3 Bridges Marathon

This was one of the most flawlessly-organized races I've ever run. Not a lot of frills, but exactly what you need for an enjoyable experience or a quick time/BQ. Small, organized by runners, great weather, excellent course. I drove 4.5 hours and was able to secure a comfortable BQ due to the excellent course and support.

Parking/shuttle was easy at the start, and the tent at the start line where you wait was very warm, lots of tables, food, water, etc. Maybe could have used more than 6 porta potties, but I had time to get through the line twice despite a lengthy wait. Getting to chat with other runners. before the race in the waiting area and after the race was one of the highlights of the day for me.

The temps were absolutely perfect in the upper 30s, and the fog kept the sun from heating us up, but I would have liked to see the view and/or the sunrise. The course was extremely well marked, with cones preventing any wrong turns on the course. There was only one place along the entire 26.2 miles where I got confused, right before I passed the start line for the second time, and that was due to a 5k being run at the same time and one of their arrows almost sending me the wrong direction. Possibly something for race directors to consider in the future, a volunteer there would have set my mind at ease.

The aid stations were a highlight of the race. The volunteers were stellar; on the out and back, they remembered me the second run through and were prepared to quickly fill my bottle. I lost very little time at the aid stations. I did not need the restroom during the race, but there were toilets every 2ish miles. The clothing drop at mile 2 was a great feature, as I was happy to start the race warm and collect my sweatshirt and mittens after the race. The drop bag station was very convenient and I was even able to get mine back when I forgot to grab my headphones before the race.

The shuttle going back was a little slow, and the 15 minute wait in the cold was a little tough. It was quick once we got there and in a few minutes I was in my car and on the road.

The course is not extremely flat as advertised on this site. It is a great course if you love gently rolling hills. I was able to run a very well -paced race. The middle bridge is challenging, and the last bridge right before the finish line is also a tough one. It's hard to run the tangents, as the majority of the course is along a running/biking path with a lot of curves, so I was closer to 26.4 by the end. Plan for that in your pacing strategy. This is a small race, so If you have a somewhat competitive time, you could very well place overall or in an age group category. The overall trophies were extremely nice quality, and mine is displayed on my wall.

I recommend staying close to the start/finish line as Little Rock traffic is rough on a Friday evening. Getting in out of the city on Saturday after the race was easy though, especially with a late check out time and warming up in the shower before I headed out. There are lots of grocery stores and restaurants available. I opted for Aldi items for a PBJ the night before to avoid crowds and germs at restaurants.

I ran the race in 2016 and spectated for my wife in 2017 and 2018. As a runner, it's an extremely well-organized, well-supported race. The second out and back portion might be deceptive for inexperienced marathoners.

Aid stations have standard marathon fare and very willing and supportive volunteers. The course is mostly flat. There are a few bridges that function like decent hills and one slightly rolling section along the trail near the golf course. If you're looking to be distracted by the sights and scenery of the city, it's not on par with the Little Rock Marathon. But if you just want to run your race and take in a mix of nature and city and not be in a big city herd of runners, it's up your alley. The one frustrating thing about this race is having to literally pass the finish line after running the major out and back portion of the race only to have to slog through those last 7 miles on the quietest, loneliest portion of the course. Not a deal breaker for anyone that has a few races under their belt. Depending on the year/weather, you might be sharing the trail portion with a decent amount of road bikers. The trail is not closed to the public during the race.

Logistics are surprisingly complex for such a small race. There is no parking near the start/finish due to it being situated in a small park. Therefore, the race runs shuttles at regular intervals before the start and after the finish. However, the last trolley before the start runs at 6:15. If race day is cold, you'll have to shiver or share a warming tent for a long time. Particularly if you're the type that doesn't want to be on "the last trolley" and aim to get to the start even earlier. For family, it is very easy to follow your runner to practically every aid station throughout the race. The one exception would be the last out and back/loop. You can catch your runner coming into the first aid station on that portion. Then, if you want to ensure you are at the finish line, you need to go ahead and start the trek back to one of the two designated shuttle/trolley lots to get to the finish in time for your runner to cross.

It is a very well run, organized marathon. It is simple and scenic. Basically you run 10 miles out and back and add a 10K loop at the end. This is a good course for spectators as well. My husband and kids were able to cheer for me at 4 different locations.

This course is relatively flat with the exception of the three bridges (and you will go up and down each bridge twice). In 2013 temp was in the low 40's overcast the entire time.

Race begins at 7am so if you have a far drive you should stay in Little Rock.

Mostly all paved trail. Great scenery. Great atmosphere

Make sure you register early it sells out quickly

Use the host hotels they are awesome. I used the la Quinta.