Cow Paddy Run

Cow Paddy Run

Sat May 16, 2026

Fayetteville, AR 72703 US

Race Info

• 5K Run: Price: $30 ($5: Ages 0 - 5) to ($12: Ages 12 - 12). Time: 9:15 AM CDT - 10:15 AM CDT. Registration ends May 16, 2026 at 8:45 am CDT.
• 1K Fun Run: Price: $15 ($5: Ages 0 - 5) to ($12: Ages 12 - 12). Time: 9:00 AM CDT - 9:15 AM CDT. Registration ends May 16, 2026 at 8:45 am CDT.

Description

There’s a 5K for adults and older kids and a 1K Fun Run for the little ones. 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 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. 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!

5K Course Details

The course uses the paved loop around Gulley Park and the grass loop by Apple Seeds. Parents are encouraged to run with your child! We will have directional signs and volunteers at turns, roads soft closed to traffic, a bike lead and sweep, and an aid station at the halfway point.

1K Course Details

The course uses the paved loop around the gazebo and the grass loop by Apple Seeds. Parents are encouraged to run with your child!

School Participation Prize

Both elementary AND middle schools in Fayetteville are eligible for the annual participation prize! Make sure 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

We also have our Mighty Moovers Award — a $500 participation award for schools with fewer than 350 students.

Scholarships

Race fees can be prohibitive, so we offer scholarships to make running accessible to everyone. For details, please email [email protected].

T-Shirt Guarantee

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 13th, 2025. If you register on or after April 13th, 2026, we can no longer guarantee a race T-shirt. We will have some extra shirts available on race day, but please register before April 13h, 2026, to ensure your T-shirt in your desired size.

Proceeds & Mission

All proceeds benefit The Spark Foundation, a Northwest Arkansas-based 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, May 15, 2025 at the Gulley Park Gazebo. In 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 8:45 a.m. Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the Gulley Park Gazebo.
• Parking: 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.
• 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.
• All registered runners receive a T-shirt, and finishers receive a medal.
• 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 — Agee Timing is the timer. Follow instructions at packet pick-up for bibs and chips.
• Finish Line Support — 1st aid, water, gatorade, snacks, a Brock Entertainment DJ and a photographer!
• This is a rain or shine race! There will be NO REFUNDS in the event of inclement weather. In the case of thunderstorms, the safest decision will be made.