Fort Smith Marathon, Half Marathon & 5 Leg Marathon Relay

Get ready for an unforgettable race experience at the Fort Smith Marathon, starting in the heart of historic downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas. This stunning course will take you through charming neighborhoods, scenic paved trails, and the rolling terrain, offering a challenge for all runners. Along the way, you'll pass iconic landmarks and experience the rich history of this vibrant city.

Whether you're aiming for a personal best or simply want to enjoy the views, the Fort Smith Marathon, Half Marathon, or 5 Leg Relay is the perfect event for runners of all levels. With a race starting at 7:00 AM on Sunday, March 30, 2025, don't miss the chance to be part of this exciting and challenging race.

Join us for the journey – Run the Fort Smith Marathon and discover the beauty of this historic city!

Shake Out Run and Packet Pickup

Get ready for an exciting race weekend! Join us at the True Grit Running Co, where the fun begins before race day! We will be having a Shake Out Run at 8 am. The first 25 people will get a unique gift. Can't make the Shake Out Run, True Grit Running Co will be open from 10 am to 6pm for you to pick up your race packet, ask any questions and shop.

Packet Pickup Details:
All participants are required to pick up their race packets at True Grit Running Co prior to race day, unless you specifically registered for the Race Day Packet Pickup option.

Picking Up for Someone Else: We consider everyone a runner, and we're happy to allow friends to pick up packets on behalf of others
Race Day Pickup Option: Prefer to pick up your packet on the morning of the race? For a $5 fee, you can opt into Race Day Packet Pickup by registering in advance through Runsignup.

Don't miss out – come join us for a pre-race celebration and get everything you need for race day!

Information about aid stations, relay exchanges, pacers, and such can be found on our Race Day Information Page or email us at fortsmithmarathon@gmail.com

Fort Smith Marathon Course Closure & Cutoff Policy

The Fort Smith Marathon follows a rolling course closure to ensure runner safety and timely reopening of roads.

Key Cutoff Guidelines

Soft Close Zone: If you are approaching the cutoff pace, the Aid Station Captain will warn you that you are nearing the soft close zone.
Hard Cutoff: If you exceed the cutoff time at any checkpoint, you must stop running and will be shuttled back to the starting line.

The course is designed to close on an 8-hour pace. Runners who fall behind these times will not be allowed to continue, as sidewalks are not available for safe return to the finish line.

Hard Cutoff Times

Aid Station	Mile Marker	Cutoff Time
Aid Station #5	7.92 miles	9:30 AM
Aid Station #6	10.21 miles	10:15 AM
Aid Station #7	12.75 miles	11:00 AM
Aid Station #8	15 miles	11:45 AM
Aid Station #9	17.75 miles	12:30 PM
Aid Station #10	20.75 miles	1:20 PM
Aid Station #11	22.15	1:45 PM
Aid Station #12	25 miles	2:40 PM
Finish Line	26.2 miles	3:00 PM

Important Notes

⚠️ Cutoff times are strictly enforced. If you reach an aid station past the cutoff, you will be shuttled back to the start.
⚠️ Do not argue with aid station personnel about cutoffs—they are in place for safety and city road reopening.
⚠️ Plan your pace accordingly to stay within the allotted time.

Thank you for your cooperation in making the Fort Smith Marathon a smooth and safe event for all participants!

Marathon Aid Station Locations

Explore the approximate locations for each aid station:

Aid Station 1: Mile 2.0 (13th & B)
Aid Station 2: Mile 4.0 (Free Ferry & Albert Pike)
Aid Station 3: Mile 5.3 (Hendricks & Country Club) -- Porta Potty
Aid Station 4: Mile 6.5 (Valley & Gary) -- Porta Potty
Aid Station 5: Mile 7.8 (Boston & 62nd) -- Porta Potty
Aid Station 6: Mile 10.0 (Phoenix & Massard) -- Porta Potty
Aid Station 7: Mile 12.6 (McClure & Bike Trail)
Aid Station 8: Mile 15.0 (Torriane Lake) -- Porta Potty
Aid Station 9: Mile 17.5 (Disc Golf Lot) -- Porta Potty
Aid Station 10: Mile 20.5 (Hwy 45 & Zero) -- Porta Potty
Aid Station 11: Mile 22.0 (ArcBest)
Aid Station 12: Mile 24.7 (Rogers & B) -- Porta Potty
Aid Station 13: Mile 25.5 (13th & B)

Half Marathon Aid Station Locations

Explore the approximate locations for each aid station:

Aid Station 1: Mile 2.0 (13th & B)
Aid Station 2: Mile 4.0 (Free Ferry & Albert Pike)
Aid Station 3: Mile 5.3 (Hendricks & Country Club) -- Porta Potty
Aid Station 4: Mile 6.5 (Valley & Gary) -- Porta Potty
Aid Station 5: Mile 7.8 (Valley & Gary) -- Porta Potty
Aid Station 6: Mile 8.9 (ArcBest)
Aid Station 7: Mile 11.6 (Rogers & B) -- Porta Potty
Aid Station 8: Mile 12.3 (13th & B)

Race starting times

Who’s ready to race?

All races start at 7 am.

We’ll see you at the finish line!

Pacers

We have pacers to help runners achieve their goals more effectively. Here are the pacer times for the Marathon:

3:30
3:45
4:00
4:15
4:30
4:45
5:00
5:15
5:30
5:45
6:00

Half Marathon:

1:40
1:50
2:00
2:15
2:30
2:45
3:00
3:15
3:30

Aid Station features

Aid stations equipped with:

Water
Gatorade
Basic First-Aid Kits & Supplies
Portable Toilets will be available at some aid stations
Nutrition will be availabe at aid station 9 and 11 for the Marathon.

Relay Interchanges

Mile 5.3 Hendricks & Country Club
Mile 10 Phoenix & Massard
Mile 15 Torriane Lake
Mile 20.5 Hwy 45 & Zero

Running the Numbers

Due to a limited number of medals ordered, race entries are capped, so secure your spot today before it’s too late!

Starting in the heart of historic downtown Fort Smith, this scenic and challenging course will take you through beautiful neighborhoods, scenic trails, and rolling terrain. It’s an experience you won’t forget— but hurry, spaces are filling up fast!

Race Day: Sunday, March 30, 2025
Start Time: 7:00 AM

Sign up now to guarantee your place in this unforgettable marathon and earn your exclusive finisher's medal!

Each distance as follows: