Local church encourages runners in the Little Rock Marathon

Little Rock, Arkansas – This Sunday marked the conclusion of the Little Rock Marathon’s half and full marathon races, and a nearby church prepared to support participants.

Every year, members of Pulaski Heights Baptist Church get together to support individuals who are bold enough to run the Little Rock Marathon.

“Our mission is to improve the neighborhood in terms of in terms of all the relations we have with people here,” Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, Member, Sam Welch said.

“Marathon Sunday” has been a tradition since the first LR Marathon in 2003.

Many of the returning runners recognize the group of motivators as friendly faces.

“Since the beginning of the marathon years ago this church has come out on Sunday mornings to welcome all the runners, To encourage them, Give them some strength once they reach the top of this hill here,” Welch.

With placards, chants, and bells, the group takes to the sidewalk at the intersection of Cedar and Kavanaugh, encouraging more than one thousand people to keep going until they win.

“At this point in the race they’re quite a way into it and a lot of them are walking and struggling. We see a lot of smiles when they ready our signs and hear our bells and the cheers that we give them,” Welch said.

Welch said they are spreading love the best way they know how. Saying, “Little Rock Arkansas’ Race for Every Pace and Pulaski Heights Baptist Church’s Place for Every Face.”

“I think it really gives us a sense of fellowship and purpose and we look forward to it every year,” Welch said.

The Pulaski Heights Baptist Church invites everyone to take part in the festivities the following year as well as to look into their year-round outreach.