Hero Half Marathon
When is Hero Half Marathon?
Hero Half Marathon takes place on Saturday, October 17, 2026 in Fayetteville, AR.
What distances does Hero Half Marathon offer?
Hero Half Marathon offers 6 events: Run for Your Hero 5k, Quarter Marathon- 10k with some bonus running, Virtual Quarter Marathon, Half Marathon, Half Marathon Firefighter Challenge- For Firefighters Running in Full Gear!, Virtual Half Marathon.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Run for Your Hero 5k | 5.0 km | $35.00 | Register |
| Quarter Marathon- 10k with some bonus running | 6.55 mi | $40.00 | Register |
| Virtual Quarter Marathon | 6.55 mi | $50.00 | Register |
| Half Marathon | 13.1 mi | $85.00 | Register |
| Half Marathon Firefighter Challenge- For Firefighters Running in Full Gear! | 13.1 mi | $65.00 | Register |
| Virtual Half Marathon | 13.1 mi | $85.00 | Register |
How much does Hero Half Marathon cost?
Registration for Hero Half Marathon starts at $100.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is Hero Half Marathon held?
Hero Half Marathon is held in Fayetteville, AR at Fayetteville Firefighters' Hero Half Marathon.
About Hero Half Marathon
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.***
Firefighter Challenge
Ready to go the distance? Participate in our annual Firefighter Challenge and run in FULL GEAR! We would be honored to have you run with us.
REQUIREMENTS
- Must be active duty firefigheter (Volunteers included)
- Must run in bunker gear provided by participant
- Helmet
- Pants
- Coat
- Air Pack (liner optional
- Wildland Gear accepted
- Running shoes encouraged!
Join the elite group of men and women who have completed the Firefighter Challenge! When you choose to accept the challenge you will receive a discounted race entry fee, firefighter themed finisher medal, chance to win a custom Hero Half Marathon branded firefighter axe (for Top 3 firefighter finishers!), and an exlusive Firefighter Challenge gift (plus ALL the bragging rights!).
Race Day Information
Packet Pick Up
- Friday, October 16th 3pm-7pm at Rise Physical Therapy (2668 E Citizens Dr #5, Fayetteville, AR 72703)
- Saturday, October 17th 6:45am-7:15am at the race start- packet pick up WILL CLOSE at 7:15am
Course
Race Start/Finish- at the NWA Mall near JC Penney's
Half Marathon Course Strava Map
Quarter Marathon Course Strava Map
Awards
- 5 year age group awards for top 3 male and female in each category of the half marathon and 10k only
Click the icon to download the Runner's Guide