Since 1977, the Hogeye Marathon has been supporting local charities in Northwest Arkansas. For 2022, it’s scheduled for April 9-10.
April 9th includes the serious competitions:
- Marathon
- Half Marathon
- 4-person relay
April 10th is Sunday Fun Day, with 5k and 10k fun runs plus a kids’ run.
There is a Health and Fitness Expo at the Jones Center on Friday, where runners can pick up their packets.
The Hogeye is the oldest marathon in Arkansas, and the biggest race in Northwest Arkansas.
Why Hogeye?
Hogeye, Arkansas, is an unincorporated community in Washington County. The township was first recorded as “Hogeye” in 1860. It was also known as Billingsley, Glenroy, and Moffitt at various times.
The Hogeye Marathon originally started in Fayetteville and went to Hogeye. At that point, runners turned around and came back. This year it will start and finish in Springdale, passing through part of Fayetteville along the way.
The marathon still keeps the name “Hogeye” in honor of the community of Hogeye.
Goals of the race
In its 46th year, the Hogeye Marathon continues to support charities. MANA clinics have sponsored the run since the 20th century, and MANA will do so again this year.
This year’s supported charities:
- American Wheelchair Mission
- Jackson Graves Foundation- Arkansas Children’s Hospital Northwest- support of families in NWA
- Kendrick Fincher Hydration for Life- Education in NWA schools about proper hydration for sports and fitness
- Meals on Wheels of Washington County- Meals delivered through the Senior Centers
In addition to the $443,000 raised for charity since 2008, the Hogeye Marathon is also intended to encourage healthy living in Northwest Arkansas. Many Hogeye runners report that the marathon was the start of their health and fitness journey — or the culmination.