Training Program Offered to Saline County Residents - Informational Meeting to Be Held Sept. 16

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Sept. 9, 2014) – Little Rock Marathon race officials announced today that residents in Saline County will have an opportunity to learn more about running or walking a marathon during an informational meeting on Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Mt. Carmel Community Center, 3505 Boone Road, Benton, Ark.

The Little Rock Marathon offers a free training program to individuals planning to participate in the 2015 race.  The official training will begin Sept. 12 in Saline County.  The Little Rock Marathon Training Program is presented by Bill Torrey’s Rock City Running and KARK Channel 4.  

The Little Rock Marathon Race Weekend, presented by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, will be Feb. 28 – March 1, 2015 and benefits Little Rock Parks & Recreation.  

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.  

“The training schedules are very do-able and are for every level of fitness,” said Hobbit Singleton, head coach of the training program.   “We had about 2,600 people in last year’s program, which was up about 37 percent from the previous season.  Our program caters to first-time marathoners and first-time runners/walkers (meaning they have never run a step).”

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

Race Weekend events include the 13^th Annual Little Rock Marathon; the Little Rock Half Marathon, presented by Baptist Health; the Little Rock 10K, presented by Windstream Communications; the Little Rock 5K; the Little Rockers Kids Marathon and the Little Rock Health & Fitness Expo.

For more information about the training program, visit the training page of www.littlerockmarathon.com.

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About Little Rock Parks & Recreation

Little Rock Parks and Recreation oversees 57 developed parks and 12 undeveloped parks totaling over 6,100 acres.  In addition, the Little Rock Parks & Recreation 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 visit www.lrpr.org. 

About Rock City Running

Rock City Running is committed to helping each individual discover their passion for running or walking. Personal service and customer satisfaction are our goals with each individual we meet.   We believe in helping people get the proper fit for their daily run or walk the first time.  Rock City Running has an unwavering commitment to give back to the sport and to the community. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities come to Rock City Running not just to buy shoes but to socialize, to train and to be a part of a true running and walking community. For more information visit www.rockcityrunning.com.

About KARK Channel 4

KARK 4 is the NBC television affiliate for the Little Rock market.  KARK 4's news division delivers local news that matters everyday through a variety of news programming, as well as award-winning weather, sports, and political coverage.   KARK is owned and operated by Nexstar Broadcasting. For more information visit https://www.nexstar.tv/. 

About Saline County Striders

The Saline County Striders running club was established in 1981 and is a member of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). The RRCA is the national association of not-for-profit running clubs dedicated to the promotion of running as a competitive sport and healthful exercise. For more information visit www.salinecountystriders.com.