I ran Little Rock's marathon for the massive dinosaur medal, and the old South surprised me

Preface

Out of deep winter, into spring: running toward the middle of the map

By early March, the weather was finally starting to warm up. I had just locked in my internship offer, and my mind was feeling a bit lighter.

This marathon was actually planned long ago, registered together with the Oak Island run. One was on the North Carolina coast, the other in Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas.

I chose Little Rock entirely for the massive medal. This year's design featured a menacing dinosaur with a heavy metallic feel — I have absolutely no resistance when it comes to cool stuff like this.

Starting from Kentucky, we drove all the way south. The route took us through Tennessee, then Mississippi, and finally into Arkansas. The most immediate feeling along the way was not the scenery changing, but the highway quality.

The highways in Tennessee are fantastic — wide lanes, clear markings, solid road feel, and high speed limits. Driving there was incredibly smooth.

But the moment we crossed into Mississippi, the road started rattling, as if to remind you not to get too ahead of yourself.

Once in Arkansas, the road bumps practically shouted "Welcome to the South" with potholed asphalt, faded lane lines, and heavy truck traffic that made the narrow lanes feel even tighter.

But the sun was wonderful. Spring in the South was free from damp cold; outside the car window was a soft golden glow, and the breeze was calm.

Though the road quality was questionable, we were in good spirits. We successfully arrived in Little Rock, the home of President Clinton and the 17th state of my 50-state marathon quest.

State 17: Arkansas | A presidential home and a quiet running destination

🦖 Little Rock, AR

Arkansas sits in the south-central United States. While not completely isolated, it's certainly not a major tourist destination.

Its capital, Little Rock, is small but has some fame — after all, it's the home of President Bill Clinton.

Built along the Arkansas River and surrounded by hills and forests, the city has its share of ups and downs. Walking around, you realize it's a bit quiet — not bustling, yet not entirely desolate. There just aren't many people.

But apparently, dogs are everywhere, to the point of being a bit overwhelming. I'd call it the "few people, many dogs" state. It's not necessarily good or bad, but it gives the place a distinct Southern vibe.

Arkansas indeed has a quiet profile, but it has its own character:

It's one of the most naturally rich states in the U.S., with plenty of mountains, lakes, and state parks;

It serves as a key logistics corridor, with the headquarters of J.B. Hunt, the largest trucking company in the U.S., located nearby;

It has witnessed major historical events, such as the 1957 Little Rock Crisis when federal troops were sent in to desegregate the high school.

Running a marathon in this city leaves you with a quiet, unique, and slightly gritty memory of the American South.

Arriving in Little Rock: stepping into spring

🦖 Little Rock, AR

We arrived in Little Rock just after 3 p.m. The sun was bright, the city was quiet, and the air already carried a hint of spring.

We originally planned to go straight downtown for packet pickup. But driving past a white-domed building, we were captivated by a pink magnolia tree in full bloom, with sunlight filtering through the branches as if spotlighting the structure.

We got out of the car immediately. This was the Arkansas State Capitol, one of Little Rock's most iconic landmarks. Built to resemble a miniature U.S. Capitol, the white marble structure with its grand dome looks exactly like a state capital should.

The trees in front of the Capitol were blooming beautifully — likely saucer magnolias. The massive pink blossoms hanging from the branches under the sunlight made for perfect pictures.

So we started shooting, posing in front of the flowers, framing them against the building, and taking endless selfies. It felt like we were doing a wedding shoot for the Capitol.

Packet Pickup | A dinosaur playground on Main Street

After taking enough photos, we drove on to the city center for packet pickup.

The pickup location was near Main Street downtown, set up in a convention hall and parking garage combo. When we arrived, balloons were hanging at the entrance, and the parking structure featured a massive, colorful mural spelling out "MAIN STREET."

Stepping inside felt like walking into a cartoon theme park, complete with balloon arches, dinosaur figures, colorful flags, and cartoon backdrops.

The Little Rock Marathon is famous for its massive, quirky medals. This year's theme was "Runosaurs," and the medals, shirts, and mascots were entirely dinosaur-themed.

City Stroll | Rivers, bridges, a submarine, and a selfie sign

With packet pickup done and plenty of time left, we went for a stroll along the riverfront.

The Arkansas River, a major tributary of the Mississippi, flows right through Little Rock, serving as the city's geographical center line.

Several bridges span the river, from modern expressways to historic railway crossings.

One bridge caught our attention with its hybrid look — half modern, half rusted, looking like two different eras spliced together.

It turns out this is Junction Bridge. Originally a railway bridge, it was later retired, and a section was converted into a pedestrian skyway that is now a popular scenic spot.

Looking back from the bridge, the sunset painted the city in gold. With the skyline in the distance and light reflecting off the water, Little Rock looked surprisingly majestic — very different from the "dilapidated and chaotic" rumors.

