Wildcat Extra Mile Race
Saturday, May 2, 2026
The Wildcat Extra Mile is a one-mile race for competitive runners, casual walkers, and everyone in between! There will be two race heats so participants can run or walk at their own pace. The Wildcat Extra Mile is a fast, flat USATF-certified one-mile race that starts and finishes in front of Harding Academy. We encourage students, parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbors to come out and go the extra mile with us Saturday morning, May 2, 2026. 100% of the race proceeds will be used to benefit the teachers and students. In the past, these funds have been used to purchase playground equipment, bleachers, and classroom iPads. Race proceeds have also benefited various sports programs, Robotics, Theater, Chorus, and Band. Thank you for supporting Harding Academy!
Register by Friday, April 17, 2026, to be guaranteed a t-shirt size!
USATF Certification Number: AR 19008WJT (Effective April 29, 2019-December 31, 2029)
Events:
- 8:00 AM: Heat 1 - Competitive Heat (sub 8 min pace)
Price: $20
Time: 8:00AM CDT - 8:10AM CDT
Price increases after February 28, 2026 at 11:59pm CST - 8:30 AM: Heat 2 - Fun Run/ Walk (*non-competitive but still timed)
Price: $20
Time: 8:30AM CDT - 9:00AM CDT
Price increases after February 28, 2026 at 11:59pm CST - Virtual Runner or Walker (I would like an Extra Mile shirt!)
Price: $20
Price increases after February 28, 2026 at 11:59pm CST - Sponsor a Kid to Race!
Price: $20
Price increases after February 28, 2026 at 11:59pm CST
The Course
The Wildcat Extra Mile Race starts in front of Harding Academy on E. Park. Runners will pass the first quarter mile in front of the Ganus Athletic Center. Runners will then turn left onto Burks Blvd and run along the right side of the road (past the Reynolds Communications building). Runners will make a wide left u-turn just past Bison Lane - this is the halfway point and then head back down Burks Blvd along the right side of the road. At the end of Burks Blvd runners will turn right back into E. Park and head all the way down towards the finish in front of Harding Academy.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below. Questions?
Packet Pickup and Race Day Registration
Race day packet pickup and registration will be from 6:30-8:00 AM in front of Harding Academy Elementary. The address is 1529 E Park Ave. Searcy, AR 72143.
Race Day Parking
Ample parking is available BEFORE 7:50 AM in front of First Security Stadium, Cone Dorm, and the Ganus Athletic Center. If you arrive after 7:50 AM you will need to park on the back side of the Rhodes fieldhouse off Lott Tucker Drive or in the Reynolds parking lot off the E. Park Ave. entrance. Please note that E. Park St. from Burks Blvd. to S. Moss Ave. will be blocked off from 7:50-9:20 AM for the race.
Tribute to Pam Keese
The Wildcat Extra Mile was created in memory of our beloved, Pam Keese. Mrs. Keese taught Physical Education at Harding Academy for many years. She made each student feel valued. She was a Godly woman who devoted her talents to God, her children, friends, and work. Mrs. Keese made it a habit to go the Extra Mile to everyone she encountered. Mrs. Pam Keese (May 6, 1960- April 18, 2017)