Last chance ‘to soar’

This will be the last year for the Annual Soaring Wings Half Marathon & 10K, which is scheduled Saturday, Oct. 19, in Conway. Slots are filling up and registration fees increase after Sunday, Sept. 1. For more information or to register, visit swmarathon.com.

Registration fees will increase Sunday, Sept. 1, for the 12th Annual Soaring Wings Half Marathon & 10K.

The event is scheduled Saturday, Oct. 19, in Conway.

“Sadly, this will be the last chance for participants to soar as Soaring Wings officials have decided this will be the final year for the half marathon and 10K,” said 501 LIFE Editor/Co-publisher Sonja J. Keith. “501 LIFE has been happy and proud to lend a helping hand as the official media sponsor for the event. We are counting on the 501 community and its help.”

Race directors Amanda Castillo and Marla Watson – and their team of about 300 volunteers  – have put together an outstanding event, which raises money for the Christ-centered ministry that serves children who are in crisis through no fault of their own.

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.

Thousands have participated in the event over the years. Unfortunately, with many new half marathons now in the state and surrounding area, numbers have declined in recent years which prompted the decision to make 2019 the last year.

“If you haven’t already signed up, 501 LIFE wants to encourage you to participate and show your support for this important program,” said Keith.

Better yet, sign up to be a Winged Warrior and earn a free entry to the Soaring Wings race of your choice by raising $200 or more. Additional prizes are available based on the amount raised.

Transfers between events and between people will be allowed through Saturday, Sept. 7, for a $10 fee, in addition to any difference in the cost of events. When transferring a bib to another person, registrants can choose to gift a bib or choose “Transfer Request,” and receive a refund for the registration fee after the recipient registers. This can be managed in the race registration system using the link in the race confirmation email. There will be no refund for registrations that will not be used. If a registrant is unable to participate in the race for any reason, the fee will be considered a donation to Soaring Wings Ranch. 

To manage registration and search for participants as well as help transferring a bib to another person, go to – https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062921

For help in transferring a registration to a different event, go to – https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062923

For more information or to register, visit swmarathon.com.