Even more surprising, a decommissioned submarine (USS Razorback, SS-394) was docked along the shore. Now a naval museum, it allows visitors to climb aboard and tour the decks.

Half-submerged and bathed in the sunset glow, its weathered iron hull looked like a physical piece of history.

Walking further along the bank, we spotted a large photo-op sign that read:

“I’M BIG ON LITTLE ROCK”

We couldn't resist striking a few poses and snapping some selfies with the bridge and the fading sky behind us.

A quick flight with the Hover X1 pocket drone, and we had some great aerial shots.

Little Rock wasn't as quiet as we had imagined. Its charm is something you discover only when you slow down and explore.

Race Day | Running through Clinton's hometown at dawn

🦖 Little Rock, AR

Race Morning: The Start Line Under the Spotlights

Before dawn, we drove ten minutes to the River Market Pavilion, the start area for the Little Rock Marathon.

The full marathon was scheduled to start at 6 a.m. When we arrived, the sky was pitch black, but the starting corral was brilliantly lit by floodlights, buzzing with energy.

Before I could even process it, the full marathon pack was off. Adjusting my gear on the run, I quietly blended into the crowd and started jogging forward.

Starting near the River Market, the course wound through the downtown streets before crossing the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge over the Arkansas River.

Next, it entered North Little Rock on the other side of the river, looped through the east bank, and crossed back over the bridge to the main city.

From there, the route pushed west through green parks, residential neighborhoods, and rolling hills, before finishing at the War Memorial Stadium on the city's west side.

The elevation changes weren't too severe — just a couple of hills in the second half — making for a solid course overall.

Running in the dark at the start, I was wearing a retro deep-red Arsenal jersey, which clashed with the neon streetlights to give off a distinct "nightclub runner" vibe.

The passing police cruisers flashed their blue lights, throwing a neon-blue glow over my face. It looked like a low-budget AAA video game effect — as if I was about to release my Avatar and awaken my blue face. I almost stopped to strike a dramatic pose.

Running in the dark, we hit the bridge around Mile 1. The dim yellow streetlights felt like a vintage film filter, framing my retro red Arsenal shirt like a late-night training session in North London.

The other side of the bridge led into North Little Rock, the city's northern suburb.

Coming off the bridge, the course threaded through tree-lined streets in North Little Rock.

The white-flowered trees along the road were in full bloom, looking like rows of exploding cotton candy.

Just then, a runner in a purple-and-gold Lakers #24 jersey appeared ahead, shining bright in the morning mist.

With a golden headwrap, his silhouette carried a strong "Mamba Mentality." From behind, it looked like Kobe Bryant out for a dawn practice session.

For a second, I felt like I was in that famous 4 a.m. Los Angeles dawn.

But this was 6:30 a.m. in Little Rock. Kobe is gone, but the Mamba spirit he left behind continues to march forward under the feet of runners.

I ran behind him for a few hundred meters, feeling the quiet pull of that legacy. Respect!

By Mile 3, we doubled back across the bridge as the horizon began to brighten.

It was like a movie transitioning from black-and-white to full color.

A headwind blew off the river, not too strong, but enough to slap me awake from my morning haze.

I sped up slightly and passed a runner wearing a Hawaiian shirt over a purple singlet — not sure if he was here for a marathon or a tropical vacation, but it felt classic for Little Rock.

Heading back into downtown, the streets had a clean, "faded elegance" to them. The buildings weren't new, but the streetscape felt wonderfully historic.

Spring flowers were popping up — clusters of yellow and pink blossoms smiling along the curbs, which was a nice boost.

The weather was a perfect overcast gray — cool, not cold, with the sun hidden, making for comfortable running conditions.

After Mile 5, the route branched west, leaving the downtown core behind to weave through parks and residential areas.

Around Mile 6, the half and full marathon courses split.

The full marathoners headed toward the airport, looping around a landmark display plane in front of the Dassault Falcon Jet facility.

Yes, that Dassault. The French aerospace giant is famous for business jets and fighter planes (like the Rafale), as well as engineering software like CATIA and ABAQUS. Passing their corporate offices was a cool highlight.

Kids lined the curbs at the aid stations, handing out gels and cheering wildly: "You got this! Let's goooo!"

Coming back from the loop, we merged with the half-marathoners again around Mile 7, though I couldn't spot Siqi in the crowd.

Along the way, I saw a grandmother wearing a "50 States" shirt with a colorful map of the U.S. on her back, most of the states checked off.

At Mile 8, a guy wearing a wig rode a red inflatable T-Rex by the curb, cheering us on. I wasn't sure if he was an official volunteer, but I'd give that outfit a perfect score.

Running along, a man ahead of me had a blue shirt that read:

“I RUN SO I CAN EAT.”

I beg to differ — running hasn't made me lose any weight, probably because I take the eating part a little too seriously.

After some rolling hills downtown, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts appeared — a sleek white modern structure set against a sandy grass lawn.

