Saturday, September 12th, 2026
63 Lafayette Street, Valparaiso IN
5K
About this race
The Valpo Tradition Continues!
Join us for the 48th running of the Popcorn Panic. A community tradition for over four decades, this event has over 1,200 participants annually, running and walking through our tree-lined city streets. In teams or as individuals, you can choose to run the 5 miles or the 5K run or walk.
Team Competition
- Encouragement: Participants are encouraged to form teams!
- Eligibility: Teams must have at least 4 finishers to be eligible for team awards.
- Determination: Winner is determined by computer analysis of the overall place of the top 4 team members.
- Awards: Team members are also eligible for individual awards.
Registration
- Deadline: Register by 8/14 to guarantee a shirt size.
- No shirt option: Saves $5.
- Early Registration: Register early and save! Fee increases to $40 after 8/17.
- Same Day Registration: $45.
Packet Pick-Up
- Pre-race Packet Pick-up: Available Wed, Sep 9 - Thu Sep 10 at the Extra Mile Fitness Company, 3400 Calumet Ave., Valparaiso, IN.
- Pre-race Packet Pick-up: Available Fri, Sep 11th at Butterfield Pavilion from 3:30pm - 5:30pm.
- Onsite Packet Pick-up: Available on race morning beginning at 6:30am.
- Encouragement: We strongly encourage you to register ahead of race day and pick your packet up early.
Awards
Back for 2026 - Valpo Parks is continuing the recognition for the top runners. The male and female winners of the 5-mile race will be crowned champions, each receiving a suite of prestigious prizes:
- Champion Crown: Recognition for the top runners.
- Parade Honor: The honor of riding in the Popcorn Fest Parade.
- Festival Tickets: Two complimentary drink tickets for the Popcorn Festival.
- Gift Card: A $250 gift card to Extra Mile Fitness Company.
Overall & Age Group Awards: Top Overall Male & Top Overall Female, Top Masters Male & Top Masters Female, Top 3 Male and Female in the following age groups: 10 & under, 11-12, 13-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+.
Please note, Popcorn Panic has a non-duplication of awards policy. A participant who finishes in the top overall and masters winners in each event do not qualify to win an individual age group plaque.
Event Details
Date: 2026-09-12
Location: 63 Lafayette Street, Valparaiso, IN
More Information: Popcorn Panic Race Page
Course map
Train with a club
Run clubs near Valparaiso to train with before race day.
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