Jennifer Clark (HF16743, MM15623) – Groovy… Far out… Psychedelic dude!! A Day of peace, love and running!!
Little Rock Marathon on Sunday.which includes a Half, as well as a 10K and 5K on Saturday is known for being a fun race and for their huge medals. The race today did not disappoint!
Packet pick up on Saturday was at the Statehouse Convention Center. It was very easy to get my packet and I also enjoy browsing through the expo at all the vendor exhibits. This included pictures at all the fun decorations!
This year’s theme was the 70s Love and Peace. and there were lots of balloon decorations. It even had a cardboard cut out of a blue and white VW bus, just like the one David had back in the 70s!
The weather today was perfect for a spring race. The race started at 8:00am with a temperature of 48 degrees and warmed up throughout the day. A lot of the runners dressed as 70s Flower Children in colorful tied dye “Hippy” outfits!
Starting behind the Convention Center, we circled through downtown, then went across the bridge into North Little Rock. About 6 miles of the race went through residential and industrial areas in this smaller city across the Arkansas River. We then crossed back over the bridge into downtown LR.
The second half of the race went through old residential areas of Little Rock. There were many beautifully restored homes and the local residents set up several rogue aid stations, offering beer, mimosas, and Fireball along with snacks. Finally, we circled back towards downtown and finished at the start line.
It was so much fun to cross the finish line, go inside the Statehouse, and receive the beautiful and huge metal. A great after party was set up in the convention center where the expo had been the day before. They had quite a selection of drinks, including beer and chocolate milk. Also they provided fruit, chips and a pasta dish which they served in cups to make it easy to carry.
The Little Rock race has a history of being well organized and today was no exception. Aid Stations were every two miles and were well manned. One official “Unique Aid Station” toward the end was a lipstick giveaway, because every lady who just finished a race wants to look her best for the pictures!! Police support was excellent and crowd support was outstanding! Most important for some… plenty of porta-potties along the course!
They have a new theme each year and I will be interested to see what next years will be. I had a great time at the race today with the added bonus of seeing so many friends from across the country! David enjoyed the race as well… commenting that he has never had so many people stop for 0.0 Cowbell Guy selfies! We both look forward to returning for the Little Rock Half Marathon again.
Half #231 is in the books!
Photo and Post Credit Jennifer and David Clark