Hero Half Marathon
About this race
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 14, 2018 for the Hero Half Marathon. It's a fantastic Half-Marathon, 10.5K featuring a flat and fast course in Fayetteville.
Pick your distance
Running
Half Marathon
The Hero Half Marathon is a scenic, chip-timed, point-to-point race originating at beautiful Lake Fayetteville on Fayetteville’s north side. Runners wind their way through the green heart of this charming college town on extensive multi-use trails that make up part of the Razorback Regional Greenway, a world-class trail system linking six communities. Racers will experience a safe, fun, well-marked, well-supported race that culminates with a sneaky hill in the last mile. The race finishes in historic downtown Fayetteville where participants will be greeted with a festival-like atmosphere that includes music, food, a beer garden, local vendors, sponsor booths, and activities for children. The race coincides with Fire Safety Awareness week and includes a 9/11 Memorial to commemorate the sacrifices made then and now by firefighters, law enforcement, and first responders. Proceeds support organizations that meet important community needs, celebrate an active lifestyle, and honor the heroes in our everyday lives.
Half Marathon + 15-week Training Program
We are thrilled to announce the inaugural Fayetteville Firefighters’ Hero Half Marathon Training Program in partnership with Rise Physical Therapy. This 15-week training program is designed for beginner to intermediate runners. Never run a half marathon but ready to start? Has it been awhile and you need a proper refresh? Completed a half last year but weren’t quite satisfied with your finish time? Perfect! This accountability and coaching program may be what you’re looking for, and we’d love to have you join us! Starting June 30, we’ll meet every Saturday morning at 7:00 am at Columbus House Brewery, positioned just off the Hero Half Marathon course in downtown Fayetteville. Jason Corral and Derek Lee will be your head coaches with members of The Spark Foundation, the Hero Half Race Committee, and Columbus House Brewery Running Club rounding out your support network. Each training session includes a group run, coaching, guest speaker, and access to Rise PT staff. Registrants will receive: - Entry in the 2018 Fayetteville Firefighters’ Hero Half Marathon (includes Long Sleeve Tech Tee!) - Half Marathon training curriculum - Printed Hero Half Marathon Training Program calendar with exact training dates and mileage - Personalized in-person coaching - Weekly access to Rise Physical Therapy staff for all questions/concerns about proper form and injury prevention - A FREE in-clinic assessment at Rise Physical Therapy - Discounted entry in two (2) community races within the 15-week training period (races will be announced in the coming weeks!) - Hero Half Marathon Training Program running tank - Hero Half Marathon Training Program water bottle **PREREQUISITE** By June 2018, you need to be able to run 4 miles total over a two-day period. Questions or clarifications? Email us at fayettevilleffherohalf@gmail.com
Half Marathon 2-person Relay
Not ready for a half marathon, but want still want to run for your hero? Grab a running buddy and complete the race as 2-person relay! You can create competitive teams in the following categories: All Female, All Male, Coed. We will be awarding Top 3 Overall prizes for each of these categories. You can also join a social non-competitive team (All Female, All Male, or Coed). We will not be awarding prizes for this category.
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.