SPRINGDALE -- Ron Stafford was anxious Saturday morning to run in the Hogeye Marathon that was beginning for the first time in downtown Springdale.
"It's a big change from Fayetteville," Stafford said. "I'm anxious to see the route and how the changes impact the marathon."
The 41st annual Hogeye Marathon was held Saturday. The marathon has traditionally been held in Fayetteville, but for the first time started Saturday in Springdale.
Stafford said he believes the changes could be positive for the marathon and create more interest and attract more runners.
It was Stafford's fifth year running in the Hogeye event. He was running the half-marathon in Saturday's event.
The marathon has multiple events including the 26.2-mile marathon, a 13.1-mile half-marathon, a 3.1-mile 5K and a four-person relay.
The marathon was a city of Hogeye tradition for years but moved to Fayetteville in 2003 because the road that leads to Hogeye is two lanes with no shoulder and not as safe for runners as a shouldered road would be, Tabby Holmes, race director, previously said.
The marathon will be in Springdale this year and next year because Springdale is more centrally located in Northwest Arkansas and is more likely to attract more runners from across the region, according to Holmes. Road construction going on in Fayetteville with the Arkansas 112 interchange was also a concern.
Marcy Lindsey of Fairfield was running the half-marathon. She also ran in last year's Hogeye.
Lindsey said she likes the change in location, which hopefully means fewer hills.
"Hills are suppose to be exciting until you have to run them," Lindsey said.
Gary Roden of Huntsville was running in the half-marathon. Roden said he's OK with the changes.
"It's a run and should be a lot easier run with the fewer hills," Roden said.
Allen White of Little Rock had run in nine or 10 Hogeye events. He described the change as "pretty radical" to him.
White said he enjoyed having the race on the Fayetteville square and he also enjoyed the course.
"It was in the country, and there was real scenery," White said. "There were no crowds."
Misty Murphy, executive director of Downtown Springdale Alliance, said she was excited organizers chose to bring the marathon to Springdale.
"It brings people that may have never been here before," Murphy said.
She said attracting more people downtown is good for the businesses located in the area.
Katie Schneider, owner of Trailside Coffee Company, said she normally opens her shop at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday mornings. She opened at 5 a.m. Saturday for the marathon.
"I think it's awesome that they are bringing more activities to downtown Springdale," Schneider said. "It can only help businesses."
Schneider said the day was her best Saturday of the year. She said she hopes they continue to have activities downtown to bring more people to the area.
NW News on 04/09/2017