Running Wild 5K Run & 3K Scavenger Hunt Walk

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

About this Event: 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-foot 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 homemade 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 a Big Brown Bat (one per registered participant, while supply lasts).

💰 Proceeds and Organization

Proceeds benefit park facilities, programs, and bus transportation to the parks for school programs. The event is organized by the St. Joseph County Parks Foundation, Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake, and St. Joseph County Parks.

📍 Event Location

St. Patrick's County Park is located at 50651 Laurel Road, South Bend, IN 46637

⚠️ Trail Awareness

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.

💵 Race Fees

• Early-registration Fees: Until May 14th - 11:59 pm
• 5K Run/Walk: $20.00 // $17.00 for 14 years and under
• 3K Registration: $15.00 individual // $35.00 Herd Discount for 3-4 participants
• T-shirt Pricing: $12.00 (XS-XL) or $15.00 (2XL-3XL plus tax)

🗓️ Registration Fees

• Online Registration: Opens May 15 - Closes August 14, 11:59pm
• 5K Run/Walk: $25.00 // $22.00 for 14 years and under
• 3K Registration: $20.00 individual // $50.00 Herd Discount
• Late Registration: August 15 - August 16, fees apply

🕒 Event Times

• Registration: Late, walk-in registration available on August 15 and 16.
• Bib Pick-up: August 15, Noon to 6:00pm and day of event 7:30am - 8:15am.
• Race Start: 8:30am
• Onsite Registration: Available on race day.

🏅 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 "2025 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.

⏱️ Event Timing

Running Wild 5K timing provided by Mac's Sports Timing. Go to this link for LIVE Results. The 3K Wacky Nature Scavenger Hunt Walk is not timed.

📞 Contact Information

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!