2026 Papa Loco Marathon and Half Marathon

The 2026 Papa Loco Marathon and Half Marathon takes place on January 24, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM CST on the Tucker Creek Trail behind the Conway Regional Health Fitness Center in Conway, Arkansas. Participants can expect a looping, USATF-certified course that serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier. Given the mid-winter timing in Conway, the weather is typically cool with average lows in the low 30s F and highs in the upper 40s F, so layered clothing is recommended for the morning start. The event features a generous 8-hour time limit with a 4:00 PM cut-off, making it accessible to walkers, and offers aid stations approximately every half-mile.

What are the available race distances and categories?

• →In-Person Marathon (26.2 miles): Open to participants 18 and older
• →In-Person Half Marathon (13.1 miles): Open to participants 13 and older
• →Virtual Marathon: Complete the distance remotely
• →Virtual Half Marathon: Complete the distance remotely

What are the registration fees for each category?

• →In-Person Marathon: $50
• →In-Person Half Marathon: $50
• →Virtual Marathon: $25
• →Virtual Half Marathon: $25

What are the registration deadlines for each option?

• →In-Person Marathon and Half Marathon: January 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM CST
• →Virtual Marathon and Half Marathon: January 21, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST

What is included with in-person race registration?

• →Event shirt (guaranteed only if registered by the deadline)
• →Finisher medal
• →Access to aid stations placed approximately every half-mile

What is included with virtual race registration?

• →Finisher medal only
• →No event shirt is included

What are the start times and time limits for the event?

• →Race Start Time: 8:00 AM CST
• →Course Cut-off Time: 4:00 PM CST (8-hour time limit)
• →The event is described as walker-friendly

Where is the course located and what is its format?

• →Location: Tucker Creek Trail, behind Conway Regional Health Fitness Center on Salem Rd in Conway, AR
• →Format: Loop-de-loop format on a shaded, scenic trail
• →Certification: USATF-certified and a Boston Marathon Qualifier
• →Note: Some GPS devices may record the course as slightly longer; official timing is based on certified measurement

How frequently are aid stations available on the course?

• →Aid stations are placed approximately every half-mile
• →This provides some of the most frequent support available among regional events

Are there any restrictions regarding virtual race eligibility?

• →Virtual race participants are not eligible for Marathon Maniacs or Half Fanatics credit

What are the age requirements for participation?

• →In-Person Marathon: 18 years or older
• →In-Person Half Marathon: 13 years or older
• →Virtual races: No specific age requirements mentioned