The Run Bentonville Half Marathon slated for 7 a.m., Saturday, March 28, has already registered some 2,300 participants for its various events. This marks the event’s fifth anniversary and organizers are preparing for another turnout, according to Blair Cromwell of Visit Bentonville.
The event begins with the half marathon at 7 a.m. leaving the Bentonville Square, which is followed by the 5k and then fun run.
Cromwell said last year 2700 people participated in the event and race officials feel they will likely exceed this number for 2015.
“We typically have 500 or more people register the week of the race. People are waiting to see what the weather forecast may be or they are already avid runners and jumping in a half marathon or 5k at the last minute is something they are already conditioned to do,” says Layne Moore, race coordinator for the Bentonville Parks and Recreation Department.
Weather.com reports that the forecast should be near 54 degrees for the high on Saturday with zero precipitation and only light winds. This is ideal running weather according to Mike Rush of Rush Running Company.
Cromwell said this particular event has garnered national attention in the past thanks in part to its corporate sponsorships also snagging the “Best Half Marathon in the South” title by Competitor.com.
Also on tap for this event participants and the general public are invited to a Runner’s Expo on Friday, March 27 from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. This event will showcase health and fitness services.
The Expo is followed by a Pasta Party from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bentonville High School where Olympian and Hall of Famer Craig Virgin will speak.
Online registration for all races ends at midnight on Tuesday, March 24. After that participants need to register in person at the Downtown Activity Center at 215 SW A Street.
Runners may also register at the expo on Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is no race day registration.