Hero Half Marathon
About the Event
The Hero Half Marathon is a fundraising race and community event hosted by The Spark Foundation in partnership with Fayetteville Firefighters’ IAFF – Local 2866. Race proceeds benefit organizations that meet important community needs, increase fitness opportunities for the community, and make Fayetteville and Arkansas a great place to live, work, and play.
The Spark Foundation is all about encouraging our community to get active and stay active. We will award age group awards for the Top 3 male and female finishers in each age division for both the half marathon and quarter marathon.
Are you an active duty FIREFIGHTER? Want to participate in our Firefighter Challenge by running in FULL bunker gear? Sign Up for the Firefighter Challenge! *Please note if you sign up for the Firefighter Challenge you are committing to running the 13.1 mile half marathon in FULL BUNKER GEAR! Please reach out to contact@mysparkfoundation.org with any questions.
*** Please note: In order to guarantee a race t-shirt (a long-sleeved tech hooded tee), you must register and select a size no later than September 12, 2026. If you register on or after September 12, 2026, we can no longer guarantee a race t-shirt. We will have some extra shirts available on race day, but please register before September 12, 2026, to ensure your shirt in your desired size.***
Join fellow runners on October 17, 2026 for the Hero Half Marathon. It's a fantastic Half-Marathon, 10.5K, 5K featuring a flat and fast course in Fayetteville.
Races Offered
Running
Half Marathon
Certified 13.1 Mile Course
Half Marathon Firefighter Challenge- For Firefighters Running in Full Gear!
Are you a firefighter ready to take the ultimate running challenge?! By selecting this option you are committing to running the 13.1 mile Hero Half Marathon in full bunker gear! Eligible participants must be active duty firefighters (volunteers accepted too) Must run in full bunker gear provided by participant: helmet, coat, pants, and air pack (liners optional) Wildland gear acceptable Running shoes encouraged!
Quarter Marathon- 10k with some bonus running
Instead of a relay, run half of the half with your buddy! This will be slightly more than a 10k, 6.5 miles. https://www.strava.com/routes/2982722423683397536
Virtual Half Marathon
Can't make the race on race day? Sign up for the virtual option and we will mail your packet, shirt, and giveaways to your door!
Virtual Quarter Marathon
Can't make the race on race day? Sign up for the virtual option and we will mail your packet, shirt, and giveways to your door!
Run for Your Hero 5k
Hero Half Marathon 5k will start at the Northwest Arkansas Mall and be an out and back course that runs towards the skull creek and mud creek train intersection then returns to the Northwest Arkansas Mall. Proceeds go to support The Spark Foundation and Fayetteville Firefighters’ IAFF – Local 2866 Awesome Finisher Medal!! No race shirt provided.
About Fayetteville
Hero Half Marathon takes place in Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States. The local timezone is America/Chicago.
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Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.
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