Dear Cow Paddy Community,
Our hearts have been with you and your family these last few weeks as we all navigate these uncertain times.
As we have assessed the reports and models coming in and discussed all our options, we believe that even if social distancing are relaxed in the coming weeks or months, it will not be feasible to host the race in 2020 while maintaining a safe, fun environment for all with the quality and connection you have come to expect from Spark events. Additionally, as the situation has advanced and more and more are facing financial hardship every day, we are shifting our policy to better serve our community at this time. We are offering two options: donate your unused race registration or request a refund. Please help us by making your selection by Friday, April 24. If we do not hear from you by then, we will process a refund the following week.
If you have any questions about how to select your chosen option, please let us know. Additionally, if you ordered a Cow Paddy/Spark headband, those are currently in production and will be mailed at the end of April/early May. If you need to update your mailing address, please email us at contact@mysparkfoundation.org.
Thank you for all your understanding and support.
Sincerely,
Spark Foundation
Friday, April 17, 12:00 pm
Dear Cow Paddy Community,
We appreciate your patience as news has been coming in left and right about events being canceled here in Northwest Arkansas to keep communities as safe as possible during the rapidly progressing outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States. As you may have heard, Mayor Jordan declared a State of Emergency for the City of Fayetteville just this morning.
Therefore, in alignment with city and state officials, local organizations, and compassion for the community at large, we are currently pausing all online registrations for the 2020 Cow Paddy Run as we assess the development of the situation.
Although the race is still four weeks out, we believe it is important to exercise an abundance of caution. The well-being of our runners, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners is always our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding of this rapidly evolving situation.
We are working diligently to review all available information and protocols and will make a determination regarding postponement by April 1 at the absolute latest. Per our policy, your registration fee is not refundable; however, we will honor all registrations at the postponed date. Alternatively, you may elect to defer until the 2021 race date or request a donation receipt for your unused registration.
Sincerely,
Melissa
Melissa A. Caffrey
Executive Director | The Spark Foundation
contact@mysparkfoundation.org
www.mysparkfoundation.org
Additional race information can be found at http://www.cowpaddyrun.com.
Get ready for family-friendly fun on the run at the Cow Paddy Run at Gulley Park! This is one of the oldest group races in Fayetteville and was started to promote education and active lifestyles back in the 1980s. The Spark Foundation revived this run in 2011 as part of our mission to create fun and accessible opportunities for physical activity in our community.
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!
Proceeds go to the Fayetteville Public Education Foundation and Spark’s outreach programs, both of which support innovative education projects in our local schools.
It's the 10th Anniversary of the Return of Cow Paddy Run! We're celebrating by adding a 10K just for this year!
Our annual Cow Paddy Run Costume Contest returns with prizes for "Best Dressed" and "Craziest Cow". We've seen people run in full mascot costumes, coordinating team outfits, and more. Join in the fun! We moved the Cow Paddy Run back to a Saturday to accommodate runners and families outside of Fayetteville. Please join us for a full day of fun at Gulley Park in Fayetteville.
Both elementary AND middle schools in Fayetteville are eligible for the annual participation prize, and we're adding more awards! Make sure that 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 - $2,500
2nd Place - $1,000
3rd Place - $500
We've also added a prize for the non-Fayetteville school with the most participants: $500!
We know that race fees can be prohibitive and we're dedicated to making running accessible to all. We offer scholarships through school and community running clubs and P.E. programs. Email Melissa at director@mysparkfoundation.org to find out more.
*** 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 March 15, 2020. If you register on or after March 16, 2020, we can no longer guarantee a race t-shirt. We will have some extra shirts available on race, but please register before March 16, 2020, to ensure your t-shirt in your desired size. ***
All proceeds benefit The Spark Foundation, a local Fayetteville nonprofit to create 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 (and paces!) 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.
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
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