Running Wild 5K Run & 3K Scavenger Hunt Walk

Welcome to Running Wild 5K Run/3K Wacky Scavenger Hunt Walk!

About this Event:

• Event Type: The Running Wild 5K Run is professionally chip-timed with disposable chips on park wooded and open field trails, park roads, grass, and gravel.
• Awards: The 5K event includes awards for the top 3 finishers in each age category.
• Accessibility: The 3K Wacky Scavenger Hunt Walk is on similar, relatively flat surfaces. Dogs allowed, on 6-foot leash, for the WALK ONLY.
• Breakfast: Egg bake breakfast with fresh fruit and homemade cookies for registered participants. Terrific door prizes donated by local vendors.

Proceeds:

Proceeds benefit park facilities, programs, and bus transportation to the parks for school programs. The event is organized by the St. Joseph County Parks Foundation, Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake, and St. Joseph County Parks.

Contact Information:

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Running Wild, please contact Leslie Witkowski at lwitkowski@sjcparks.org. Thank you for supporting St. Joseph County Parks!

Event Location:

St. Patrick's County Park is located at 50651 Laurel Road, South Bend, IN 46637

Be Aware: The Park trails contain unmarked tree roots, loose gravel, and ruts, and may be muddy or slick. Participants are cautioned to keep your eyes on the trail and be aware of your footing.

Race Fees:

Registration Pre-Registration Fees (through 11:59pm August 13):

• 5K Run/Walk: $25.00
• 5K Run/Walk (14 years and under): $22.00
• 3K individual registration: $20.00
• 3K Walk Herd Discount: $50.00 for 3-4 participants of any age

Late Registration Fees/Same Day Registration Fees (August 14 EDT at 12:00am - August 16 at 8:30am):

• 5K Run/Walk: $30.00
• 5K Run/Walk (14 years and under): $27.00
• 3K individual registration: $25.00
• 3K Walk Herd Discount: $55.00 for 3-4 participants of any age

Event Times:

• Late, walk-in registration will be available during bib pick-up Friday, August 14 from Noon to 6:00pm under the Pfeil Pavilion next to the Red Barn.
• Early bib pick-up will take place on Friday, August 14 from Noon to 6:00pm under the Pfeil Pavilion next to the Red Barn.
• Day of event bib pick-up: 7:30am - 8:15am in the Red Barn.
• Race starts at 8:30am.
• Onsite Registration available!

Pre-Registration:

Online registration ends Thursday, August 13, 11:59pm EDT. Mail-in registrations must be post-marked no later than August 9 if no t-shirt is being ordered.

Registration must be completed by August 4, 2026 for t-shirts to be guaranteed.

Race T-Shirts:

To guarantee a shirt, you must order one when you register online. T-shirts must be ordered by August 4, 2026.

T-shirt prices: $12.00, X-small-XL or $15.00 for 2XL-3XL (plus 7% sales tax).

Age Categories for 5K Run:

14 years & under, 15-19 years, 20-24 years, 25-29 years, 30-34 years, 35-39 years, 40-44 years, 45-49 years, 50-54 years, 55-59 years, 60-64 years, 65-69 years, 70-74 years, 75+ years

Awards & Giveaways:

• The top three male and female runners in each age category will receive a custom "2026 Running Wild" medal and Bendix Woods County Park pure maple syrup.
• All 3K Walk participants will receive an official Certificate of Completion and a handcrafted, collectible Running Wild participation medal.
• Participants may also pick-up their FREE, collectible 2026 Running Wild participation medallion during bib pick-up.

Event Timing:

Running Wild 5K timing provided by Mac's Sports Timing. Go to here for LIVE Results. The 3K Wacky Nature Scavenger Hunt Walk is not timed.