The Little Rock Marathon, started in 2003, is an annual marathon held in Little Rock, Arkansas. The event, which is traditionally held the First Weekend of March each year, attracts participants from all 50 states and over 15 different countries. The mission of the Little Rock Marathon is to provide a premier event open to athletes of all abilities, while promoting a healthy lifestyle through running and walking and raising money for Little Rock Parks & Recreation. In January 2016, Runner’s World named the Little Rock Marathon as a “Bucket List Race: 10 Great Marathons for First-Timers”. It also ranked #5 on American Town Media's "The Dream 26: The Best and Most Unique Marathons In America" list and voted one of the best Half Marathons in the nation on the 100 Half Marathons Club 2017 list. The Little Rock Marathon is famous for the world’s largest finisher’s medal (According to Runners World). Race organizers insist the medals get slightly bigger each year. The 2015 marathon medal measured 8 ½ x 8 ¼ inches and weighed just over 3 pounds. Another unique feature of the Little Rock Marathon is their themes; the event has a different theme each year. Each year the theme is reflected in everything from the décor at the Health and Fitness Expo, race course areas, and post-race events to the huge finishers medal and all official merchandise. Many participants are also known to dress in costumes according to the year's race theme. The Little Rock Marathon bills itself as "Arkansas' Race for Every Pace". With an 8-hour time limit for the marathon and half-marathon, it is very friendly for walkers and beginner runners. The Little Rock Marathon also offers a free, year-round training program for those interested in training for a race or improve/maintain their health and fitness. Course The Little Rock Marathon is a USATF sanctioned event on a certified single loop course. The course, which starts and finishes in Downtown Little Rock and also crosses over the Arkansas River, is scenic and includes many of Little Rock’s famous and historic landmarks. The very spectator-friendly course features plenty of entertainment and crowd support along the course. The race is filled with loads of southern hospitality and several unique features, such as the couch potato mile and the Lipstick Stop (so runners can look good for their finish photos). It is the first race in the state