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.***