Fayetteville, Arkansas · Sunday, October 11, 2026
The Semi-Marathon du Hero is a 5k, half marathon, marathon, and running event held on Sunday, October 11, 2026. It is located in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
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 [email protected] 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.***
Join us for a new family tradition! Before you gather to eat, gather to move with your feet! This family friendly event has something for everyone. Choose either a 5k (3.1 miles) or 1K (.62) that is perfect for families and little ones! This new course will be everything we love about Fayetteville: hilly, scenic, fun, and downtown!
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 for the Turkey Trot, we want the person who motivates you to be, YOU!
**Due to a high volume of registrants for the Turkey Trot-N-Trek, participants who register for the 5K after 11/19/25 will not be guaranteed a beanie or medal.
**1K participants will NOT receive a beanie at the Turkey Trot-N-Trek, but will receive a finisher medal.
We can't wait to see you on race day!
Four distances to choose from...half marathon, 10K, 5K and fun run. The race will visit some of Fayetteville's most unique spots.
There are also virtual options.
Join us for the annual Candy Cane Course 5k/10k/15k! A fun, Christmas-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.
The fun includes -
Great Swag - designer shirt & custom medal
Chip-timing with live results and awards
Free photos
Delicious Treats waiting at the finish line
Plenty of fun!
Grab your friends and family, you are not going to want to miss this one!
Can't make the race? No problem! We offer a virtual race option where you can run anywhere, at any time, and still earn the fun swag!
*Youth-based pricing for the 5k/10k, 12 & Under are only $22!
5k/10k/15k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!
1 Mile registration is untimed and includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!
The kid's dash is a fun, untimed dash for our kiddos ages 10 and under. Registration includes a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and a specifically crafted medal for our kids' dash event! (If your child wants to run the kid's dash, and doesn't want the SWAG, they are welcome to run with us on race day for free!)
*Register by midnight on Thursday, two Thursdays before race day, to guarantee your shirt!