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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

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Little Rock Marathon

Little Rock, AR
Sunday, March 7, 2027


  4.9 Stars from 21 Reviews

Course Description

The Little Rock Marathon is a USATF certified race that offers a comprehensive tour of Arkansas’s capital city. Characterized by a winding, urban layout, the course is hilly and challenging. While it serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier, the technical nature of the elevation profile makes it a test of tactical pacing rather than evenly paced splits.

Course Layout and Terrain

The race is a loop that begins and ends in the downtown district near the Statehouse Convention Center. The terrain is entirely paved road, utilizing city streets and parkways. The route is technical, featuring numerous turns as it navigates through various historic neighborhoods, the Governor’s Mansion area, and the campus of Little Rock Central High School. A notable segment of the race crosses the Arkansas River via the Main Street Bridge, taking runners into North Little Rock before returning to the southern bank.

Elevation and Notable Sections

The elevation profile is persistently rolling, with a significant climb concentrated in the middle of the race.

  • The Riverfront: The opening and closing miles near the Arkansas River are relatively level, providing a steady surface for the start and the finish.
  • Kavanaugh Hill (Miles ~15–17): The most challenging section of the course occurs as runners enter the Heights neighborhood. This area features a prolonged, steady incline that serves as the highest point of the race.
  • Rolling Descents: After the peak, the course features a series of rolling descents that allow for some speed recovery, though the constant undulations can be taxing on the quadriceps.
  • The State Capitol: The final miles include a scenic stretch past the Arkansas State Capitol before a flat/downhill finish toward the riverfront.

The Little Rock Marathon is best suited for runners who have trained on varied terrain. Because of the significant climb near the midpoint and the frequent turns, it is not a typical flat PR course. PR attempts generally succeed or fail based on effort management during the Kavanaugh Hill section; runners who over-attack the middle climbs often struggle with the rolling terrain in the final 10K. It is an ideal event for those who enjoy a high-energy, community-supported atmosphere and a rewarding, hilly challenge.

Named as one of Runner's World "Bucket List: 10 Great Marathons for First Timers" in 2017, come fill your bucket at the 23rd Annual Little Rock Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Little Rockers Kids Marathon. A race with personality, loads of southern hospitality, tons of caring volunteers, a running or walking tour through the scenic streets of Arkansas' capital city and an impressive finisher's medal. We are a race for every pace. We love walkers, 8-hour time limit for Marathon race.


March Other Marathons in March Other Marathons in Arkansas Marathons near Little Rock, AR



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: Sunday, March 7, 2027
2026: Sunday, March 1, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Mostly Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: Yes

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 50°F (10°C)
Average High: 60°F (15°C)
Average Low: 41° F (5°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 98.04
Course Score: 98.04

Race Size

2026: 1,208 Finishers
2025: 1,133 Finishers
2024: 1,148 Finishers
2023: 1,045 Finishers
2022: 884 Finishers
2021: 736 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: 3%
2025: 4.3%
2024: 3.7%
2023: 3.2%
2022: 3%
2021: 3%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 17 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 62°F  (17°C)
Low: 43°F  (6°C)

Race Start Conditions

47°F  (8°C)
Humidity: 78%

Clear
S 7 mph

PR Score

97.44

Course Score

98.24






Little Rock Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Little Rock Marathon was the 81st largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 74th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 3% of Little Rock Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 4.3% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Little Rock Marathon ranked 315th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 169th so far in 2026. In Arkansas, it ranked 6th in 2025 and 3rd so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Little Rock Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Little Rock Marathon has a Course Score of 98.04, ranking it as the 342nd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 5th fastest marathon course in Arkansas.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Little Rock Marathon a PR Score of 98.04. The PR Score ranks the Little Rock Marathon as the 281st best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 5th best marathon for a PR in Arkansas.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Little Rock Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Arkansas for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Little Rock Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed342nd fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 5th fastest marathon course in Arkansas
Top 75% Nationally#5 of 8 in Arkansas
PR Potential281st best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 5th best marathon for a PR in Arkansas
Top 61% Nationally#5 of 8 in Arkansas
Boston Qualifier Rate315th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 6th highest BQ percentage in Arkansas
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 66% Nationally#6 of 7 in Arkansas
Race Size81st largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 1st largest marathon in Arkansas
Based on 2025 results
Top 14% Nationally#1 of 10 in Arkansas

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 498 feet (151m)
Min Elevation: 238 feet (72m)

Elevation Gain: 828 feet (252m)
Elevation Loss: 828 feet (252m)


Little

Course updated 02/27/2026




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Race Reviews


4.9
Based on 21 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Challenging but fun and well ran!

Full Review:

Pretty challenging course but a well ran event that the city clearly loves to support! Many aid stations with good vibes and the most incredible medal when you hopefully finish!

Race Tips:

Work on those hill repeats.
Reviewed by TW About 2026

Well organized and fun!

