Running: Hogeye Marathon numbers increase

FAYETTEVILLE -- The 39th Hogeye Marathon is packed with a full lineup of events to meet the needs of race enthusiasts and fans of all ages. Race officials are looking forward to increased turnout compared to a year ago.

"I think the numbers will be what they were about two years ago," race director Tabby Holmes said. "We're looking somewhere around 1,800 folks, which is what we had two years ago.

39th Hogeye Marathon & Relays

WHEN 7:30 a.m., Sunday; Kids Marathon, 2 p.m. April 11th

EVENTS Full Marathon, Half-marathon, Four-person relay, 5K run, 1-Mile Fun Run

WHERE Full marathon course begins at Fayetteville square, continues on Scull Creek Trail and Mud Creek Trail, heads north around Lake Fayetteville Trail and returns to finish at Walton Arts Center parking lot.

2014 WINNERS Male, Jonathan Pillow, Oklahoma City, 2:50.22; Female, Elizabeth Cooper, Oklahoma City, 3:11.50

"We had good weather last year, and it should be good weather again this year."

The Hogeye Marathon is set for 7:30 a.m. today. Along with the full 26-mile marathon, this year's Hogeye features a half marathon, a four-person relay and a 5K run. The half marathon is part of the Arkansas Grand Prix racing series, which had led to a big surge in popularity in that particular race as it has attracted top Grand Prix series runners who compete throughout the year.

"The Grand Prix chooses different races, and this year they chose our half marathon," Holmes said. "Our full marathon has been selected before, and our relays have been selected. This year, it's the half."

Last year, the Hogeye was moved up from mid-April to the last weekend in March. Holmes said this affected participation in the Kid's Marathon, which has been moved back to 2 p.m. April 11 this year.

"We changed that so we could get the kids that still aren't back from spring break to be involved," Holmes said. "We found that our numbers in the Kids' Marathon was down, so we moved that back to get more kids involved."

The full marathon no longer runs through the town of Hogeye since a major course change in 2003. The course now runs through Fayetteville, beginning at the Fayetteville square and taking runners on Scull Creek Trail, Mud Creek Trail and around Lake Fayetteville Trail before a finish line at the Walton Arts Center parking lot.

A corporate challenge was also added to the Hogeye's list of events last year. Holmes said three corporate teams have entered the challenge this year, and she expects that portion of the Marathon to continue to grow in future years.

Individual runners still interested in the Hogeye events can register from 5:45 to 7 a.m. today. Cost is $100 for the full marathon, $80 for the half marathon and $40 for the 5K.

To donate to the Hogeye Marathon, visit www.hogeyemarathon.com

Sports on 03/29/2015

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