(LITTLE ROCK, AR - December 1, 2012) Registration for the 2013 Little Rock Marathon, presented by the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, is up 35% as compared to the same period last year.  

Race officials announced today the field for the 2013 Little Rock Marathon is almost at capacity with fewer than 500 registrations available in the marathon.

The Little Rock Half Marathon, presented by Baptist Health, is up 52% with less than 1,700 registrations are available.

According to Gina Pharis, Co Executive Director of the Little Rock Marathon, the marathon and half marathon will be sold out by the middle of December with the 10K and 5K selling out prior to race weekend based on current registration trends

Since inception, race officials increased participation numbers by 10% and since 2008, a registration cap was established to ensure a safe, quality race experience for all participants. 

The 11th running of the Little Rock Marathon and companion races will be March 2-3, 2013 in downtown Little Rock and benefits Little Rock Parks & Recreation.

"Our team works tirelessly to make sure every athlete's experience is unforgettable," said Pharis. "We put on a quality event; our volunteers define the meaning of southern hospitality; the City of Little Rock rolls out the red carpet for our athletes, and we give the world's largest marathon finisher's medal."

Race officials are preparing for 13,000 participants and 30,000 spectators race weekend.

On line registration is available through midnight CST on February 22, 2013 or until the registration cap has been reached at www.littlerockmarathon.com. Paper registration forms must be postmarked by February 22, 2013, but are strongly discouraged as the race may have filled prior to receipt of the form.

Prior to race day, there is a free two-day health and fitness expo on March 1 - 2 in the Statehouse Convention Center in downtown Little Rock.

The Little Rock Marathon is also sponsored in part by Arkansas Lamination Products & Services Inc., Aristotle.net , Coleman Dairy, Crowne Plaza Little Rock, Darragh Company, Datamax of Arkansas, Easy Runner (presenting sponsor of the training program), Fence World, Go! Running, Golden Eagle of Arkansas,  Hatcher Agency (presenting sponsor of the Perks Pavilion), St. Vincent Heart Clinic Arkansas, KARK Channel 4 (presenting sponsor of the training program), Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, Peabody Little Rock, Premium Refreshment Services and Whole Hog Café of North Little Rock (presenting sponsor of the Big N Bodacious Post Race Party).

For information, visit www.littlerockmarathon.com or call 501-371-4770.