Sarah Strong 5K and 1 Mile Kids Fun Run

Event Overview

The Sarah Strong Run 5K Run/Walk, and 1 Mile Kids' Fun Run is back again for 2026! This year's event will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026 in downtown Elkhart. All proceeds from the Sarah Strong Run benefit Passionately Purple: The Sarah Crane Foundation, which assists families in the local community whose loved ones are battling cancer.

Packet Pickup

• Date: Friday, September 25
• Location: To be determined
• Race Day Pickup: Saturday, September 26
• Time: 7:30 - 8:30 AM

Race Details

The race will start and finish at Bicentennial Park (100 N. Elkhart Ave) in Downtown Elkhart.

Family-Friendly Event

• Strollers: Permitted and welcomed on the course
• Dogs: No dogs allowed due to liability
• Fitness Levels: All fitness levels are welcome
• Participation: Run competitively or walk leisurely

Awards

Medals are given to the top 3 finishers in each age division as well as awards for the top three overall male and female finishers.

Parking Information

• Race Day Parking: The lot at Bicentennial Park will be closed off for the race start and finish
• Alternate Parking: Ample parking available across the street at Hacienda
• Additional Parking: Available at Beacon Health & Fitness

About Passionately Purple

Sarah Crane was a sophomore at Elkhart Memorial High School (in Elkhart, Indiana) and was full of Charger Pride. A letter winner in Track and actively involved in Cross Country, Drill Team and Dance, Sarah always maintained a positive attitude in life, sports, and her academics. On July 10th, 2013, that positive attitude became critically important as she was diagnosed with Stage-4 Colon Cancer: an extremely rare form of cancer for someone her age with the colon, liver, lungs, and bowels affected, requiring cancer treatments consisting of surgeries and ongoing chemotherapy. While most would have given up or huddled in fear, Sarah stood strong and vowed to win this battle. Sarah refused to back down or surrender. The slogan SARAHSTRONG is where this was born. It was her mantra and focus during this difficult process. Purple represents not only the fight against all cancers but is Sarah’s favorite color.

In Memory of Sarah Crane

Unfortunately for us, Sarah's battle ended on December 7, 2013. With Sarah's passing and still an entire community rallying, the Crane family knew they had to do something and that is when the foundation was born. The foundation hosts several fundraising events to help aid in annual scholarships at Elkhart High School and provide supplies, counseling, and other items for local families who are also battling cancer.

Registration Link

For more details and to register, visit Sarah Strong Run.