Little Rock Marathon race officials on Monday unveiled the 2010 version of the world’s largest marathon finisher’s medal.
The Little Rock Marathon will be held March 5 – 7 in downtown Little Rock.
“In 2004, Runner’s World Magazine reported that we gave out the ‘world’s largest marathon finisher’s medal,” Gina Marchese Pharis, Co-Executive Director said. “For six years we have been recognized as having the world’s largest marathon finisher’s and we believe we can still claim the title with this year’s Natural medal.”
“When we started the Little Rock Marathon we had no idea the medal would be what we are known for,” Pharis said.
“Our race is known for coming up with something fun and different each year,” Pharis said. “Athletes come from around the world to take our medal home. Only a few take away the winner’s title. But, when all said and done the one thing so many finishers cherish is their medal. They run for the hardware and every finisher takes home hardware.”
The 2010 Little Rock Marathon finisher’s medal is 7 3/4 inches long and 6 inches wide. The medal features the 2010 “It’s a Natural” theme and weighs in at a 1.67 pounds. The medal features the race’s signature globe, as well as race director’s kiss.
According to Jon Scott of Maxwell Medals & Awards of Traverse City, MI, the average finisher’s medal is 2.5 inches and weighs approximately 3 ounces. Maxwell Medals & Awards produces the Little Rock Marathon finisher medals, as well as medals for major races including the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and Race for the Cure.
The half marathon finisher’s medal also features the 2010 race theme and is 4 inches long by 4 inches wide.
Race day is Sunday, March 7. In addition to the marathon (26.2 miles), there is a half marathon (13.1 miles) race, presented by Baptist Health; a 4 person relay marathon (26.2 miles divided into four segments) and the Classic Rockers Final Mile (for individuals 55+ who completed at least 25.2 miles prior to race day).
The Little Rock 5K Fun Run/Walk, presented by Windstream Communications, is Saturday, March 6 at 8 am. The Little Rockers Kids Marathon (26.2 miles completed over an extended time frame), presented by Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Today’s THV, for children 7 to 12 is Saturday, March 6 at noon. All races start at the River Market and finish at the Riverfest Amphitheatre.