The 40th Annual Cole Porter Classic returns to Peru, Indiana on October 3rd, celebrating four decades of running tradition with a mix of 5K and 10K races along the scenic Riverwalk Park trail and city streets. This year’s edition promises another thrilling race day in one of Indiana's most charming small towns.
The event unfolds on a crisp autumn morning as runners lace up at the Miami County YMCA, where the race starts promptly at nine o'clock. The air is filled with anticipation and the scent of fallen leaves underfoot along the Riverwalk Park trail. As participants navigate through Peru’s historic downtown streets, they are greeted by familiar faces and supportive crowds that line the course year after year.
For forty years, this event has not only served as a celebration of running but also raises funds for local community projects supported by the Peru Rotary Club. With awards presented to male and female winners across various age brackets in both 5K Run and 10K categories, there’s something special about crossing that finish line under the shade of towering trees along the trail.
The course itself is a well-trodden path through Riverwalk Park and the city streets, offering runners and race walkers an experience rich with Indiana's autumnal charm. The terrain remains relatively flat throughout both distances, providing a manageable challenge for participants who must complete the 10K run in under one hour and thirty minutes. Frequent water stations along the route ensure that everyone stays hydrated as they make their way back to the starting point at the YMCA.
Weather on race day typically features moderate temperatures with an average of around 56°F (13°C) and a chance for scattered showers, but no significant rainfall is expected. The firm yet slightly soft trail conditions are perfect for both running and walking events, while UV levels remain in the moderate range at four out of ten.
10K Run
6.2 Miles • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $30.00
5K Competitive Race Walk
3.1 Miles • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $30.00
5K Run
3.1 Miles • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $30.00
The registration process for the Cole Porter Classic can be completed online through https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Peru/ColePorterClassicXXX with pre-registration closing on September 27th. While late entries are still available until October 2nd, early sign-ups guarantee a long-sleeved event shirt and entry into the first 150 finishers who will receive commemorative medals.
Packet pickup is scheduled for race day starting at seven-thirty in the morning at the Miami County YMCA located on West Second Street. Participants must ensure they arrive with proper identification to claim their bib numbers, and all runners are reminded that pets or wheeled devices other than strollers or wheelchairs are strictly prohibited along the route.
First-time attendees should know the race starts promptly at nine from the Miami County YMCA grounds in Peru, Indiana. The event is open exclusively to those aged fourteen years old and above who can complete their respective distances within set time limits. With so much history behind this annual gathering, runners will find themselves part of a longstanding tradition that celebrates both athletic achievement and community spirit.
The 40th Annual Cole Porter Classic in Peru, Indiana on October 3rd promises to be another memorable chapter in the race’s storied legacy, inviting participants from near and far to experience its unique blend of local charm and competitive excitement.
