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Share This StoryRunners become avid runners after the move to central Arkansas. The area's mix of flat stretches and hilly terrain, routes with river views and miles of shaded trails allows you to devise just about any kind of course you could imagine.
Without a doubt, one of the most popular is the Arkansas River Trail. Currently 14 miles long, the trail traces the picturesque river valley on both the Little Rock and North Little Rock sides, which are joined by the Big Dam Bridge. The trail is one of the reasons exercise enthusiasts flock to Riverdale. The area's a mecca for walkers, roller bladers and bikers as well.
For the competitive-natured, several events take place throughout the year. There's the Little Rock Marathon, of course, and the Big Dam Bridge 100, a cycling tour that whisks participants all the way up to Maumelle and Conway and back to North Little Rock. Shorter routes are also set up on racing day.
Golf, Water Sports
Any sport or form of exercise you enjoy in your current home, you're likely to enjoy just a little more in central Arkansas. Well, except downhill skiing. Our winters are more conducive to summer sports. You can golf practically year-round and Arkansas has some gorgeous courses. Tennis players won't have any trouble finding courts or partners. Rebsamen Tennis Center off South University Avenue is a great place to join a tennis league.
If your weekends are free and you like being on the water, you'll be away from home on Saturdays and Sundays a lot. Whether you're experienced in canoeing and kayaking or not, you've got to try either of those activities here. The Big Piney Creek outside Russellville gives novices a thrill, especially after a good rain, and the Cossatot River's challenging white water should only be taken on by the experienced.
If you don't like to paddle, Hot Springs' trio of lakes about an hour away from Little Rock is popular among jet skiers, water skiers and occasional swimmers more interested in socializing on the boat.
Recreational Resources
(501) 614-9773
This club consists of more than 600 members representing seven chapters who get together in and around Arkansas to canoe rivers, streams and lakes. The central Arkansas chapter meets the fourth Tuesday of every month, except December, in Little Rock.
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
(501) 223-6300
Arkansas has a lot to offer sportsmen. Just south of central Arkansas, the city of Stuttgart is known as the duck capital of the world, and to the southwest, Hot Springs' three lakes offer fishing and boating enthusiasts an outdoor playground – just about an hour away. There's a lot of fun to be had in and around central Arkansas, and the AGFC will help you find the perfect spots.
Find a local running club through this site; there are groups all across central Arkansas – from the Maumelle Running Club to the Cabot Country Cruisers. The latest race news, results and registration information are also available online.
(501) 227-7611
No matter who the tennis star is in your family, ATA offers junior, adult and league tennis, as well as tournament and competitive play across the state. Find a nearby community tennis association through ATA's Web site.
Arkansas Ultra Running Association
(501) 329-6688?
AURA is an organized group of ultra and trail running enthusiasts who travel throughout the state to participate in ultra marathons.
An easy way to meet new people who share your passion for biking is to find a cycling club in your area. Bike Arkansas' Web site lists all of Arkansas' bike clubs, race information and a guide to trails that can be found in cities, state parks and national parks throughout the state.
Central Arkansas Recreational Peddlers Club
(501) 920-2159
This group of mountain bike enthusiast love riding single-track trails out at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock.
(501) 681-8554
The CASC is a competitive swimming program that seeks to improve the sport of swimming within Arkansas, as well as provide swimmers of all levels with coaching and a competitive outlet.
Central Arkansas Volleyball Association
(501) 346-5686
The closest thing Little Rock has to a beach – Murray Park along the Arkansas River – fills up on fair-weathered Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. with sand volleyball players. They're part of the association, which coordinates indoor and outdoor open play, leagues and tournaments throughout the year. In the winter, you'll find them in North Little Rock's Fisher Armory on Thursday nights between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.
(866) 246-5327
There are more than 200 golf courses in central Arkansas. Check out the mapped route to the state's 15 best golf courses on The Natural State Golf Trail – most of which are well within driving range – to decide where to get started.
Recreational Events
(501) 985-1533
This is the largest outdoors and hunting event in Arkansas, featuring a chili cook-off, turkey calling competition, bow shoot and more. The event is held annually at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds.
(501) 371-4639
More than 7,000 people ran or walked through Arkansas' scenic capital city during the Little Rock Marathon in 2008. This annual event offers full, half or relay marathons, a 5K Fun Run/Walk and a kids' marathon.
(501) 371-4639
In “Little Rock's Dirtiest 5K,” participants run or walk along an obstacle-covered course through Two Rivers Park. Participants finish with a leap into a 300-foot Arkansas mud pit.
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
(501) 202-4399
One of the nation's largest, the Susan G. Komen Arkansas Race for the Cure 5K is held annually in October, in Little Rock. Participate as an individual or as a team in the 5K or the Family 2K Fun Run/Walk.
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