The Little Rock Roadrunners Hall of Fame is a special designation awarded to individuals who have made a lasting impact on our club and running community as a whole. These individuals have given countless hours of their time volunteering at races, serving as race directors, and encouraging others every step of the way. With this designation, they are awarded a Lifetime Membership in the Little Rock Roadrunners Club, and we are very proud to have them as lifelong members.
Bill Torrey
If you’ve ever laced up your running shoes in Central Arkansas, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Bill Torrey. As the owner of Rock City Running, Bill is widely known for outfitting runners with the gear they need to chase their goals. But his impact on the running community goes far beyond shoes and singlets — Bill has been a driving force behind the growth and vitality of Arkansas running for more than four decades.
Since moving to Arkansas in 1983, Bill has directed more races than perhaps anyone else in the state. From the Capital City Classic 10K (formerly the Pepsi 10K), which he’s led for over 30 years, to the 3 Bridges Marathon, Little Rock XC Classic, Gobbler Turkey Trot, and countless others — including iconic events like the Little Rock Marathon, Race for the Cure, and Firecracker 5K — Bill’s influence has touched nearly every major race in the region.
His leadership doesn’t stop at race directing. For more than 30 years, Bill has hosted Track Tuesday, a weekly group run that has become a cornerstone of the local running scene. He’s served on the Little Rock Roadrunners Club Board of Directors since the 1980s and once represented Arkansas as the state representative for the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). His contributions were formally recognized with the prestigious Arkansas RRCA Lifetime Achievement Award — a testament to his enduring commitment to the sport.
Bill’s dedication has helped transform running in Arkansas from a niche activity into a thriving, inclusive community. His tireless work, welcoming spirit, and unwavering support for runners of all ages and abilities have made him a beloved figure and a true ambassador for the sport. His legacy is not just measured in miles or medals, but in the thousands of lives he’s touched along the way.
Linda House
Linda’s favorite quote says it all: “You can’t put on a race without runners, but you can’t put on a race without volunteers, either.” And for decades, Linda has been the embodiment of that truth.
A fixture in the Arkansas running community since the 1980s, Linda has poured her heart into the sport — not only as an accomplished runner, but as one of its most dedicated volunteers. If you’ve run a road or trail race in or around Little Rock, chances are Linda was there: at packet pickup, manning an aid station, cheering at the finish line, or guiding runners out on the course.
Linda’s running résumé includes several marathons — even the grueling Pike’s Peak Marathon — and she holds the record for most finishes at the ARK 5K Classic, a testament to her consistency and love for the sport. But her legacy is most deeply felt in the countless hours she’s given to others.
She’s a long-standing member of the Little Rock Roadrunners Club Board of Directors, having served the newsletter editor for 35+ years. She’s also an active member of several other local running clubs and generously donates to races and organizations annually, always finding ways to support the community she loves.
Linda’s leadership includes a stint as race director of the Pepsi 10K (now the Capital City Classic) and tireless volunteer work at major events like the Arkansas Traveler 100, Little Rock Marathon, 3 Bridges Marathon, and many more. Her contributions have not gone unnoticed — she was honored as the Arkansas RRCA Volunteer of the Year in both 2011 and 2019, and received the Arkansas RRCA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.
Linda’s unwavering commitment, generous spirit, and quiet strength have helped shape the Arkansas running community into what it is today. Her legacy is one of service, support, and love.
Ricky Martinez
When the devastating tornado tore through Little Rock in March 2023, many lives were changed in an instant. At Rock City Running, where runners were picking up packets for the Capital City Classic 10K, chaos erupted as the storm struck. In the face of danger, Ricky sprang into action. With seconds to spare, he led others to safety, guiding them away from the glass storefront and into the back of the store. His quick thinking and calm leadership helped ensure that everyone inside made it through unharmed. But Ricky didn’t stop there. After the tornado passed, he rushed next door to assist those who had been injured, offering help and comfort in a moment of crisis.
Ricky’s heroism that day was extraordinary, but it’s only one chapter in a life defined by service, strength, and compassion. For over a decade, Ricky has volunteered as a cross country and track coach — first at Little Rock Christian Academy and now at Joe T. Robinson High School — mentoring young athletes and helping them discover their potential. He’s also a dedicated pacer, guiding runners of all ages to personal bests and finish lines they never thought possible.
As an athlete, Ricky is a force to be reckoned with. A sub-3:00 marathoner and frequent age group and masters award winner, he brings excellence to every race. Yet what truly sets him apart is his unwavering encouragement of others. Whether he’s cheering from the sidelines or running alongside a newcomer, Ricky embodies the spirit of the Little Rock Roadrunners: selfless, supportive, and inspiring.
William Fletcher
In every thriving running community, there are people who quietly make things happen — and William Fletcher is one of those people. Thoughtful, generous, and deeply committed, William has become an indispensable part of the Arkansas running scene, not only through his own miles on the road but through the countless ways he supports others.
As the CFO and COO of Kinco Constructors, Inc., one of Arkansas’s leading construction companies, William has leveraged his professional role to uplift the running community. Under his leadership, Kinco has sponsored numerous races, including the Capital City Classic 10K, 3 Bridges Marathon, Little Rock XC Classic, SoMa Mile, and many more. These sponsorships have provided essential financial support, helping ensure these beloved events continue to thrive.
But William’s contributions go far beyond funding. He and his Kinco team have offered labor sponsorship, showing up to help with the heavy lifting — literally. From setting up race courses and headquarters to managing logistics and teardown, their behind-the-scenes work has been vital to the success of countless events. One unforgettable example: when flooding threatened the 3 Bridges Marathon, William and his crew built a temporary fourth bridge the day before the race, earning it the nickname “4 Bridges Marathon” that year.
William is also known for his unwavering encouragement and support of fellow runners. Whether he’s racing or cheering from the sidelines, he lifts others up with his positivity and generosity, always ready to lend a hand or a kind word. His legacy is one of service, strength, and heart — and our community is better because of him.