LITTLE ROCK, AR - Registration is now open for the 2009 Little Rock Marathon Festival to be held March 13 - 15, 2009. Discounted registration prices are available online and have been extended to November 1, 2008.

Events include the Little Rock Marathon, presented by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the Little Rock Half Marathon, presented by Baptist Health, the Little Rock Marathon Relay, the Little Rock 5K Fun Run/Walk, Little Rockers Kids Marathon, Classic Rockers 55+ Marathon, and the Little Rock Health & Fitness Expo, presented by Arvest Bank.

Registration for the Little Rocker’s Kids Marathon and Classic Rockers 55+ Marathon will open September 1, 2008.

Training for the 2009 races begins in late September with an expanded training schedule and training locations anticipated.

"We expect things to get a little wild in 2009," said Gina Marchese Pharis, co-executive director. "We sold out of the half marathon and full marathon in mid February earlier this year and I anticipate we will be sold out in early February this year. We are encouraging everyone to sign up now so they can go a little wild at the 2009 Marathoners Gone Wild - Little Rock Marathon."

The 2008 event (held earlier this year in March) saw a 35% increase in participation with almost 12,000 participants in the various training programs and races according to Pharis.

On line registration is available at www.littlerockmarathon.com through 11:59 CST March 2, 2009. A mail in registration form is also available on the registration page of the website or by calling race headquarters at 501.371.4770. Mail-in registration forms must be postmarked by March 2, 2009. If space is available, registration will resume at the Little Rock Marathon Health & Fitness Expo at the Statehouse Convention Center race weekend.

For more information about deadline, details and the race, visit the website or contact the Little Rock Marathon office at 501-371-4770.
###

Little Rock Parks and Recreation (LRPR) oversees 53 parks, four community centers, the Adult Leisure Center, War Memorial Fitness Center, four swimming pools, two tennis centers, the River Market, the Riverfest Amphitheatre, three golf courses, and the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History. The LRPR system includes more than 5,000 acres of designated parks and open space. In addition, the organization offers a wide-range of youth and adult recreational and sports leagues, after-school and summer playground programs for children ages 6-15, outdoor recreation, therapeutic recreation and programs for seniors. Funds raised will continue to support parks and recreational programs for all ages. For more information about Little Rock Parks & Recreation please visit www.lrpr.org <http://www.lrpr.org>.