LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (September 22, 2021) – Mike Garrity, Race Director for the Little Rock Marathon, has been selected the “Professional of the Year” for marathons and endurance events across the country for 2021.

This annual award is presented by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) for each professional sports league, NCAA, NFHS, as well as marathons and endurance events. Garrity will receive the award at the National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition on November 10 in Phoenix, Arizona.

“This is truly an honor to be recognized by NCS4 and the endurance event community,” said Garrity. “But it is also recognition of the outstanding partnerships that the Little Rock Marathon has built with the local, state and federal entities that make up our public safety committee. I am very humbled and grateful to recognized for this great award.”

Garrity was also recognized as a Certified Sports Security Professional by NCS4 in July of 2021. There are fewer than 100 individuals to receive this certification in the country, and he is the first Race Director to be certified, and the only CSSP certified individual in the state of Arkansas.

Originally from Spokane, Washington, Garrity spent more than 25 years working in college athletics before joining Little Rock Parks & Recreation in 2011. He joined the Little Rock Marathon staff full time in 2015, and was promoted to Race Director in February of 2021.

He and his wife, Martha, have two children – Grace and Nicolas.

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About Little Rock Marathon

The mission of the Little Rock Marathon is provide a premier event open to athletes of all abilities, while promoting a healthy lifestyle through running and walking and raising money for Little Rock Parks & Recreation. Since inception in 2003, more than $1 million has been donated to Little Rock Parks & Recreation. Little Rock Marathon Race Weekend is held the first weekend in March each year and includes a marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K run/walk, a children’s mile and a free two-day health and fitness expo. With an estimated $6 million in local spending annually, more than 200,000 individuals have participated in a Little Rock Marathon race, event, or free training program. This has been achieved through school-based programs, community outreach, partnerships with running/walking groups across the country and passionate grass roots promotion.

About Little Rock Parks & Recreation

Little Rock Parks and Recreation oversees 62 developed parks and twelve undeveloped parks totaling over 6,100 acres. In addition, the Little Rock Parks & Recreation offers a wide-range of youth and adult recreational and sports leagues, after-school and summer playground programs for children ages 6-15, outdoor recreation, therapeutic recreation and programs for seniors. Funds raised will continue to support parks and recreational programs for all ages. For more information about Little Rock Parks & Recreation please visit www.lrpr.org.