Fort Smith Marathon
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About the race
The Fort Smith Marathon, Half Marathon, 5 Leg Marathon Relay, and 2 Leg Half Marathon Relay take place in Fort Smith, Arkansas on March 21, 2027. The start and finish for the marathon and half marathon are at the River Front Pavilion / Glass Pavilion, 100 N B St, Fort Smith.
Events offered include the Marathon, Half Marathon, a 5 Leg Marathon Relay, and a 2 Leg Half Marathon Relay. Entry caps are specified by distance: Marathon 150 entries, Half Marathon 450 entries, and the two relay events combined 200 entries. Packet pickup is scheduled for Friday, March 19 (1:00–6:00 pm) and Saturday, March 20 (10:00 am–6:00 pm); a race day packet pickup option is available for a fee. Free public parking is available in lots around the start area.
The course runs through historic downtown, residential neighborhoods, and paved trails, and features rolling terrain with several climbs and descents. The half marathon follows the marathon route but turns off near mile 7.5 and rejoins around mile 9. The marathon course uses a rolling course-closure system and is designed to close on a seven-hour pace; runners who miss cutoffs will be shuttled back.
Relay leg breakdown (approximate):
- Leg 1: 5.4 miles, 260 ft elevation gain
- Leg 2: 4.8 miles, 114 ft elevation gain
- Leg 3: 4.5 miles, 262 ft elevation gain
- Leg 4: 6.3 miles, 237 ft elevation gain
- Leg 5: 5.5 miles, 237 ft elevation gain
Aid stations are placed at multiple mile markers and provide water, Gatorade, basic first aid, and portable toilets at some stations. Nutrition is available at several marathon aid stations and includes items such as peanut butter pretzels, gummy bears, and GU packets. Relay exchange locations are listed along the course. The event also includes a multi-year Landmark Medal Series and an optional AMP Challenge detour with its own commemorative coin; a separate AMP Challenge Shakeout Run is offered before race day. Awards for full and half marathon finishers are available at a table after the race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
