Cow Paddy Run

There’s a 5K for adults and older kids and a 1K Fun Run for the little ones. Don’t worry though, because there aren’t any real cow paddies to avoid. The name is just part of the tradition of this race, which has played a big part in developing Fayetteville’s pro-fitness, pro-fun culture over the years!  

The Cow Paddy Run produced by The Spark Foundation focuses on helping students and families build habits for an active, healthy lifestyle. We offer a “pay-your-age” program for runners 5-12 and proceeds directly support physical education in local schools through the school participation prize. As part of our mission, we want the focus on running to be fun and accessible. All runners get a chip time, participant shirt and finisher’s medal.

We do not offer overall or age group awards for these events, but rather focus on the love of running by creating a fun, family-friendly atmosphere!

5K Strava Map — The course uses the paved loop around Gulley Park and the grass loop by Apple Seeds — please prepare your child for the varied terrain. Parents are encouraged to run with your child! We will have directional signs and volunteers at turns, roads soft closed to traffic, a bike lead and sweep, and an aid station at the halfway point. We take every precaution to ensure safety; however your child is your ultimate responsibility. Please review the course with your child and run with them if you are able.

1K Strava Map — Parents are encouraged to run with your child! The course uses the paved loop around the gazebo and the grass loop by Apple Seeds — please prepare your child for the varied terrain.

Both elementary AND middle schools in Fayetteville are eligible for the annual participation prize! Make sure your students, teachers, parents, alumni, friends and family all select YOUR SCHOOL to be in the running for highest Cow Paddy Run participation.

1st Place — $2,000
2nd Place — $1,000
3rd Place — $500

We also have our Mighty Moovers Award — a $500 participation award for schools with fewer than 350 students. Whoever has the most participants among eligible schools will receive the prize money. 

Race fees can be prohibitive, so we offer scholarships to make running accessible to everyone. For details, please email  director@mysparkfoundation.org.

 Please note: In order to guarantee a race T-shirt (short-sleeved cotton with winning design), you must register and select a size no later than April 13th, 2025. If you register on or after April 13th, 2026, we can no longer guarantee a race T-shirt. We will have some extra shirts available on race day, but please register before April 13h, 2026, to ensure your T-shirt in your desired size.

All proceeds benefit The Spark Foundation, a Northwest Arkansas-based nonprofit focused on creating a positive impact in the community by providing increased access to health and fitness education and opportunities. Thank you for joining us in helping people of all ages, paces and abilities build the habits for a healthy, active lifestyle. More information about The Spark Foundation, its programs and other races can be found at www.mysparkfoundation.org.

Join fellow runners on May 16, 2026 for the Cow Paddy Run. It's a fantastic 5K, 1K featuring a flat and fast course in Fayetteville.