Popcorn Panic 5M Run & 5K Run/Walk
Popcorn Panic 5M Run & 5K Run/Walk is a running race on September 12, 2026 in Valparaiso, IN, with an entry fee of $35.
- Date
- September 12, 2026 (52 days to go)
- Price
- $35
- Sport
- Running
From the Organizer
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
- A $250 gift card to Extra Mile Fitness Company
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.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
77°
Typical Low
56°
Chance of Rain
30%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Valparaiso Wtr Wks, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Valparaiso, IN
Population
34,377
as of 2023
City Elevation
746 ft
Nearest Airport
GYY
Gary/Chicago International Airport · 20 mi
Major Hub
MDW
Chicago Midway International Airport · 41 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Popcorn Panic 5M Run & 5K Run/Walk, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
52
Days to train
- Race
- Popcorn Panic 5M Run & 5K Run/Walk
- Date
- September 12, 2026
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From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
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Plan your trip
Make it a Racecation
Coming from out of town? There's more to Valparaiso than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to ValparaisoFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Popcorn Panic 5M Run & 5K Run/Walk
Sep 12, 2026