Round up the family for Cow Paddy Run

Moove over for the eighth annual Cow Paddy Run on Friday at Gulley Park, 1850 E. Township St., Fayetteville. The 1K Fun Run begins at 5:45 p.m., and the 5K at 6 p.m.

The 5K run will begin and end at the park. Runners will head toward North Old Wire Road, making their way through Azalea Terrace to North Robin Road and then back to the park. The 1K Fun Run is a short footrace for the entire family. Both races use chip timing.

Participants can park on the west side of the park, off Old Wire Road or in the southside lot off Township Street. If both are full, parking can be found in surrounding neighborhoods. Strollers and pets are welcome.

Local elementary and middle school students will receive cash prizes for the most students, teachers, alumni and family in attendance. All participants will receive a medal at the finish line. Also, winners for the “Craziest Costume” and “Best Dressed Cow” will be announced during the award ceremony.

Registration for the 5K is $35 and $30. Packet pickup is available for preregistered runners from 3-6 p.m. Thursday at Rush Running, 1618 N. College Ave. The day of the race, packets will be available from 4 to 5:30 p.m. under the park’s gazebo. Limited registration will be available the day of the race; runners are encouraged to register in advance at cowpaddyrun.com. Online registration closes at noon Thursday.

This year’s winner for the T-shirt design contest was a fourth-grader from Holcomb Elementary; she received $100 and free entry to the run.

The Spark Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, teamed up with Fayetteville Public Education Foundation for this event.

Questions? Email contact@ mysparkfoundation.org.