The Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival Returns to Fayetteville
Fayetteville, Arkansas, is gearing up to host the 36th Annual Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival, scheduled for September 27-28, 2024. This esteemed event brings together three premier Northwest Arkansas cross-country races under a single umbrella, showcasing some of the best runners in the region and beyond.
As one of the premier cross-country events in the United States, the festival attracts an impressive number of participants, with over 80 college teams and 120 high school teams vying for prestigious Chile Pepper themed awards. Additionally, the Open Events feature the Tom Lewis 1 Mile Pepper Dash and the Godpepper 10K, drawing in an estimated 750 individual runners.
The races are held on the University of Arkansas’ cross-country course, known for its unique combination of grass, cinder, and uneven terrain. This challenging and scenic course has hosted notable events, including SEC and NCAA Championships.
The Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival is not just about racing; it also has a strong philanthropic mission. Proceeds from the event are donated to public high school cross-country programs in Northwest Arkansas, with over million distributed to date. This aim to promote the benefits of exercise, a healthy lifestyle, teamwork, and lifelong sports participation resonates deeply with the community.
For those attending the event, some important details to note include the strict rules at the University of Arkansas Experimental Farm. No pets are allowed on the grounds, and the use of drones is strictly prohibited. Additionally, specific parking areas and access points have been designated for different groups of participants and spectators.
Race merchandise, including distinctive Chile Pepper T-shirts, will be available for purchase during the event. Participants are also reminded to return their shoe chips, used for scoring and timing, at the conclusion of the races.
The festival’s long-term partners, Creative and Timex, are set to present exciting awards and prizes to the winners, adding an extra layer of excitement to the already electric atmosphere of this marquee event.