FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) -- The 4th Annual Spirit Challenge 5K and 10K was held Saturday afternoon (November 15) at the Lake Fayetteville trail to help benefit Special Olympics athletes in Arkansas.
Donna Kilmer, a representative for Special Olympics Arkansas, said the Spirit Challenge is a huge fundraising event which goes towards paying fees for Special Olympic athletes.
"All of those opportunities that we provide our athletes, they cost. So we take care of it, we cover that cost so our athletes never have to pay a fee," Kilmer said "And we're the last state remaining that does not charge its athletes for taking part in the program."
Besides the 5K and 10K race, Kilmer said a fun run was also held specifically for Special Olympic athletes.
The local Special Olympics Arkansas program serves over 850 athletes.
In addition to their 240 competitions throughout the state, Special Olympics Arkansas offers programming in education and health and wellness.
You can learn more about the organization at their website.