Hero Half Marathon 2026

The Hero Half Marathon is a Fayetteville race-day fundraiser featuring a 13.1-mile half marathon, a 2-person relay, a quarter marathon, a 5K, and a Spark One Mile. The Spark Foundation and Fayetteville Firefighters' IAFF Local 2866 organize the event. A 15-week training program for the half marathon is also available. The race supports local organizations and community fitness initiatives, aligning with The Spark Foundation's mission to support schools, health, and active living. A notable tradition is the Firefighter Challenge, where participants run the half marathon in full bunker gear. Age-group awards are given to the top three male and female finishers in each division. The event is held in conjunction with The Spark Foundation's Cow Paddy Run and Turkey Trot-n-Trek 1K and 5K.