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-ft. 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 our famous homemade granola 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 an Eastern Cottontail Rabbit (one per registered participant, while supply lasts).
Late, walk-in registration will be available during bib pick-up Friday, August 18 from Noon to 6:00pm under the Pfeil Pavilion next to the Red Barn and in the Red Barn on August 19 prior to the start of the race.
Early bib pick-up will take place on Friday, August 18 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.
SAME-DAY REGISTRATION ACCEPTED THIS YEAR at the Late Registration Fee rate.
Pre-Registration Fees:
$20.00 – 5K Run/Walk
$17.00 – 5K Run/Walk, 14 yrs. and under
$15.00 – 3K Walk
$35.00 – 3K Walk – Wild 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)
Event Timing:
Running Wild 5K timing provided by Mac's Sports.
The 3K Wacky Nature Scavenger Hunt Walk is not timed
Registration must be completed by August 6, 2023, by 11:59pm EDT for t-shirts to be guaranteed. If you register after August 6 at 11:59pm EDT, you will not be able to order a t-shirt.
Order t-shirts separately for $12, X-Small-XL or $15 for 2XL-3XL (plus 7% sales tax). T-shirts for 2023 will be dry-fit material.
Event includes a FREE nature medallion while supply lasts.
There will be onsite registration the day of the run.
Proceeds benefit park facilities, programs, and bus transportation to the parks for school programs. The event is organized by the St. Joseph County Park Foundation, Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake, and the St. Joseph County Parks.
Late Registration
Late registration fees begin at 12:00am EDT on Friday, August 18. Late registration will be available, online, and late, walk-in registration will also be available during packet pick-up Friday, August 18 from Noon to 6:00pm EDT and on the morning of the race.
Onsite Registration will be available the day of the race!
Late Registration Fees/Same Day Registration Fees:
$25.00 – 5K Run/Walk
$22.00 – 5K Run/Walk, 14 yrs. and under
$20.00 – 3K Walk
$40.00 – 3K Walk – Wild Herd Discount for 3-4 participants of any age
Event Highlights
Onsite registration the day of the run!
We will provide storage coolers for personal water bottles (help us reduce plastic by bringing your own). Water refill stations and bottles of water will be available at the end of the race.
Awards ceremony and after-run activities!
Event includes a FREE nature medallion while supply lasts.
St. Joseph County Parks 5-Year Master Plan updates provided by Rundell Ernstberger Associates.
Visit the Girls on the Run table.
Proceeds benefit park facilities, programs, and bus transportation to the parks for school programs. The event is organized by the St. Joseph County Park Foundation, Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake, and the St. Joseph County Parks.
