
From the Organizer
Hybrid 5k Run/Walk at Ada Hayden Park in Ames, Iowa to benefit Friendship Ark Homes & Community Services.
Friendship Ark celebrates the uniqueness of adults with intellectual disabilities by providing homes and community services. We help our core members reach their fullest potential through faith, family, and friendship.
Race registration includes race T-Shirt. T-Shirt sizes guaranteed for all entries received by 6/12/2026. Sizes and quantities will be limited after this date. Register by 6/12/26 for early bird pricing. Group discounts are also available.
8:00 a.m. shot-gun start for in-person race. Early pick-up of race packets including T-Shirts for in-person entries will be available between 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on July 2nd, 2026, at our office at 5820 Lincoln Way, Suite 101, Ames, IA 50014. Packet distribution on the day of the race will start at 7 a.m. on July 4th, 2026, at the shelter house at Ada Hayden Park in Ames.
Dress Up! Special prize for most patriotic participant.
Age Groups: 9 and under; 10-14; 15-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70+. Top three in each category recognized.
T-Shirts for virtual entries may be picked up at our office at 5820 Lincoln Way, Suite 101, Ames, IA 50014 or you may choose to have your T-Shirt shipped to you for an additional fee (select shipping as an add-on product). T-Shirts that are shipped may not be received by the participant(s) until after the in-person race day. You may complete your run/walk any time between June 20st and July 4th, 2026, and submit your time directly from your account in RunSignUp.
Friendship Ark is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and a charitable contribution may be available for a portion of your registration fee and/or donation. Please consult your tax advisor for current IRS regulations.
The Bill Bergan 5K on the 4th is supported by a Discover Ames Community Grant, Mary Greeley Medical Center, Sign Gypsies, and Downtown Ames Fareway.
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
83°
Typical Low
61°
Chance of Rain
43%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Ames Muni Ap, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
66,112
as of 2023
Elevation
932 ft
Nearest Airport
DSM
Des Moines International Airport · 35 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 The Bill Bergan 5k on the Fourth, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
12
Days to train
Coming Up
Iowa Trail Run Series: A Midsummer Night's Run
Less than a mile away
BCH Foundation Trestle Hustle
16 miles away
Four Seasons Festival Road Run
20 miles away
Iowa State Homecoming 5k Benefiting LSI
Less than a mile 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)
The Bill Bergan 5k on the Fourth
Jun 20, 2026