Popcorn Panic 5M Run & 5K Run/Walk

About the Event

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

Participants are encouraged to form teams! Teams must have at least 4 finishers to be eligible for team award. Winner is determined by computer analysis of the overall place of the top 4 team members. Team members are also eligible for individual awards.

Registration

Register by 8/14 to guarantee a shirt size. No shirt option saves $5.
Register early and save! Fee increases to $40 after 8/17. Same day registration $45.

Packet Pick-Up

Pre-race packet pick-up will be available Wed, Sep 9 - Thu Sep 10 at the Extra Mile Fitness Company, 3400 Calumet Ave., Valparaiso, IN
Pre-race packet pick-up will be available Fri, Sep 11th at Butterfield Pavilion from 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Onsite packet pick-up will be available on race morning beginning at 6:30am. Due to the size of this event 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
The honor of riding in the Popcorn Fest Parade
Two complimentary drink tickets for the Popcorn Festival

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.

Races Offered

5 Mile Run

Sep 12, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:20

sell

$35.00

5K Run/Walk

Sep 12, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:30

sell

$35.00

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in Valparaiso.

thermostat Temperature

14.4° / 24.9°

wb_sunny Feels like

13.2° / 23.8°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

10h 4m

water_drop Avg rainfall

1.5 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

10.9 km/h (Light breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

Moderate

terrain Course conditions

Firm and slightly soft

sunny Max UV Index

Moderate (5.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

70.0%

wb_twilight Sunrise

06:29

nightlight Sunset

18:55

About Valparaiso

Learn more about the host city, Valparaiso.

Valparaiso is a city of 43,000 people (2019) in Porter County, in Northwestern Indiana. It is home to namesake Valparaiso University. The university is a cultural center of the city, hosting venues such as the Brauer Museum of Art, home to more than 2,700 pieces of 19th- and 20th century American art