Popcorn Panic 5M Run & 5K Run/Walk

Central Park Plaza, Valparaiso IN

Saturday, September 6th, 2025

🍿 The Valpo Tradition Continues!

Join us for the 47th 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 the 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

Early Registration: Register by 8/10 to guarantee a shirt size.
Cost Saving: No shirt option saves $5.
Fee Increase: Fee increases to $39 after 8/10.
Same Day Registration: $44.

📦 Packet Pick-Up

Pre-Race Pickup: Available Wed, Sep 3 - Thu Sep 4 at the Extra Mile Fitness Company, 3400 Calumet Ave., Valparaiso, IN.
Friday Pickup: Available on Fri, Sep 5 at Butterfield Pavilion from 3:30pm - 5:30pm.
Race Day Pickup: Onsite packet pick-up will be available on race morning beginning at 6:30am. We strongly encourage you to register ahead of race day and pick your packet up early.

🏅 Awards

Back for 2025 - 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: Winners will receive a crown.
Parade Honor: The honor of riding in the Popcorn Fest Parade.
Gift Card: A $250 gift card donated by Extra Mile Fitness Company.
Festival Tickets: Two complimentary drink tickets for the Popcorn Festival.

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.