Charity

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2026 WRM Recipient Charities

Have a Heart Pet Shelter

Have a Heart is a small, 501(c)(3) non-profit rescue shelter in North Central Arkansas.
"We seek to bring comfort and aid to animals who have been cast aside in North Central Arkansas, and to find them exceptional homes where they can live out their lives as family members. We recognize the value in the life of each animal we help, and work tirelessly to make each animal feel important and loved until their furever home is found. We are each of us volunteers. No one is paid in money, but rather in doggie kisses and kitty-cat mews. Adoption days are our bonus, and knowing that our animals are safe and healthy is our bread and butter." Have a Heart will receive 50% of the 2026 proceeds to complete a project which includes a play yard, fencing, and an indoor kennel.

Cotter Fire Department Auxiliary

The Cotter Fire Department Auxiliary further strengthens this mission by supporting our volunteers and engaging the community in safety, preparedness, and service. In Arkansas, 974 of the state’s 1,003 fire departments rely on volunteers — and Cotter VFD is one of the fully volunteer‑staffed departments serving its community with dedication and pride. Cotter FD will receive 20% of this year's proceeds to help pay for advance training.

Food Bank of North Central Arkansas

FBNCA's Mission Statement: Our organization has a mission that extends beyond simply providing meals to those in need. We believe that by bringing our community together around issues of poverty and hunger, we can develop long-term solutions that go beyond addressing immediate needs. To achieve this goal, we provide resources and education to empower individuals and create a sustainable impact for our community. The FBNCA will receive 20% of this year's proceeds to help support the Mobile Food Pantry Program in Gassville and Norfork, Arkansas.

Wesley Kitchen at FUMCMH

The Wesley Kitchen, a small commercial kitchen established in 2012, serves a free community meal on Monday evenings from 4pm to 5pm. Preparing the meals each week is a dedicated group of friendly, long-term volunteers who make savory home-cooked, hearty meals and delicious desserts. The dining room atmosphere is comfortable, and all are welcome! The Monday meal is a great place to relax and socialize with new friends while enjoying a nourishing meal. There is no charge for this meal. Wesley Kitchen will receive 10% of this year's proceeds.

Charity & Application Page!

2027 Applications will be accepted beginning February 1, 2027

2025 WRM raised over $20,000.00 for local charities and we’re thrilled to keep the party going, continuing to keep it local and support incredible organizations making a real difference in Baxter and Marion Counties.

White River Marathon (WRM) had made a significant shift in its mission to benefiting local charities within Baxter and Marion Counties starting in 2025. Operated by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Mountain Home Marathon, Inc., WRM is now allocating proceeds to local nonprofits through an annual application process. Applications are accepted annually, with recipients announced in the spring for the upcoming fall race. This change reflects WRM’s commitment to addressing the charitable needs of its local community.

Nonprofit organizations within Baxter and Marion Counties are invited to apply, detailing specific funding needs for projects or programs the donation would support. The WRM board will carefully review these applications based on the needs outlined, ensuring the funds have a meaningful impact on the community.

White River Marathon Charities Over the Years.

Katito, Kenya / World Vision

From initial inception in 2003 through 2024 WRM worked with World Vision raising nearly $300,000 for the village of Katito, Kenya, and World Vision's WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) program.

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. Working in nearly 100 countries around the world, they serve all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

Eco Sneakers

WRM is proud to partner with Eco Sneakers to make the best use of your used and worn out running shoes.

From the dog chewed, yard worked, paint splattered, gnarly shoes to the gently used, "they didn't match my new Garmin band," with micro treads still on the outsole, we'll take them!

- Recycle old sneakers into new athletic surfaces.

- Recycle your shoes to someone who doesn't have any.

Reuse, Renew, then Recycle! See what Eco Sneakers is all about.

Into The Light

Into The Light equips communities, service providers, and first responders to identity trafficking victims and provides prevention to at-risk children so they can avoid the traps sex traffickers use to lure their victims.

WRM is happy to provide fund raising means for Into The Light as they host the Pre-race Pasta Dinner and coordinate race day shuttles.

Learn more about Into The Light HERE