Don't say I didn't warn you.  The Little Rock Marathon a week away and I wanted to share with you the official courses for the 2024 Little Rock Marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K taking place March 3.  In other words, unless you like me are going to support a runner, avoid these areas.

The loop courses boast tours of downtown, the Clinton Presidential Library, the Arkansas State Capitol and other beloved city sights.  The 26.2-mile marathon course starts downtown, taking athletes across the scenic Broadway Bridge into North Little Rock before returning back over the Broadway Bridge. This is a return to the 2020 marathon course, which was changed in 2021 due to the construction on Interstate 30.  The half marathon follows a similar route, which will include the Governor’s Mansion and Central High School landmarks. The 10K and 5K courses run through downtown Little Rock, unchanged from 2023. 

This year’s race theme is “DinoMite.” According to the City, this year’s race is set to transport us all back in time to the era of dinosaurs and cave dwellers. They invite everyone to "unleash their inner T-Rex and power through some truly Jurassic miles" during the event's 22nd race.

From the marathon's recent news release, "We're excited to showcase some of Little Rock's iconic landmarks and neighborhoods along our marathon route," said Race Director Mike Garrity. "From the sleek design of the Clinton Presidential Center to the vibrancy of the SOMA District, athletes will get a terrific tour of our great city." 

The Little Rock Marathon events benefit Little Rock Parks & Recreation, with more than $1.6 million donated to the department since the race began in 2003. 

Race weekend includes the Little Rock Marathon Health & Fitness Expo, presented by the Hatcher Agency; the Little Rock Marathon, presented by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette; the Little Rock Half Marathon, presented by Baptist Health; the Little Rock 10K, presented by Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield; the Little Rock 5K, presented by Arkansas Federal Credit Union; and the Little Rockers Final Mile.   

For more information on the 2024 Little Rock Marathon, please go to: https://littlerockmarathon.com/course/.