Full Review:

I’ve done the half and the full here. There is great communication and the crowd support is one of the best. The medals are giant. Some people say the full is super hilly, I did not think it was bad at all. This race is a giant party and so fun!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

If you stay in downtown Little Rock you can walk to the start which is very convenient. There are many hotels to choose from.
Reviewed by NebraskaRunnerGirl About 2026

Too many half-marathoners and walkers

Full Review:

I ran this race yesterday, and my experience was diminished by half-marathoners and walkers. We split from the half-marathoners at mile 6 and rejoined them at mile 7.5, which meant I had to weave through runners 1.5 miles behind me going much slower. They also seemed to lack any sense of running etiquette, cutting me off to wave to friends and coming to a compete stop at the water stops. I was relieved to be done with them by mile 14, only to have to contend with the early starters who were walking the course, many several abreast. The course is tough, with numerous grades leading to 2 big climbs from miles 15 to 17, followed by a long, quad-burning 2-mile downhill to mile 19. From there we ran through 2 parks on relatively flats, turning onto the Arkansas River Trail (a greenway) that went into a headwind, which I had to fight through for the remainder of the race. The last 1.5 miles had some not insignificant uphills. The volunteers were great, most of them balancing cups on their palms. Kudos to the race director who taught them that. There were also abundant water stops with numerous spectators also offering water and other beverages. The medal was obscenely huge and gaudy in keeping with the Mardi Gras theme. It was a fairly ordinary urban course, although the road surfaces weren't all in such great shape. I enjoyed those late 6 miles through parks the most. Despite my complaints, I ran my best time in 6 years and got 2nd in my age group, finishing 109/1353, so I don't know what those behind me experienced. I really liked that the convention center was open for runners before the race and hosted us afterwards, as it was 36 degrees at the start and in the 40s when I finished. The post-race spread was adequate, and the expo was fine.

Race Tips:

Prepare for hills. I passed a lot of runners on the hills, and the downhill was one of the longest, steepest downhills that I have ever run in a marathon. Bring your own Gu or whatever gel you use. Take advantage of staying warm in the convention center for as long as possible. Don't go out too fast.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I stayed at the Doubletree, which was right next door to the convention center. The Marriott is at the convention center. If you plan on eating at Bruno's Little Italy, the line will be very long, so get there early.
Reviewed by Keith About 2025

One of the best!

Full Review:

This is an outstanding marathon! Due to heat predicted in 2024, the race organizers moved the start from 8am to 6am. Brilliant! Organization is superb! Other marathons should study this one. They accommodated bib pickup race morning and were there by 4:30am! The start just flowed smoothly and was perfect. Plenty of time to use the many toilets. The course runs through town and the a ways out on flat ground. Always plenty of space to move, unlike many cramped courses. Plenty of flat road instead of running on a slope. They have a slow start for walkers/runners. Very considerate! Pacers are everywhere! 4:40, 4:45, 4:50, etc that I saw. The shirt is very fun. The medal is superb! (Won’t spoil it for you). The water provided at the end is special. None of this clear plastic stuff. The food is top notch! Everybody seemed to have fun. The Just sign up! They don’t get much better. AMAZING!!!

Race Tips:

Hill training a good idea.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Free parking in many places on marathon morning.
Reviewed by Cd About 2024

Not flat but a well put on race

Full Review:

Extremely well supported. Many more than 1 station every two miles in spots they may 3 per mile. Highlights the nice bridge you run over twice, you run up next the capital building.then along a wooded area. When you finish you get the largest finisher medal is an understatement which is fantastic. Beer drinks pasta ect.

Race Tips:

Prepare for winding hills from 15-18. That's not the only hills just the difficult part.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Getting to the convention center the day of the race is more difficult than packet pickup day. I was was dropped off by the convention center which was a win.
Reviewed by Ejm About 2023

Tough but what a medal!

Full Review:

Most importantly - The medal! At 3 pounds the 2022 medal (20th anniversary) is the mother of all medals. I do not know how the will top that!

Start and finish at the convention center is awesome! Great, comfortable facilities that provide fantastic shelter regardless of the weather.

The course is challenging. I was not prepared for the hills and paid for it. It is well marked and well assisted with almost enough water stations.

Improvements:
- They should start at sun rise. 8 AM is too late, when I ran it was already hot and humid, no bueno!
- A few more water stations will also help on those hot days.

Race Tips:

Train for hills!
Reviewed by JS About 2022

Awesome

Full Review:

Great organized marathon in a wonderful location

Race Tips:

Get ready for some hills

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Stay on the north side of the river
Reviewed by The wolf About 2018

Amazing!

Full Review:

Very well organized. Great route support and volunteers. Oh the Bling!

Race Tips:

Expect any possible weather.
Reviewed by RT About 2018

Race for EVERY pace!

Full Review:

I LOVED participating in the Little Rock Marathon races! I have run the 10K and the half marathon. Such energy and positive vibes! Great course! Amazing medals! Fantastic expo!

Race Tips:

Course was a tad bit hilly! Nothing that can't be done though!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Marriott Downtown...best hotel and usually the host hotel. Eat at Sonny Williams steakhouse downtown.
Reviewed by RLD About 2018

Great crowd support.

Full Review:

Great crowd support. Great course. Awesome medal!

