City of Colleges Half Marathon
The City of Colleges Half Marathon offers a scenic tour of Conway, Arkansas, with a festive campus atmosphere.
Race Date
Oct 24, 2026
Location
Conway, AR
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Location
- Conway, Arkansas
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 1K, Virtual Half Marathon, Virtual 10K, Virtual 5K
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 668
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The City of Colleges Half Marathon transforms Conway, Arkansas, into a vibrant running hub each fall. This established event, first run in 2020 and now in its fifth edition, draws participants from across the region for a scenic journey through the city and its surrounding countryside.
Runners navigate the streets of Conway, experiencing the charm of the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) campus. The course is largely flat, making it conducive to personal bests, with enthusiastic students lining the route to offer encouragement. The median field size hovers around 204 finishers, a growing number that speaks to the race's increasing popularity. Approximately 23% of participants return year after year, a testament to the event's appeal.
The finish line, located on the UCA campus, marks the end of a rewarding race and the beginning of a lively post-event celebration. Participants receive a ringspun cotton shirt and a unique finisher medal, capping off a well-organized day of running and community spirit.
Race-provided description
Half marathon, 10K, 5K and Fun Run running festival. The half marathon distance will take runners through the city and into the countryside on the streets of Conway, Arkansas. Runners will experience the beauty of the UCA campus with tons of cheering students along the routes. Come enjoy a beautiful fall day with the start/finish line located on the UCA campus. Unique finisher medals and a fun post-event celebration for you and your friends and family.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Start Time
7:00 AM
Giveaway
Ringspun Shirt with entry
Start Location
2490 Bruce St, Conway, AR, 72034
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban, Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
2 other maps for this race
Quality Score
Solid Pick535 years running
~204 finishers a year
growing or steady
23% returning runners
6 timing sources
runners from 1 state
winner 1:26:39
typical high 76°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
57°
Afternoon (High)
76°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
66%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 668 finishers actually crossed the line across 5 years.
Most recent
2024
Total finishers
668
Median time
2:14:50
Latest turnout
204
States
14
Turnout by year
2020–2024
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the City of Colleges Half Marathon?
The City of Colleges Half Marathon is held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the City of Colleges Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Conway, Arkansas.
What distances does the City of Colleges Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 1K, Virtual Half Marathon, Virtual 10K, Virtual 5K.
Is the City of Colleges Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The City of Colleges Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the City of Colleges Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 668 runners who have completed the City of Colleges Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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