
From the Organizer
What better way to see the public art murals in downtown Manitowoc than walk, run, jog or stroll during our annual Sputnikfest celebration!
This out-and-back 5K (3.1 mile) event begins and ends at the crash site of Sputnik IV, near the Rahr-West Art Museum and winds along the waterfront past many examples of fantastic public art.
This is an all-ages, family-friendly, non-timed event!
All participants will receive a custom-made Sputnikfest finishers medal, an exclusive race t-shirt, a race bib and you'll receive a free drink ticket to use after the event.
Dress up in "galaxy garb" to support the Sputnikfest vibe.
On September 5, 1962, a 20 lbs. piece of Russian Sputnik IV landed in the middle of the street on the corner of N. 8th and Park in front of the Rahr West Museum.
Sputnikfest was establish as a way of bringing the community together to celebrate this momentous event.
The Sputnikfest 5K Walk/Run is sponsored by Fricke Printing Services Inc
Art Mural-Makili by Deborah Butterfield
Events
Weather
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
70°
Typical Low
55°
Chance of Rain
29%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Manitowoc, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
34,553
as of 2023
City Elevation
588 ft
Nearest Airport
GRB
Austin Straubel International Airport · 35 mi
Major Hub
MKE
General Mitchell International Airport · 82 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
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Sputnikfest 5K Walk/Run, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
87
Days to train
Coming Up
Beach Bash Run/Walk
6 miles away
Dawn to Dusk Endurance Run
13 miles away
Viking Striders Fun Run
11 miles away
2026 Trek the Creek Scott Bohman Memorial 5K
8 miles away
From Endurance Grid
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.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Sputnikfest 5K Walk/Run
Sep 12, 2026