Cow Paddy Run Promotes Education and Active Lifestyles

The 3rd installment of the modern Cow Paddy 5k and 1 mile Fun Run was completed Saturday, March 9th at Gulley Park in Fayetteville. The event was revived in 2011 by Max Mahler and Ben Putman, Fayetteville public school alumni and running enthusiasts. The two race directors, recent graduates of the University of Arkansas, chose Fayetteville Public Education Foundation as the recipient of the race’s charitable donation, with a bonus going to the elementary school with the highest attendance, Butterfield Trail.According to Putman, “The Cow Paddy was the first run I ever competed in and it sparked a lifelong passion for running. We wanted everyone in the area to have that opportunity again.” The mission of the Cow Paddy Foundation is to promote education and fitness, and to bridge the gap between the two. Mahler has said, “We believe that the healthy development of our community is tied to quality education received by physically active individuals. We want parents and children alike to feel comfortable with exercise, even outside of organized sports, because of the many proven benefits an active lifestyle can provide in other areas of life, such as studying.” In the future, we at FPEF hope to see the Cow Paddy grow even more. Thank you to the Cow Paddy Foundation for your efforts!