There aren't an abundance of half-marathon races in central Arkansas. Half marathons are becoming more popular statewide, but after the Little Rock Marathon's half and Soaring Wings in Conway, Little Rock runners are left with mostly 5K and 10K races to tide them over.
Race 13.1, an out-of-state promotion with 20 events across the South this year, will hold its inaugural event in the capital city Sunday. Though it will also provide 5K and 10K races beginning at 7:15 a.m., as the name suggests, the main attraction is the half marathon beginning at 7 a.m.
The mostly flat out-and-back style course will start and finish at the Clinton Presidential Center, crossing the Arkansas River on the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge into North Little Rock and heading west along the Arkansas River Trail toward Burns Park. Hydration stations will be approximately every mile and a half.
Registration is open online or can be placed in person on race day. Today the 5K costs $29, the 10K $39 and Race 13.1 , $79; on Tuesday, the fees go up $6 for the shorter courses and $10 for the long one.
Packet pickup will be available 11 a.m. -5 p.m. Saturday at Fleet Feet Easy Runner in the Pleasant Ridge Town Center, or 5:30-6:30 a.m. Sunday near the starting line at the Clinton Presidential Center, 1200 President Clinton Ave.
Walkers are welcome, but there is a 3 1/2-hour time limit.
Racers will be chip timed. Overall and age group awards will be given. The first place finishers in the 5K/10K will be recognized, as will the top three finishers in Race 13.1. Age groups are 19 and under, then separated in five-year increments up to 70 and older.
All runners will receive T-shirts and Race 13.1 finishers will receive medals. Runners of legal age will receive two free 16-ounce beers at the post-race celebration provided by Victory Brewing Co.
More information is at (866) 561-5851, Extension 301, or race131.com.
ActiveStyle on 09/14/2015