Hero 5k Walk / Run

🦸‍♂️ Race Overview

This race honors our local courageous heroes – healthcare professionals, military personnel, and first responders. Its purpose is to raise awareness of the sacrifices made daily by these heroes and to unite in their honor. The community is invited to honor our hometown heroes and those who have served in the military while paying tribute to the heroes of today who are working on our frontlines.

🎖️ In Memory of Major Ronald Wayne Culver

The Hero 5k Ran/Walk grew in memory of Major Ronald Wayne Culver, who died in Iraq on May 24th, 2010. Major Culver served multiple combat deployments throughout his military career and served on countless programs and organizations in our local community. He was a true American hero who courageously sacrificed his life for our country.

🏆 Honoring Leslie Darden

This race also honors Leslie Darden, a hero & inspiration to so many in the racing world. She pushed people to be the best they could be through her steadfast encouragement, uplifting cheers, and empowering guidance! Leslie was an alumna of SouthArk and worked in the healthcare industry for 12 years.

🌟 Recognizing Our Hometown Heroes

It is an honor for us to recognize the courageous spirit of all of our hometown heroes including healthcare professionals, firefighters, military, and law enforcement who serve and protect our community! We wish to raise awareness of the sacrifices made daily by these heroes and unite to honor all those who have stepped up to earn the title of HERO.

📅 Date

Saturday, September 12th, 2026

Race start time: 7:30 a.m.

📍 Start/Finish Location

Corner of E. Ceder St. and S. Jefferson Ave. (107 East Cedar St., El Dorado, Arkansas)

🎽 Packet Pickup

Friday, September 11, 2026

• Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  Location: El Dorado Conference Center, enter West Foyer at 300 South West Ave., in front of Murphy Hall.

Saturday, September 12, 2026 – Race Day
Time: 6:15-7:15 a.m. Race day registration and packet will be available at start location.

📝 Registration

Pre-registration by August 28, is $30
Registration after August 28, is $35

• Runner Division: age groups: 70+, 60-69, 55-59, 50-54, 45-49, 40-44, 35-39, 30-34, 25-29, 20-24, 15-19, 10-14, 0-9
• Walker Division: All walkers, regardless of age and gender, are considered one division.

👕 T-Shirts

Note: Must register by Friday, August 30th, to guarantee a race shirt.
Sizes Available: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL

🏃‍♀️ Route

Route Description: Start at Corner of E. Cedar St. and S. Jefferson Ave. – Proceed North on S. Jefferson Ave. – Turn left onto Griffith St. – Turn left onto Mall parking lot/access road – Turn left onto E. 13th St. – Turn right onto N. Jefferson Ave. – Finish at E. Cedar St. and S. Jefferson Ave.

🏅 Awards - 5k Runners

• Cash Prize: $100 cash prize and award to first place overall male and female
• Eligibility: First place overall male and female will not receive age division awards
• Awards: Awards will be given to the top 3 finishers in each age and gender division

🎁 Race Swag

Swag Bag Includes: All registered runners will receive a swag bag including a commemorative performance t-shirt, official race bib, athletic race goodies, and much more!

🌧️ Inclement Weather Policy

The race will go on regardless of precipitation. In the event that weather conditions present an imminent danger to participants, the race will be canceled. No refunds will be given.

🔗 Updates

Due to reasons beyond our control, it may become necessary to change some of the event locations, start times, etc. Please visit the race website periodically to check for any updates: www.southarkexpo.com

📞 Contact Info

For more information, contact the SouthArk Foundation office at Foundation@southark.edu or 870.864.7130