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.
The start line is at the Glass Pavilion at 100 N. B Street, Fort Smith Arkansas. We will have coffee and some donuts available before the run. There will also be amazing food for the runners when they cross the finish line.
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!
Register before March 21st to guarantee your t-shirt size!
Half Marathon Awards will be at 10:00 am
Full Marathon Awards will be at 1:00 pm
Parking is available at the River Front park and other parking lots located very close.
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.
- Friday March 28th 1 pm until 6 pm.
- Saturday March 29th 10 am until 6 pm.
- 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
Free public parking is available in lots around the start line.
We recommend arriving early to give yourself plenty of time to park, warm up, and soak in the pre-race vibes.
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 Boston & 59th | 7.92 miles | 9:30 AM |
| Aid Station Whataburger | 10.21 miles | 10:15 AM |
| Aid Station McClure & Bike Trail | 12.75 miles | 11:00 AM |
| Aid Station Torriane Lake | 15 miles | 11:45 AM |
| Aid Station Disc Golf Lot | 17.75 miles | 12:30 PM |
| Aid Station Mercy Clinic | 20.75 miles | 1:20 PM |
| Aid Station First National Bank | 22.15 | 1:45 PM |
| Aid Station North Side High School | 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 3.14 (Free Ferry & Rogers Ave)
- Aid Station 3: Mile 5.31 (Hendricks & Country Club) -- Porta Potty
- Aid Station 4: Mile 6.10 (Valley & Gary) -- Porta Potty
- Aid Station 5: Mile 7.75 (Boston & 59th) -- Porta Potty
- Aid Station 6: Mile 10.15 (Whataburger Phoenix & Massard) -- Porta Potty
- Aid Station 7: Mile 12.70 (McClure & Bike Trail) -- Porta Potty
- Aid Station 8: Mile 15.00 (Torriane Lake) -- Porta Potty
- Aid Station 9: Mile 17.60 (Disc Golf Lot) -- Porta Potty
- Aid Station 10: Mile 20.36 (Hwy 45 & Industrial Park Mercy Clinic) -- Porta Potty
- Aid Station 11: Mile 22.24 (First National Bank) -- Porta Potty
- Aid Station 12: Mile 24.83 (Rogers & B) -- Porta Potty
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 3.14 (Free Ferry & Rogers Ave)
- Aid Station 3: Mile 5.31 (Hendricks & Country Club) -- Porta Potty
- Aid Station 4: Mile 6.1 (Valley & Gary) -- Porta Potty
- Aid Station 5: Mile 7.8 (Valley & Gary) -- Porta Potty
- Aid Station 6: Mile 9.00 (First National Bank) -- Porta Potty
- Aid Station 7: Mile 11.71 (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 available at aid stations 5 through 11 for the Marathon. The nutrition will consist of
- Peanut Butter Pretzels
- Gummy Bears
- GU Packets
- Oreos
- Fig Newtons
- Pickles
- Peanut Butter Crackers
Relay Interchanges
- Mile 5.3 Hendricks & Country Club
- Mile 10 Phoenix & Massard (WhataBurger)
- Mile 15 Torriane Lake
- Mile 20.5 Hwy 45 & Industrial Park (Mercy Clinic)
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:
- The Marathon: 125 participants
- The Half-Marathon: 300 participants
- Relay: 175 participants
5 Leg Relay
Sponsors
Any questions? Contact us today!
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