Marathon versenyek South Valley közelében

A Little Rock Marathon március első hétvégéjén megy Little Rock, Arkansas városában. A fő szám egy hitelesített, 26.2-mile, egykörös marathon. 2003 óta rendezik, USATF által szentesített verseny, és Boston Marathon kvalifikációra is jó. Mind az 50 államból és több mint 15 országból jönnek futók és gyaloglók, amihez elég baráti, 8-hour marathon limit és 4-hour half-marathon limit társul. Van mellé ingyenes, egész éves edzésprogram is, a bevétel pedig a Little Rock Parks & Recreation munkáját támogatja. A pálya Downtown Little Rockból indul és oda is ér vissza, közben átmész az Arkansas River felett. Útba esik több ismert pont is: Arkansas State Capitol, River Market District, Clinton Presidential Center, Governor's Mansion, MacArthur Birthplace/Military Museum és Historic Little Rock Central High School. Nem sík pálya: a komolyabb emelkedő az elején jön, később még akad pár kisebb domb. Bill Rodgers futó úgy fogalmazott, hogy Little Rock "a little salty." A versenyben sok a poénos elem: minden évben saját téma, ahhoz passzoló merch és expo-dekor, jelmezes indulók, couch potato mile, Lipstick Stop, meg egy nagy finisher érem, ami állítólag évről évre egy picit még nagyobb lesz.

The Albuquerque Running Fiesta begins at Downtown Plaza in Albuquerque, New Mexico, featuring a marathon, half marathon, and 5K on the same race program. This event is locally organized and includes chip timing, live tracking, aid stations, medical and police support, volunteers, and cheer teams along the course. Virtual marathon, half marathon, and 5K options are available for runners who prefer the event format without participating on the Albuquerque course. The route guides runners through downtown Albuquerque, passing Route 66 and the Rio Grande, with the Sandia Mountains visible. The finish culminates in a post-race festival offering live music, vendors, a recovery zone, a beer garden, local food, drinks, and cultural programming. Each finisher receives a Fiesta medal, an event shirt, and a race bib, with personalized bibs offered to runners who register early; age-group awards are also presented on race day.

The Albuquerque Marathon takes place in early April in New Mexico, offering a full marathon, half marathon, two-person half relay, 10K, 5K, Kids K, and virtual participation for the main adult distances. In-person races begin in the morning, with the marathon starting first, followed by the half marathon and 10K. It accommodates a wide range of runners, from those aiming for a fast marathon time to families participating in the shorter events and Kids K. The course crosses the Rio Grande River, passes through the North Valley Bosque, and offers views of the Sandia Mountains. Organizers describe it as flat and fast, suitable for runners seeking a personal best or a simple city-and-river route. Finishers receive medals, and marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K participants get tech shirts. Overall and age-group awards are presented. The event also collaborates with Heading Home, donating a portion of proceeds to that organization.