Organizers are making the final arrangements for the 12^th Annual Soaring Wings Half Marathon & 10K scheduled Saturday, Oct. 19, in Conway.

This is the last year for the event.

Race directors Amanda Castillo and Marla Watson – and their team of about 300 volunteers – put on the event, which benefits Soaring Wings, a Christian family and home that provides security, love and hope to children in need. Soaring Wings currently has two homes for girls and one for boys, ages 6-18, as well as an infant and toddler home that serves children birth through 5 years.

Thousands have participated in the event over the years and the fundraiser has helped the ministry care for more than 300 kids.

“It has been a fantastic 12 years and we appreciate the wonderful support we have received from the running community, our faithful sponsors and our hard-working volunteers,” said Marla.

“Let’s make this year our best yet as we SOAR together one last time,” added Amanda.

WINGED WARRIOR

Individuals who sign up to be a Winged Warrior and raise a minimum of $200 can earn a free entry to the Soaring Wings race of their choice. Additional prizes are available based on the amount raised.

EXPO

Festivities kick off with the Soaring Wings Expo planned 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, at the Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center. In addition to packet pick up, individuals can shop for the latest running gear with vendors. Local sponsors will also be on hand, including the Sporty Runner.

KIDS RUN FOR KIDS

Sponsored by TLC Pediatrics, Kids Run for Kids is planned 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, at the Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center, 700 Salem Road. Registration is $10 and includes an event T-shirt, a finisher’s medal and a free Kona Ice!

Packet pick up will be during the expo until 4:30 p.m.

The kids run is dedicated to young up-and-coming athletes who want to try out the sport of running or walking, improve their health and run for kids their age who live at Soaring Wings Ranch. There are two parts to Kids Run for Kids: the Kids Half Marathon and “Fun Runs” for kids of all ages.

Additional sponsors are Incite Rehab, Reliance Healthcare, First Security Bank, Sporty Runner, The PI Company, Centennial Bank, BankcorpSouth, Conway Women’s Health Center, Mitchell Williams Law Firm and Dr. Robert J Parker, DDS.

For more information or to register, visit swmarathon.com. 501 LIFE is the official media sponsor for the event.