White River Marathon

The White River Marathon is a small race weekend in Cotter, Arkansas, offering a marathon, half marathon, and 5K, all beginning at 7:00 a.m. The marathon is a Boston qualifier. Registration is capped at 800 runners, giving it a more local and controlled atmosphere than a large city race. It takes place in November and has been held for over twenty years. The course follows the White River and is described as flat and fast, attracting marathoners aiming for a qualifying time or a personal best. Packet pickup and the pre-race pasta dinner are at Cotter Schools. The race includes a few local elements: a shoe recycling drive, designated charity beneficiaries, and a finish beneath what organizers refer to as the world’s largest finish line arch.