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

$25.00 5K Run/Walk     //     $22.00 5K Run/Walk, 14 years and under     

$20.00 3K individual registration     //     $50.00 3K Walk Herd Discount for 3-4 participants of any age

Order t-shirts separately for $12, small-XL or $15, 2XL-3XL (plus 7% sales tax) on or before August 5th.     

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

$30.00 5K Run/Walk     //     $27.00 5K Run/Walk, 14 years and under     

$25.00 3K individual registration     //     $55.00 3K Walk Herd Discount 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 and in the Red Barn on August 16 prior to the start of the race.
• 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 will be available the day of the race! 

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. If a t-shirt is being ordered mail-in registrations must be post-marked no later than July 30. Walk-in registrations that are ordering t-shirts must also be dropped off by July 30. // Registration must be completed by August 4, 2026 for t-shirts to be guaranteed. If you register after August 4, you will not be able to order a t-shirt.

Late Registration: Late registration fees begin at 12:00am EDT on Friday, August 14. Late, registration will be available online and late, walk-in registration will also be available on the morning of the race.        

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-shirts will be Dry-Fit material. Participants who pre-order a t-shirt may pick it up during packet pick-up times Friday, August 14, Noon to 6:00pm OR the day of the run from 7:30-8:15am. T-shirt prices: $12.00, X-small-XL or $15.00 for 2XL-3XL (plus 7% sales tax). We will not be selling any t-shirts the day of the run.                                                                                                                                                                                                     
Age Categories for 5K Run 
14 years & younger, 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, the top Overall male and female and the top Overall male and female Masters category (50 years +) 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. Children will also be able to pick a fun nature prize.

Participants may also pick-up their FREE, collectible 2026 Running Wild participation medallion during bib pick-up times Friday, August 14 - 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.