FORT SMITH- Runners of all ages and skill levels will have the chance to put their training to the test as the Fort Smith Marathon kicks off on February 10th, 2019 at 8:00 AM. The race will begin on 100 N. B. St.
2019 marks the 5th year since the event began,which includes a 26.26 mile marathon, a 13.06 mile half marathon, and 4 relay legs that vary from 5.5 to 7.5 miles.
“For such a small town, our marathon is super supported by the community”, Race Director Samantha Cole toldinsidefortsmith.com. “We have support from the police department, the sheriffs department, and from multiple organizations in the city”
Proceeds for the Fort Smith Marathon go towards funding the various trails in Fort Smith through the parks department.The marathon has raised $150,000.00 over the past four years. Projects such as the recently built Fort Smith Riverfront Park have benefited from marathons in previous years.
The course of the marathon encompasses most of the city and will cover downtown, local neighborhoods, paved trails, and various types of terrain.
For those interested in participating, registration is open up until the day of the race if slots are available. You can register until midnight tonight at runsignup.com or check for available slots at the packet pickup location on the day of the race.
Registration fees are $100 for the full marathon, $75 for the half marathon, and $200 for relays. Fees may be slightly higher for same day registration.
The Fort Smith Expo Center will host the packet pickup location where participants can pick up their registration information from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. An expo will also be on site with multiple vendors from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
“27 different vendors will be on site if you want to shop for last minute race needs”, stated Race Director Samantha Cole. “We have health items as well, so its kind of health and wellness expo.”
The Fort Smith Police Department tells us that streets will not completely close during the marathon, but officers may be blocking and directing traffic while runners are moving through the path of the race.
“It will definitely important to realize that there will be pedestrians out on the road, there will be a lot of them, and those pedestrians will be vulnerable,” stated Public Information Officer Aric Mitchel with the Fort Smith Police Department. “Citizens will want to plan their day ahead and have some caution at the areas where the runners will be”.
Mitchell tells us six officers, including Deputy Chief Baker, will be giving the half marathon a go.
More information can be found at the 2019 Fort Smith Marathon website including maps of each marathon event and registration information.