Running Wild 5K Run & 3K Scavenger Hunt Walk

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

About this Event: The Running Wild 5K Run is professionally chip-timed with disposable chips on park wooded and open field trails, park roads, grass, and gravel. The 5K event includes awards for the top 3 finishers in each age category. The 3K Wacky Scavenger Hunt Walk is on similar, relatively flat surfaces. Dogs allowed, on 6-foot leash, for the WALK ONLY. Individuals or families with leashed dogs will begin at the back of the walk start. Egg bake breakfast with fresh fruit and homemade cookies for registered participants. Terrific door prizes donated by local vendors and the St. Joseph County Parks Foundation and Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake! (Must be present to win.) This year's hand-crafted participant medallion features a Bald Eagle (one per registered participant, while supply lasts).

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.

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

• Pre-Registration Fees: $25.00 5K Run/Walk // $22.00 5K Run/Walk, 14 years and under
• 3K Fees: $20.00 3K individual registration // $50.00 3K Walk Herd Discount for 3-4 participants of any age
• T-Shirt Orders: Order t-shirts separately for $12, small-XL or $15, 2XL-3XL (plus 7% sales tax) on or before August 5th.
• Late Registration Fees: $30.00 5K Run/Walk // $27.00 5K Run/Walk, 14 years and under

🕒 Event Times

• Late, walk-in registration will be available during bib pick-up on Friday, August 15 from Noon to 6:00pm under the Pfeil Pavilion next to the Red Barn and in the Red Barn on August 16 prior to the start of the race.
• Early bib pick-up: Friday, August 15 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: 8:30am.
• Onsite Registration: Available the day of the race!

📅 Pre-Registration

Online registration ends Thursday, August 14, 11:59pm EDT. Mail-in registrations must be post-marked no later than August 10 if no t-shirt is being ordered. If a t-shirt is being ordered, mail-in registrations must be post-marked no later than July 31. Walk-in registrations that are ordering t-shirts must also be dropped off by July 31. Registration must be completed by August 5, 2025 for t-shirts to be guaranteed. If you register after August 5, you will not be able to order a t-shirt.

🏅 Awards &: Giveaways

The top three male and female runners in each age category, the top Overall male and female and the top Overall male and female Masters category (50 years +) will receive a custom "2025 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. Children will also be able to pick a fun nature prize.

Participants may also pick up their FREE, collectible 2025 Running Wild participation medallion during bib pick-up times on Friday, August 15 - Noon to 6:00pm OR the day of the run from 7:30-8:15am and after the run.

⏱️ Event Timing

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