How do I register for Cow Paddy Run?

You can register for Cow Paddy Run at https://runsignup.com/Race/AR/Fayetteville/CowPaddyRun?aflt_token=QZt1KFBDIiIun5smo9vi7y59qq2fNLcB

Cow Paddy Run

Past Event

Gulley Park, Fayetteville AR

Saturday, May 16th, 2026

Event Types: There’s a 5K for adults and older kids and a 1K Fun Run for the little ones.
Tradition: Don’t worry though, because there aren’t any real cow paddies to avoid. 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!

Foundation: The Cow Paddy Run produced by The Spark Foundation focuses on helping students and families build habits for an active, healthy lifestyle.
Pay-Your-Age Program: 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.
Inclusivity: As part of our mission, we want the focus on running to be fun and accessible.
Participation Rewards: All runners get a chip time, participant shirt and finisher’s medal.

No Individual Awards: 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 Strava Map: The course uses the paved loop around Gulley Park and the grass loop by Apple Seeds — please prepare your child for the varied terrain. Parents are encouraged to run with your child!
1K Strava Map: Parents are encouraged to run with your child! The course uses the paved loop around the gazebo and the grass loop by Apple Seeds — please prepare your child for the varied terrain.
Safety Measures: We take every precaution to ensure safety: however, your child is your ultimate responsibility. Please review the course with your child and run with them if you are able.

Eligibility: Both elementary AND middle schools in Fayetteville are eligible for the annual participation prize!
Prizes: 1st Place — $2,000, 2nd Place — $1,000, 3rd Place — $500
Mighty Moovers Award: A $500 participation award for schools with fewer than 350 students. Whoever has the most participants among eligible schools will receive the prize money.

Availability: Race fees can be prohibitive, so we offer scholarships to make running accessible to everyone.
Contact: For details, please email director@:mysparkfoundation.org.

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

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.
Community Impact: Thank you for joining us in helping people of all ages, paces and abilities build the habits for a healthy, active lifestyle.
More Information: More information about The Spark Foundation, its programs and other races can be found at www.mysparkfoundation.org.