53rd Arkansas Marathon

Check-In: 6-6:45 am at the Chamber of Commerce - Click for Map

Start Times

7:00 am - Arkansas Marathon

7:10 am - Bearcat Half Marathon

7:20 am - Booneville 10K

7:30 am - Mayor's 5K

Booneville is once again host for the Arkansas Marathon. This will be the 53rd annual running of the Marathon, the longest running race in the state. Along with the full (26.2 miles) race, there is a half (13.1), 10K and the Mayor’s 5K run/walk. The race will begin downtown at 7 am Saturday, October 9th following prayer by Brother Hank Weaver and the National Anthem by the Show Choir. Mayor Wilkins will signal the race beginning at the starting (and finishing) point in front of the Revenue office on Broadway. The race route for all races is out and back along Hwy 23 south, full marathon turn around at the Scott County line. Mile markers are posted throughout the race displaying our race Sponsor logos. Booneville has hosted the race for most of the 53 years; from 1978 through 1995.

Malvern became host in 1996 the race returning to Booneville in 2010.

Booneville’s original race route ran east to Blue Mountain and back but changed in 2016 to the current route in hope of lesser vehicular traffic for the runners.

South Logan County Chamber of Commerce race committee has organized our race each year and expects approximately 150 runners (across all 4 races) this year. We have runners come in from other states including those in the Marathon Maniac Club to complete their 50 state club membership. In the past we have had runners from Japan, France, Brazil and of course our hometown runners.

The Arkansas Marathon Best Male Marathon time was 2:26:52 accomplished 2/5/83 and Female Best was accomplished 3/6/82 with time of 2:58:34. The 2020 best race Marathon times were 3:12:33 Male and 3:37:19 Female.

We rely heavily upon our volunteers and sponsors to make this event happen. From year long planning to day of race Spirit and Aid stations. Our Spirit stations are encouraged to make the race memorable to runners by showing spirit and encouragement. The Marathoners show their appreciation by voting for their favorite, with the top four stations receiving cash for the club or non-profit represented.

This year’s race medal was designed by local student Kenneth Pantoja, a 17 year old Junior at Magazine High School. The medal depicts several items our Natural State is known for such as diamonds, honey bees and apple blossoms.

A new feature this year is the post race hospitality room sponsored by Stirling Soap and Stirling Roastery. Runners will need to bring their bib number and ID to enjoy their specialty coffees, snacks and beer all free of charge. The hospitality room will be located in their business near the finish line.

Race Update

We want to thank all the runners who participated in the 53rd Arkansas Marathon. We had runners from several cities, states and countries!

Arkansas runners came from Booneville, Magazine, Greenwood, Mansfield, Fort Smith, Van Buren, Rudy, Fayetteville, Charleston, Paris, Waldron, Mena, Arkadelphia, Hot Springs, Mineral Springs, Ozark, Clarksville, Russellville, London, Morrilton, Roland, Conway, North Little Rock, Vilonia, Cabot, Austin, Searcy, and Heber Springs. Runners traveled from Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, Louisiana, Minnesota, Florida, and California to participate.

We had Miguel Vasquez join us from Mexico City, Mexico. He was in Arkansas visiting family in Springdale. He ran in the full marathon. Jason Abernathy came from Dorado, Puerto Rico to run in the 1/2 Marathon.

Results:

Arkansas Marathon

Jake Anderson had best time overall. Greg Morris took second, with Penny Whelchel coming in third.

Bearcat Half Marathon

Alan Krenzelok had best time overall. Brett Nguyen took second, with Derek Goodlin coming in third.

Booneville 10K

Daniel Vaquez had best time overall, followed by Kolten Wright in second, and Bruce Wilkins in third.

Mayor’s 5K Walk/Run

Emory Honey had best time overall, followed by Wesley Fonseca in second, and Taylor Shaver in third.

Anyone wishing to volunteer their time for next year’s event to be held on October 8, 2022, is encouraged to do so by contacting the South Logan County Chamber at 479-675-2666. Racers can still sign up online at www.arkansasmarathon.run or drop in at the Chamber office in Booneville.