FAYETTEVILLE — Bruce Dunn loves that Fayetteville has a reputation for being an community that loves the outdoors.
And it’s something he hopes to see continue for a long time.
Dunn, who has helped begin various outdoor events in Fayetteville, including the nationally recognized Joe Martin Stage Race and the Hogeye Marathon, has helped organize the Fayetteville Half Marathon, a new running event that will take place Dec. 11-12.
The two-day event will include a half-distance marathon of 13.1 miles, a 5K and 10K race and a one-mile fun run/walk. The start and finish lines for all events will be at Arkansas’ John McDonnell Field.
“Fayetteville is a healthy active outdoor community already,” Dunn said. “But we’ve expanded that and taken ideas beyond traditional sports. This will be a great event for Northwest Arkansas.”
Dunn, and other city officials from Fayetteville, held a news conference Thursday morning at John McDonnell Field to announce the new event.
Dunn said the half marathon is mainly focused toward people who’ve recently undergone dramatic weight loss, and want a running event that isn’t too intimidating.
“This event is for the biggest loser demographic, people who can actually run a marathon that fits them,” Dunn said. “We want the people who’ve been sitting on the couch, but had a lifestyle change and want to become active.”
Lionel Jordan, Fayetteville’s mayor, said having the event in December is a good idea because it keeps people coming to the area throughout all times of the year.
Marilyn Heifner, the executive director of Fayetteville’s advertising and promotion commission, said the economic impact of the event is expected to be $250,000.
“Our city has always been a big proponent of healthy living and sustainability,” Jordan said. “We always feel like we’re on the cutting edge of big events, and this certainly fits that bill. It’ll promote our city, it’s just another big event.”
Dunn said one highlight of the two-day event includes the Magic Mile on Dec. 11. The one-mile trek, which Dunn said is one of the fastest one-mile courses in the world because it’s completely downhill, will have divisions for adult, masters and children.
For the first year, Dunn expects 1,200 participants, but would like to see the event to grow to as many as 5,000 in the next few years.
Registration for the event, which will be $50 per participant, begins Saturday at www.fayettevillehalfmarathon.com.