KARK 4 Partners with 2011 LR Marathon Training Program

It's many months away but the time is now to start training for the 2011 Little Rock Marathon.

An informational meeting for individuals interested in training for the big race and companion races will be Monday, August 9th.

The meeting takes place at 6:00 p.m. in the Central Arkansas Main Library/Darragh Center, 100 Rock Street in Little Rock.

For the second straight year, KARK 4 is partnering with the Little Rock Marathon training program along with Academy Sports + Outdoors. KARK 4 Sports Director Kerri O'Hara will join the training program, and tonight at 6 & 10 she will file her first reports as a trainee. In the months ahead, check back with ArkansasMatters.com to see our special section on the Little Rock Marathon Training Program that will include tips to help anyone get ready for the race.

The program is a free running/walking program created to prepare individuals who plan to take part in one of the races next March.

In addition to the marathon (26.2 miles) distance, schedules are available for the half marathon (13.1 miles), relay marathon (approximately a 10K), and a 5K. Schedules are available on the training section of the website (click here).

“Our training program is really a year-round program,” said Tom Singleton, Head Running Coach of the Little Rock Marathon Training Program. “After the first Little Rock Marathon in 2003, the group never stopped training and we never stopped coaching.”

“The training schedules are very do-able and are for every level of fitness,” Singleton said. “We had about 2,500 people in last year’s program, which was up about 48% from the previous season. Our program caters to first time marathoners and first time runners/walkers (meaning they have never run a step).”

“Training for a marathon does not have to be dull, even if it means you have to be serious about it,” he said. “The old philosophy ‘no pain, no gain’ is a thing of the past. A marathon is not a competition, but an individual challenge.”

“To get people thinking about the marathon, we offer a “pre” training program,” said Hobbit Singleton, Head Walking Coach of the Little Rock Marathon Training Program. “The Build-Up Program begins in early August and lasts six weeks. By the end of the “Build-Up” schedule an individual should be able to run or walk a 10K (6.2 miles). The official marathon schedule begins September 20 and finishes on marathon day.”

“Every September, our athletes say, 'You expect us to go 6 miles?! What's wrong with you people?' and that next February the same athletes say, 'Wow, we only have to go 6 miles? It's hardly worth getting up and putting my shoes on for that short of a distance!' What a difference a training season makes.”

“Finishing a marathon requires remarkable determination,” said Hobbit. “Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned athlete, there is a place for you in the Little Rock Marathon training program.”

Official training groups are now being formed across the state. Individuals interested in leading a training group outside of Central Arkansas are asked to contact the Singletons at single5297@yahoo.com to get more information.

Registration for the training program is free and available online (click here).

Click here for more information about deadlines, details and the race or contact the Little Rock Marathon office at (501) 371-4770.