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. In keeping with our mission we have eliminated age group awards and instead will award prizes for those who best their Hero Half Marathon finisher time! We want the person who motivates you to be, YOU! 

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.

Looking to train for your first half or best your half marathon time?! Then sign up for our 15 week training program! Registration includes personalized run coaching, training tank, in-person meetings, and race registration! 

*** Please note: In order to guarantee a race t-shirt (a long-sleeved tech tee), you must register and select a size no later than September 14, 2024. If you register on or after September 14, 2024, we can no longer guarantee a race t-shirt. We will have some extra shirts available on race day, but please register before September 14, 2024, to ensure your shirt in your desired size.