Fort Smith Marathon Course Closure & Cutoff Policy

The Fort Smith Marathon follows a rolling course closure to ensure runner safety and timely reopening of roads.

Key Cutoff Guidelines

• Soft Close Zone: If you are approaching the cutoff pace, the Aid Station Captain will warn you that you are nearing the soft close zone.
• Hard Cutoff: If you exceed the cutoff time at any checkpoint, you must stop running and will be shuttled back to the starting line.

The course is designed to close on an 8-hour pace. Runners who fall behind these times will not be allowed to continue, as sidewalks are not available for safe return to the finish line.

Hard Cutoff Times

Important Notes

⚠️ Cutoff times are strictly enforced. If you reach an aid station past the cutoff, you will be shuttled back to the start.
⚠️ Do not argue with aid station personnel about cutoffs—they are in place for safety and city road reopening.
⚠️ Plan your pace accordingly to stay within the allotted time.

Thank you for your cooperation in making the Fort Smith Marathon a smooth and safe event for all participants!

Pacers

We have pacers to help runners achieve their goals more effectively. Here are the pacer times for the Marathon:

• 3:30
• 3:45
• 4:00
• 4:15
• 4:30
• 4:45
• 5:00
• 5:15
• 5:30
• 5:45
• 6:00

Half Marathon:

• 1:40
• 1:50
• 2:00
• 2:15
• 2:30
• 2:45
• 3:00
• 3:15
• 3:30