Race Tips:

Watch out for the hill at mile 25!
Reviewed by CM About 2018

A Race Worth Repeating

Full Review:

The support by staff and spectators is terrific. Faster runners are even greeted by the governor! Enjoy the changing scenery, Challenging yet relaxed. Has an 8 hour time limit and even an 8 hour pace group! Known for its huge medal.

Always plenty of post race food. 2018 is the 5th time I've done this race.

Race Tips:

Do prepare for some hills. Race starts out in the city, goes thru friendly neighborhoods, wooded area, loop around a park and then back into the city and finish line.
Reviewed by gvc About 2018

Best Marathon for any Pace!

Full Review:

Love the Fact that the atmosphere is hopping whether you finish at 2 hours or 8 hours. Love the southern hospitality

Race Tips:

Great pace groups available up to 8 hours.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Several hotels available around start and finish line.
Reviewed by RMS About 2018

Awesome race

Full Review:

Course was great. Volunteers were amazing. Love the Medal. It's as big as my face. Great post race food. Loved it.

Race Tips:

Expect more than what they promise. You can actually talk to the race directors, which is amazing for a race of their size.
Reviewed by lb About 2018

Super Support all along the route! A real community supported event

Full Review:

The community came together and had street party, they played music, cooked on the grill all kinds of food! Church groups sang to us, blessed us!

Race Tips:

This is a GREAT 1st Marathon if you have never done one! Super Finisher Medal
Reviewed by Mary Emery About 2018

Full Review:

Awesome marathon and medal (which is my driving factor). I convinced my 2 besties to travel with me and run the 1/2.

When I met them back at the room, I was a little disappointed for them at the size of the medal. Since the promotion of the race states "half the distance, half the size" I expected the medal to be larger, yet it was closer to a quarter size....

And the spinner is tight and scrapes.

Disappointed...

All of the race was awesome, the waterstops spaced well, the volunteers awesome....

Great race.

I didn't like the white color (medal) at all.

I love the size and shape

But the white makes it look plastic and cheap especially on my wall compared to the awesome Game On gold of 2016

And I don't like the teashirts, of either year, they are just not comfortable

But I love the race!!

Race Tips:

10k day have the corral letters with opening in the gate that goes with the letter.

It was mass confusion.

We were forced to come in from back of line and could NOT get to corral.

Corral gates in marathon day were great.
Reviewed by Linda Bald About 2017

Full Review:

Reviewed by Anonymous About 2017

Full Review:

Pros: Course and atmosphere!

Race Tips:

Train on some hills

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Stay anywhere, nothing is to far and parking is easy!
Reviewed by TPF About 2017

Full Review:

I like it all but I'm biased because it is my hometown marathon and I have run it every year. It is a challenging course with flat and hilly sections. There is good crowd support downtown and in the residential neighborhoods. The organizers Gina and Geneva always throw in some new twists and keep it fun.

Race Tips:

Beware of the hills of Kavanaugh, starting early in the second half of the race. The steep downhill on North Lookout starting around the mile 16 marker can destroy you if you yield to temptation and take it too quickly.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

The dining options in or near downtown LR and North Little Rock have grown extensively over the past five years so there are lots of great choices. Three Fold noodles is a nice casual place situated a few blocks from the start and finish line. We like the pizza and calzones at Vino's brewpub, 7th and Chester.
Reviewed by br About 2016

Full Review:

Overall it was a great race with lots of support throughout the course and the governor even came out to high five and take pictures. The hill from mile 13 to 15.5 is pretty tough, and they bring you back down on a very steep hill. The out and back is not too exciting. It is a challenge, but very doable marathon course.

Race Tips:

I stuck with a pacer that knew the course really well and would make pace adjustments for the hill sections. I would really recommend finding a good pacer.
Reviewed by SAM About 2015

Full Review:

This is a well run, fairly large (2500 full, 4,500 Half, 1,200 10K) race. It is known for it's huge medal which is tacky but fun and the race directors seem to encourage fun! Get a nice short sleeve tech shirt. Expo was a little crowded for my taste but I still got out fairly quickly.

Race Tips:

The first 13 miles have a few easy hills and rollers. Miles 13 to 16.5 are mainly uphill w/ a killer from 13.5 to 14.25. After that you get a downhill and 8 miles of flat. There are two hills the final 2 miles that hurt at that point. There is a six mile out and back from 18-24 that can be mentally tough but it is flat and the most scenic section of the race.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

The host hotel (Peabody) is walking distance from the expo and the race start (and many restaurants, museums, etc). I stayed in North Little Rock to save money and was still only 10 minutes from all the action. I parked at the garage on 2nd street. It was close to the start and finish.
Reviewed by EMR About 2013

Full Review:

This is not an easy marathon course but it is doable! You run through many historic parts of Little Rock.

Race Tips:

It is important to save your strength for the hills around miles 13-16. There are some tough inclines in there but the downhill that follows is nice. Weather is usually in the 40's-50's which is perfect for marathoning!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

There is a large parking garage near the convention center that usually has ample parking.
Reviewed by TJS About 2012