The Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival was created to bring together three Northwest Arkansas cross-country races under a single event. The Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival is now one of the premier running events in America.

Typical Years, over 80 college teams and 120 high school teams battle for prestige and unique Chile Pepper themed awards. Additionally, 750 individuals participate in the Open Events including the Tom Lewis 1 Mile Pepper Dash on Friday Night and the Godpepper 10K on Saturday morning. The event is held at University of Arkansas’ incredible cross country course.

Schedule of Events:

Friday, September 29, 2023

2:00 to 5:00 PM – Packet Pick Up for College Teams
4:00 to 6:00 PM – Packet Pick Up for pre-paid High School Teams, Open 10K, and 1 Mile
3:15 PM – Women’s Collegiate “Prairie Fire Pepper” 5K
3:45 PM – Men’s Collegiate “Prairie Fire Pepper” 8K
4:30 PM – College Women’s “Harter’s Habanero” 5K
5:00 PM – College Men’s “McDonnell Memorial” 8K
6:00 PM – Awards
6:30 PM – “Tom Lewis 1 Mile Pepper Dash” (Now open to all ages!)
6:45 PM – Awards for the 1 Mile

College Race Box Assignments
Box Assignments for the collegiate meet will be posted on September 28.

Saturday, September 30, 2023

6:00 AM – Packet Pick Up starts for 10K runners
7:30 AM – The “Godpepper” 10K (Open Citizen Run)
7:30 AM – Packet Pick Up starts for High School runners
9:00 AM – Packet Pick Up starts for Junior High runners
9:00 AM – Senior High Girl’s “El Caliente” (Varsity 5K) – Heat 1
9:05 AM – Godpepper 10K Awards
9:45 AM – Senior High Girl’s “El Caliente” (Varsity 5K) – Heat 2
10:30 AM – Senior High Boy’s “El Caliente” (Varsity 5K) – Heat 1
11:00 AM – Senior High Boy’s “El Caliente” (Varsity 5K) – Heat 2
11:30 AM – Senior High Girl’s Open (5K)
12:15 AM – Senior High Boy’s Open (5K)
1:00 PM – Awards Ceremony High School
12:45 PM – Junior High Girls Open (2 Mile)
1:15 PM – Junior High Boys Open (2 Mile)
1:45 PM – Awards Ceremony Junior High

El Caliente Heat and Box Assignments
Heat and Box assignments for the High School “El Caliente” races will be posted on September 28.

Dates: September 29 - 30, 2023

Location: University of Arkansas Cross Country Course, 1167 West Knapp Street, Fayetteville, AR 72703

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