Cantrell to the finish line at Capitol and Victory streets. If this year’s race is like previous years’, participants will be cheered on at every step along the way; thousands line the route to watch the race, which includes half-marathoners, relay teams, kids marathoners and short family runs.
Broadway, Woodlane, Chester and other streets will be closed downtown, but police officers will allow cars to cross during gaps in the runners. Portions of Kavanaugh from the Capitol to North Lookout will be closed to traffic, and one lane eastbound on Cantrell will be closed. Rebsamen Park Road is also closed from the golf course (sorry, no golf during race hours) to Overlook.
The weekend gets started Friday with the Little Rock Marathon Health and Fitness Expo at Robinson Center Exhibit Hall. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and runners can pick up their marathon packets at the expo, which is free and open to everyone. Learn about the latest in running gear, sports apparel and health and nutrition. The Marathon Official Store will have a large selection of souvenirs.
More information is available at www.littlerockmarathon.com or by calling 371-4639.