From there, runners and walkers head out on an out-and-back loop course, which after a couple of early turns takes runners on mile-long stretches along Peachtree Avenue and County Road 745.
The early miles feature gradual uphills and downhills, followed by a left turn onto Macedonia Road which brings runners into the residential neighborhoods there, where runners will make their way along the edges of Macedonia Cemetery and Sage Meadow Golf Course.
Just past mile 8, runners return to Macedonia Road and retrace their steps back to the finish line, with just a short detour going around the other side of the medical loop.
The race is open to runners as well as walkers, and both will receive official race times provided they can finish within 3 1/2 hours, organizers note. Anyone finishing after 3 1/2 hours will not receive an official race time. More than 400 runners crossed the finish line in both races combined in 2014, including 200 in the half marathon alone.
Proceeds from the race go to benefit the Cardiology Associates Foundation, which provides risk assessments for heart disease and other health screenings throughout the northeastern Arkansas region.
