Letting the tagline set the tone, “One lap. One mile. One fast little race,” the inaugural Go! Mile, presented by Go! Running and part of the Arkansas Grand Prix series, is set to kick off a challenging yet fun one-mile running event for novice to elite participants. Slated for 7:30 a.m. Saturday, June 18, at Burns Park in North Little Rock, the event is open to all levels of competitors. The promise of also hosting elite runners and a “mini mile” for kids is drawing attention from running teams and communities around the state. 

“We’re excited to be an integral part of bringing a different kind of race to our state,” says Gary Taylor, Go! Mile Race Director and Go! Running owner. “The Arkansas Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) wanted to do something special in their 30th year of the Grand Prix and partnered with us to put on the only one mile race in the series.”

Why a Mile Race?

Endurance races such as, half-marathons, marathons, 5k and 10ks are popular in the running community. A chip-timed, one-mile road race is unique and providing runners with a new experience. Races include: open men’s and open women’s races, an elite mile race and a kids mini-mile for ages 9 and under.

Less Miles, More Fun

Spectators and participants can expect plenty of fun and excitement, even though the race has fewer miles.

“Runners will be given the feel of a competitive mile race.” Gary Taylor says. “The race will feature a real track gun start. At the first quarter, runners will hear their split time called out. At the halfway mark, you’ll clearly see the half mile split on a race clock. Finally you’ll hear the bell signify a quarter mile to go, just like every big time mile around the world.”

Sound exciting? It only gets better, as Erin Taylor race event chair notes, “As you kick to the finish, cheers from dozens of inspirational “Go! Go! Girls” carry you through the finish line in record time…or at least in a timeless moment.” Expect to see local personalities and celebrities like Chef Donnie Ferneau, Mark Pryor and more.

Jeff Matthews, B98 radio personality, dad, and newbie runner, emcees the event and awards ceremony, where even the awards are fun and uniquely fitting.  Instead of a traditional medal, age group winners are treated to a mile marker, an award that resembles a highway “mile 1” sign.

Kids Mini Mile

Children aged nine and under are invited to participate in the Kids Mini Mile, a fun run that celebrates and encourages fitness. The course is a portion of the adult Mile race so participants will experience the same excitement of the finish line as the adult runners. All finishers of the Mini Mile receive a special surprise. Mini Mile sponsors include Little Rock Family, and Radio Disney.

SCHEDULE:

  • 6:30 AM Registration Opens
  • 7:30 AM: Heat A - Women Ages 39 & Under
  • 7:45 AM: Heat B - Men Ages 39 & Under
  • 8:00 AM: Heat C - Women Ages 40 & Over
  • 8:15 AM: Heat D - Men Ages 40 & Over
  • 8:35 AM: Elite Heat*
  • 8:50 AM: Kids' Mini Mile**
  • 9:00 AM: Awards Ceremony

*Mile times: Men who can run 5:30 or under and Women who can run 6:00 of under.

**The Kids Mini Mile is 1/2 mile race for kids aged 9 and under. All kids will race together and each finisher

 

How to Register & More Information

Runners can register online at GoRunning.com/GoMile, and ArkansasRunner.com, or visit Go! Running in the Heights, 1819 N. Grant St, Little Rock.

Cost: $15 ages 18 & over, $10 ages 18 & Under, $5 mini-mile. For each Go! Mile Adult registration get a free mini-mile registration. Registration will also be available at Packet Pick up: Friday, June 17th at Go! Running and race morning at the race on Sat. June 18th.

For more info: call 663-6800.