Heatwave Half Marathon - Little Rock
The Heatwave Half Marathon offers a summer challenge with cool swag and a flat, fast course.
Race Date
Jul 18, 2026
Location
North Little Rock, AR
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, July 18, 2026
- Location
- North Little Rock, Arkansas
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 50m, 1 Miles, 5K, 10K, 13.1 Miles, Volunteer Then Run, Virtual Race
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 62,180
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Heatwave Half Marathon in North Little Rock is a summer tradition, first run in 2004 and now in its 23rd edition. This event draws runners from across the region, with recent fields numbering around 2,420 finishers, and a loyal ~29% returning each year.
The USATF-certified course is designed for speed, featuring a flat profile with minimal elevation change, making it a prime candidate for personal bests. Runners can expect warm conditions typical of an Arkansas summer, with average temperatures in the mid-80s.
Beyond the race itself, participants enjoy designer shirts and custom medals. Post-race, runners can cool off with free ice cream, adding a festive touch to the finish line celebration.
Race-provided description
Join us for the Heatwave Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K! A sun-soaked summer challenge that’s perfect for the whole family. The fun includes – Great Swag – designer shirt & custom medalChip-timing with live results and awardsFree photosFREE ice cream at the finish to help you cool offPlenty of hot fun in the summer sun!
Grab your friends and family—you won’t want to miss this one! Can’t make the race? No problem! We offer a virtual race option where you can run anywhere, at any time, and still earn the fun swag! Youth-based pricing is available: ages 12 & under are only $17! Half Marathon/10K/5K registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal! 1 Mile registration is untimed and includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal! Kid’s Dash is a fun, untimed dash for ages 10 and under. Registration includes a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and a specially crafted medal for our youngest runners! (If your child wants to run the kid’s dash without swag, they’re welcome to run free on race day!) Register by midnight on Thursday, two Thursdays before race day, to guarantee your shirt!
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Start Time
7:00 AM
Giveaway
Tank Top
Start Location
River Front Park, North Little Rock, AR, 72114
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
AR24001WJT · Little Rock Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Course Map
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8023 years running
~2,214 finishers a year
growing or steady
29% returning runners
USATF certified · 2 timing sources · 8 photos
runners from 1 state
winner 1:11:22
typical high 93°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
75°
Afternoon (High)
93°
Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration
0.1"
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
70%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 62,180 finishers actually crossed the line across 23 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
62,180
Median time
2:31:33
Latest turnout
2,420
States
51
Turnout by year
2019–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Heatwave Half Marathon - Little Rock?
The Heatwave Half Marathon - Little Rock is held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the Heatwave Half Marathon - Little Rock take place?
It takes place in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
What distances does the Heatwave Half Marathon - Little Rock offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 50m, 1 Miles, 5K, 10K, 13.1 Miles, Volunteer Then Run, Virtual Race.
Is the Heatwave Half Marathon - Little Rock course flat and good for a PR?
The Heatwave Half Marathon - Little Rock is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Heatwave Half Marathon - Little Rock?
HalfRuns has finish records for 62,180 runners who have completed the Heatwave Half Marathon - Little Rock.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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