The Fayetteville Half Marathon and All Sports Productions for the second year in a row is partnering with University of Arkansas graduate-level students to give them practical and hands-on experience in promoting a major event.  Students are given responsibilities ranging from marketing to volunteer coordination.

Students from the Sports Management class (RESM5293) of the Masters of Education in Recreation and Sport Management program become an integral part of the Fayetteville Half Marathon race committee.  The RESM program prepares students to be directors and superintendents of recreation for communities, directors of recreation and intramural sports for universities, and managers of other leisure services. 

This semester, the class is divided into three groups.  One group is responsible for conducting a special event for the Miracle League; a nonprofit that supports children with disabilities.  Another is responsible for a new endeavor, a fundraising effort for the Yvonne Richardson Center. The third group is actively participating in the promotion and directing of the Fayetteville Half Marathon.

Students learn and gain an understanding of the history of sports and the organizational structure of sport organizations as well as collaborate with faculty in theory, research, and field based experiences.  They are exposed to professional issues and careers in the sport management field.  Sport Management students are also actively involved in the planning and implementation of special events related to sports.