Reopened in 2023 after a major renovation, the museum is a local cultural hub featuring American modern art, contemporary pottery, and a sculpture garden.

At Mile 9, the aid station style shifted completely into a dinosaur theme.

Giant pterodactyl models hung from the trees, and a volunteer was dressed as a purple-and-orange dragon. It was awesome.

Leaving the dinosaur station behind, the course entered a very residential, lived-in part of town.

This stretch wound through a humbler neighborhood, with weathered brick houses, chipped pickup trucks, and a faded "57" painted on a wall.

The houses were simple, some windows boarded up, and rusted trucks parked in front yards.

It wasn't a tourist zone or a commercial hub, but it was raw and real — a true glimpse of the city's other side.

There weren't many spectators here, save for a few locals sitting on porches shouting encouragement.

Approaching Mile 14, the white dome of the Arkansas State Capitol finally came back into view.

Seeing photographers ahead, I quickly adjusted my hair and tried to look as smooth as possible passing by.

The Mile 15 station kept the dinosaur theme going, featuring a massive inflatable T-Rex waving by the road while kids screamed "Gatorade! Water!"

But my brain had only one word on repeat: hills.

From here on, the hills were relentless — one roller after another. Not steep, but they wore you down, pulling you upward like an invisible string.

Past Mile 16, the course quietly shifted tone. The urban noise faded, the crowds thinned, and all that remained was my breathing and the rhythm of shoes hitting the asphalt as I ran into a quiet forest.

This was Allsopp Park, the city's wooded green lung, featuring winding paths under thick trees.

By Mile 18, a peaceful, zen-like mood took over. Fewer runners, softer light, and a quiet mind.

Just before Mile 19, I saw a row of grey sculptures that looked like they were practicing tai chi or martial arts, one frozen mid-punch. Next to them stood the sleek white building of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub.

Exiting the park, the course wound past small bridges, warehouses, and industrial blocks. The trees receded, and the city took back the stage.

By Mile 21, we rejoined the main roads, entering familiar Little Rock neighborhoods.

The spectators returned in full force, and the energy was electric.

From Miles 22 to 25, the historic red brick buildings and blooming wayside flowers gave the city a retro Southern feel — a warm, down-home welcome.

My legs were heavy, but my spirit was light, knowing the finish was just around the corner.

In the final mile, I saw a classic American roadside fixture: an older gentleman waving a giant U.S. flag, wearing a tall Uncle Sam hat and full red-white-and-blue gear, cheering us on with old-school patriotism.

A light rain started to fall as I crossed the line. Finish time: 3 hours and 51 minutes!

Almost identical to my time at Oak Island. Considering the rolling hills in the second half of Little Rock, this run was a major win.

After crossing, I headed inside the Little Rock Convention Center to claim the legendary, massive dinosaur medal. It was incredibly heavy!

This year's medal was a giant green T-Rex, beautifully crafted with a heavy metallic weight. The dinosaur's gaping jaws and fierce eyes looked like they were roaring in celebration of my finish.

After securing the medal, professional photographers were waiting. I struck a few poses and got some great commemorative photos.

By this time, Siqi had finished her race and was already resting.

The indoor post-race area was huge and warm. Stepping in from the cold wind and rain felt like entering heaven.

We sat down with a table of fellow runners, eating, drinking, and doing some much-needed stretching.

After stretching, Siqi and I took a photo together in front of the finisher backdrop.

Near the exit stood a striking Asian-style gate that read "Songahm Gate."

This gate commemorates Eternal Grand Master H.U. Lee, founder of the American Taekwondo Association (ATA). It was donated by his family, and Little Rock is actually home to the ATA world headquarters.

Before leaving the venue, we used the pocket drone to take a photo in front of a rainbow mural in the parking lot — a routine that felt exactly like our finish at Oak Island.

Postscript

After the Run | Leaving Arkansas with two medals

After the race, we drove back to Louisville in high spirits.

On the highway, it was the same familiar sight: endless convoys of massive trucks, like mechanical beasts roaring down the lanes.

But this time was different. We had a massive green T-Rex medal sitting in the car like a heavy metal talisman, giving us a quiet sense of accomplishment.

I joked that Little Rock was a place of "few people and many dogs," but that was just banter. The crowd support was warm and the volunteers were lovely.

Even with the gray sky and light rain, the smiles along the course were bright. As for the dogs — I actually didn't see a single one.

This trip gave us a fresh perspective on Little Rock. Arkansas's capital may be small, but it hides some wonderful spots:

The Arkansas State Capitol, with its movie-like white marble dome;

Allsopp Park, wrapped in a peaceful, zen-like forest;

The culturally rich Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and the Innovation Hub;

And most of all, the dinosaurs, the sculptures, the kids, and the flag-waving grandfathers that made this simple Southern race so memorable.

State 17, Arkansas: Little Rock Marathon. Checked in, done.

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Words | Arsenan

Photos | Arsenan

Design | Arsenan