Hogeye Marathon celebrates 50 years with record turnout

Runners share what helped them reach the finish line of the longtime Northwest Arkansas tradition.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:10am

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An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, depicting the dynamic motion and raw energy of runners racing through a city street during a marathon event.The 50th anniversary Hogeye Marathon brought a record number of runners to the streets of Springdale, Arkansas, celebrating the event's longstanding tradition of community, fitness, and charitable giving.Springdale Today

The 50th annual Hogeye Marathon in Springdale, Arkansas saw a record number of runners take on the full and half-marathon courses. The nonprofit race, which began in 1977, has become a longtime tradition in the region and is considered the largest race in the area. Runners shared what motivated them, from having friends and family for support to using the event as a way to spread their faith and bond with others.

Why it matters

The Hogeye Marathon is a beloved community event that has brought runners together for 50 years. As one of the largest races in Northwest Arkansas, it serves as an important fundraiser for local charities and provides an opportunity for runners of all levels to challenge themselves and connect with others.

The details

The 50th annual Hogeye Marathon took place on April 11, 2026 in downtown Springdale. Organizers said the event raised more than $35,000 for local charities in 2025. Runners shared their motivations, with first-time full marathon runner Brooks Sego crediting the support of friends and family, and Layne Yudizky seeing the event as a way to have fellowship and spread his faith. Roommates Tristin Cook and Priscilla Husby signed up for the half-marathon as a bonding experience and way to give back through donations.

  • The 50th annual Hogeye Marathon took place on April 11, 2026.
  • The Hogeye Marathon began in 1977.

The players

Brooks Sego

A first-time full marathon runner who said having friends and family there for support made all the difference in helping him reach the finish line.

Layne Yudizky

A runner who was participating in his first race ever, seeing the event as an opportunity for fellowship and to spread his faith.

Tristin Cook

A half-marathon runner who signed up with her roommate Priscilla Husby as a way to spend time together and give back through donations.

Priscilla Husby

Tristin Cook's roommate, who signed up for the half-marathon with her as a bonding experience and way to support local charities.

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What they’re saying

“That's what pushes you to the finish line...just seeing them at the finish line and making signs and stuff like that is really fun.”

— Brooks Sego, First-time full marathon runner

“We get to have fellowship together each and every Saturday, and get to not only run, but spread the word. To have fellowship and work towards a common goal of sharing faith with everybody.”

— Layne Yudizky, First-time race participant

“We just signed up as roommates. We thought it'd be a fun thing to do and a way to give back through donations, too...we usually don't run super long distances, so it's fun bonding.”

— Tristin Cook, Half-marathon runner

“As long as it gets done, I'll be fine.”

— Tristin Cook, Half-marathon runner

What’s next

Organizers are already planning for next year's 51st annual Hogeye Marathon, which is expected to draw an even larger crowd of runners to downtown Springdale.

The takeaway

The Hogeye Marathon's 50-year legacy demonstrates the power of community-driven events to bring people together, inspire personal growth, and make a positive impact. As one of the largest races in the region, it continues to be a source of pride and celebration for runners and spectators alike in Northwest Arkansas.