Difani Memorial / Experience Independence 5K

Sat, Jul 11, 2026, 3:00 AM CDT

Location: 600 Eagle Mountain Blvd, Batesville, AR 72501
Type: Run

Finish signup on the organizer site (check fees and dates there).

Race feel

Run or walk a meaningful 5K in Batesville, supporting local students through the Byron Difani Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Competitive
For a Cause

Join the Difani Memorial / Experience Independence 5K in historic Batesville. This event honors Byron Difani, a dedicated educator, principal, and community booster. All race proceeds directly benefit the Byron Difani Memorial Scholarship Fund, supporting local students. Participants can choose to run the timed 5K with awards for top finishers and age groups, or opt for an untimed memorial walk to honor Byron's memory. A special T-shirt is included for registered entrants, making this a meaningful way to contribute.

What to expect

A 5K run with timing and awards for top overall and age group finishers.
An untimed "memorial walk" option to participate without a bib.
Receive a special T-shirt if registered by the deadline.

From the organizer

Join us July 11 for the Difani Memorial / Experience Independence 5K in historic Batesville. All proceeds from the race will go to the Byron Difani Memorial Scholarship Fund, to help local students just like those he had served so long and so well as educator, principal, and booster until illness took him. You are welcome to register for the T-shirt but participate without bib and RFID tags in an untimed "memorial walk" to honor his memory. We also have a donation-only option for non-participants to build the scholarship fund. Entry fee is $30.

We will have a special T-shirt for all entrants registered as of June 26, with overstock available on first come, first served basis thereafter until supply runs out. We will have awards for Top 3 Overall Men, Top 3 Overall Women, and top 3 medals in 10-year age groups.

With Riverside Park under construction, this year's course starts and finishes at Eagle Mountain Elementary . We plan packet pickup at the school Friday, July 10, 4-7 p.m., and race day registration there 6-6:45 a.m.

Eagle Mountain Elementary provides your welcome site and awards venue. Centennial Bank is the presenting sponsor and manager of the scholarship fund. The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce encourages you to Experience Independence.