Running Wild 5K Run & 3K Scavenger Hunt Walk

Welcome to Running Wild 5K Run/3K Wacky Scavenger Hunt Walk! 

Celebrate 15 years of Running Wild with us! The Running Wild 5K Run is professionally chip-timed with disposable chips and takes you on a fun adventure through wooded trails, open fields, park roads, grass, and gravel. Awards are given to the top 3 finishers in each age category—and this year, we’re adding extra anniversary surprises to celebrate this exciting milestone!

The 3K Wacky Scavenger Hunt Walk follows similar, relatively flat terrain and is perfect for all ages. Enjoy anniversary-themed scavenger hunt fun along the way! Dogs are welcome on a 6-ft. leash for the walk, and participants with leashed dogs will start at the back.

After your run or walk, join the celebration with a delicious egg bake breakfast, fresh fruit, and our famous homemade granola cookies—because every great adventure deserves great food! Stick around for fantastic door prizes, including special 15th anniversary prizes, donated by local vendors, the St. Joseph County Parks Foundation, and Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake (must be present to win).

Every participant receives a hand-crafted medallion featuring the animal of the year, with a special design honoring the 15th anniversary—collectible, memorable, and uniquely Running Wild (one per registered participant, while supplies last).

Come run, walk, celebrate, and be part of Running Wild history!

Event Location:

• St. Patrick's County Park 50651 Laurel Road, South Bend, IN 46637

Event Schedule & Bib Pick-Up:   

• Early Bib Pick-Up & Onsite Late Registration
  • Friday, August 14: Noon - 6:00pm, Pfeil Pavilion (next to the Red Barn)
• Day-of Event Bib Pick-Up 
  • Saturday, August 15: 7:30 - 8:15am, Red Barn
• Race Start Time 
  • Saturday, August 15: 8:30am
• Same-Day Registration 
  • Available onsite, in the Red Barn, at the late registration rate.

Registration Fees:

• Pre-Registration Fees (through 11:59pm August 13, EDT):
  • $25 - 5K Run/Walk  (individual registration)
  • $22 - 5K Run/Walk (age 14 & under)
  • $20 - 3K Wacky Scavenger Hunt Walk (individual registration)
  • $50 - 3K "Walk Herd" Discount (3-4 participants, any age)
• Late & Same-Day Registration (begins August 14, 12:00am - August 15, 8:30am EDT):
  • $30 - 5K Run/Walk (individual registration)
  • $27 - 5K Run/Walk (age 14 & under)
  • $25 - 3K Walk (individual registration)
  • $55 - 3K Walk "Wild Herd" Discount (3-4 participants, any age)

Registration Deadlines: 

• Online Registration: Ends August 13, 11:59pm EDT                                              
• Mail-in Registration: Must be postmarked by August 10, 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 31. 
• Walk-in registrations that are ordering t-shirts must also be dropped off by July 31. 
• Onsite Registration: August 14, Noon - 6:00pm EDT & August 15, 7:30 -8:30am EDT

T-Shirts: 

• T-shirts must be ordered during registration with an additional cost.  Shirts will be cotton material. 
• $12 - Sizes Small - XL (plus 7% sales tax) 
• $15 - Sizes 2XL-3XL (plus 7% sales tax)                                                                                                                                                         
• T-shirt Order Deadline: August 3, 11:59pm EDT (T-shirts cannot be ordered after this date nor will t-shirts be sold the day of the race.)            
• T-Shirt Pick-Up: During bib pick-up times Friday, August 14, Noon to 6:00pm OR the day of the run from 7:30-8:15am.

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

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.
• 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. 

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 Highlights: 

• FREE hand-crafted nature medallion for registered participants (while supplies last). 
• Delicious post-race refreshments and food for all participants.
• Door prizes and participant activities.                                                                                                                                                              
• Awards ceremony following race.                                                                                                                                                                     
• Water refill stations and bottled water available.                                                                                                                                              
• Storage coolers provided - bring your own reusable water bottle to help reduce plastic waste.

Proceeds Benefit: 

• Proceeds benefit park facilities, programs, and bus transportation to the parks for school programs.

Event Organized By: 

• St. Joseph County Parks Foundation
• Friends of Bendix Woods & Spicer Lake
• 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!