Events
Race Contact Info
Description
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 the 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!
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 — $2,000
2nd Place — $1,000
3rd Place — $500
New this year: our Mighty Moovers Award — a $500 participation award for schools with fewer than 350 students. There are three eligible schools this year and the one with the most participants will receive the money.
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 us 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 April 15th, 2024. If you register on or after April 15th, 2024, we can no longer guarantee a race T-shirt. We will have some extra shirts available on race day, but please register before April 15th, 2024, to ensure your T-shirt in your desired size. ***
All proceeds benefit The Spark Foundation, a local Fayetteville 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.
Important Race Day Information
Packet Pick Up:
- 3 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Gulley Park Gazebo (see map for exact location) In the case of inclement weather, packet pick up will be moved to Rise PT's East Location (2668 E Citizens Dr #5, Fayetteville, AR 72703) you will be notified of this change via email.
- 7:30 to 8:50 a.m. Saturday at the Gulley Park Gazebo.
- Please make an effort to get your packet on Friday! It helps us and you immensely. Someone else can pick up your packet. They need to know your name and shirt size!
Parking:
Parking is allowed at the Township Lot, the Gulley Park Pets Clinic, and the Parkside Playschool. NO PARKING allowed at the Old Wire Road Church, or the lot off of Old Wire. The lot off of Old Wire will be closed it is reserved for vendors, volunteers and handicap parking ONLY. Please DO NOT attempt to park in the Old Wire Lot. There is plenty of street parking located very near to park entrances. Please review the map and make a plan ahead of time!
Race Day Timeline:
- 9 a.m. — 1K starts
- 9:15 a.m. — 5K starts
FAQs:
- Strollers are allowed. Please start in the back.
- Dogs are allowed if they are kept on a 4-foot leash at all times.
- Parents are encouraged to run with your child! We have kept costs low so that families can afford to all participate. If you need scholarships for children or families, please email us at contact@mysparkfoundation.org
- All registered runners receive a T-shirt, and finishers receive a medal. We DO NOT do age group or overall awards for this race. We want your spark for running to be YOU!
- There will be 1 aid station with water and first aid on the 5K course.
- Toilets —Portable toilets will be located near the start/finish and there are indoor park restrooms near the playground.
- Bibs — We are using Agee Timing as our timer this year. They have very specific instruction for the bibs and associated chips. If you care about your race results, please be sure to follow all the instructions which you will see at packet pick-up.
- Finish Line Support — We will have 1st aid, water, gatorade, snacks, a Brock Entertainment DJ and photographer!
- This is rain or shine race! There will be NO REFUNDS in the event of inclement weather. In the case of thunderstorms, we will make the safest decision for runners, volunteers and staff.
Directions
Race Participant Survey
Please complete the following survey to help us better understand your race experience.