Leslie Darden Hero 5K Run/Walk

The SouthArk Outdoor Expo will once again host the Hero 5k Run/Walk.  Runners and walkers of all ages, abilities, and experience levels are encouraged to come out and participate.

This race is in honor of Leslie Darden, hero & inspiration to so many in the race world. She pushed people to be the best they could be through her steadfast encouragement, uplifting cheers, and empowering guidance!  Leslie was an alumna at SouthArk and worked in the healthcare industry for 12 years at SAMA.  Her SAMA family is so proud to be able to honor Leslie’s life and the legacy she left behind. Her family, friends, and our community are better for having her in our lives.  

The Hero 5k Run/Walk grew some years ago in memory of Major Ronald Wayne Culver, who died in Iraq on May 24th, 2010. He served multiple combat deployments throughout his military career and served on countless programs and organizations in our local community. He was a true American hero who courageously sacrificed his life for our country. 

We also commemorate all military personnel, first responders, and our healthcare heroes. We wish to raise awareness of the sacrifices made daily by these heroes and to unite in their honor. The community is invited to recognize our hometown heroes and those who have served in the military while paying tribute to the heroes of today working on our frontlines.

Join us at the Leslie Darden Hero 5k Run/Walk as we celebrate her courageous spirit and outstanding contributions to our community.

Date - Saturday, September 7th, 2024

Location – South Arkansas Community College – El Dorado Conference and Student Center
El Dorado, Arkansas

Packet Pickup:

Friday, September 6, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. - El Dorado Conference Center, Enter West Foyer at 300 South West Ave., Cypress Breakout Room, across from the Bistro, or on Saturday, September 7, @ start location

Saturday, September 7, 2024 – Race Day
• 6:15-7:15 a.m. Race day registration and packet will be available @ start location
• 7:30 a.m. Start time @ the corner of E. Cedar St. and S. Jefferson Ave.
• 8:30 a.m. Award Ceremony @ the Main Stage

• Pre-registration by Wednesday, August 28, is $30, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Registration after Wednesday, August 28, is $35.
• Runner Division age groups: 70+,60-69, 55-59, 50-54, 45-49, 40-44, 35-39, 30-34, 25-29, 20-24, 15-19, 10-14, 0-9

• Walker  Division: All walkers, regardless of age and gender, are considered one division.

T-Shirts
• Must register by Friday, August 30th, to guarantee a race shirt.

Sizes Available: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL

Route  
• Start at Corner of E. Cedar St. and S. Jefferson Ave. – Proceed North on S. Jefferson Ave. – Turn left onto Griffith St. – Turn left onto Mall parking lot/access road – Turn left onto E. 13th St. – Turn right onto N. Jefferson Ave. – Finish at E. Cedar St. and S. Jefferson Ave.

Awards  
• $100 cash prize and award to first place overall male and female
• First place overall male and female will not receive age division awards
• Awards will be given to the top 3 finishers in each age and gender division

Race Swag 
• All registered runners will receive a swag bag including a commemorative performance t-shirt, official race bib, athletic race goodies, and much more!

Inclement Weather Policy  
The race will go on regardless of precipitation. In the event that weather conditions present an imminent danger to participants, the race will be canceled. No refunds will be given.

• Due to reasons beyond our control, it may become necessary to change some of the event locations, start times, etc. Please visit the race website periodically to check for any updates: www.southarkexpo.com or https://runsignup.com/Race/AR/ElDorado/MajorRonaldWayneCulverHero5kWalk

For more information, contact the SouthArk Foundation office at Foundation@southark.edu or 870.864.7130