Fort Smith Marathon, Half Marathon & 5 Leg Marathon Relay

The start/finish of the half and full marathon will be at the River Front Pavilion 100 N B St. Fort Smith, AR 72901. 

Marathon

This course is both scenic and challenging and includes historic downtown, beautiful neighborhoods, paved trails, and rolling terrain with a few significant climbs and descents as well. Race date is Sunday, March 29, 2026 with race starting 7:00 am. 

Half-Marathon

Starts along the marathon route, but turns off around mile 7.5.  The route meets up with the marathon route at mile 9 for the return to the finish.

Marathon Relay

The Marathon course is broken into 5 relay legs.  First leg is 5.4 miles with 260' elevation gain.  Second leg is 4.8 miles with 114' elevation gain.  Third leg is 4.5 miles with 262' elevation gain.  Fourth leg is 6.3 miles with 237' elevation gain.  Last leg is 5.5 miles with 237' elevation gain.  These distances and elevation gains are approximate and may change slightly as we work on the logistics of setting up relay stations.  

A relay team can consist of two to five people.

Race Guidelines 

• 16 or over for Marathon 
• 12 or over for Half Marathon
• 8 Hour course time limit

Switching Races

• Participants may switch between races.  The registration fee is based on the current price.  The registration fee already paid will be credited toward the new registration.   
• All switches must be completed online. 

Transfers 

• After registering, some individuals decide they are unable to participate for some reason.  These individuals may opt to transfer their registration to another individual.   
• Fort Smith Marathon does not offer refunds for any reason. 
• Registrations can be transferred.  
• The Fort Smith Marathon does not assist  in finding individuals to receive a transfer.   
• Deadline to transfer is March 15th.   
• When transferring a registration, individuals do not receive a refund of registration fees.   
• Once the transfer is submitted the transfer cannot be cancelled.
• Participants who deferred an entry from the previous year’s race may NOT transfer their registration to another individual. 
• Registrations may not be transferred more than once. 

Deferrals 

• If you are registered for this year’s race and wish to defer to the 2026 race,  Fort Smith Marathon provide registrants a discount code for the following year for the 50% of their original registration fees paid.  The deferrals require the participant use the coupon code to register the following year. 
•  Deferral codes are not transferable.  The code can only be used by the person deferring their registration.
• No deferrals after March 1st. 
• Deferrals must be received via an email to the Race Director prior to March 1st.
• Deferred registrations cannot be transferred to another individual. 
• There will be no deferrals at the Expo. 

Cancellation Policy 

• The Fort Smith Marathon wants to provide a safe environment for all participants and volunteers.  If it is unsafe to start or proceed with the race, the following policies may be enforced.
• If weather conditions present a danger to participants, the Fort Smith Marathon maintains the right to cancel or modify the race. 
• Extreme weather conditions will be recognized as “an act of God” and will not result in the refunding of the race registration fees or future race credits.   
• Public safety officials and medical authorities will be consulted prior to any race cancellation or modification.  Should the city of Fort Smith officials, which are beyond the control of the Fort Smith Marathon’s control, impact the ability of the race officials to conduct the event, the same refund policy will be in effect. 
• Fort Smith Marathon asserts that each participant assumes a personal responsibility when entering a running/walking event and accepts the potential risks.