5K races near Nappanee

The Community Health Clinic 5k: Walk for Rare, Run for Hope begins and ends at the clinic on East North Street in Shipshewana, Indiana, adjacent to the Pumpkinvine Trail and the Cove youth center. The primary event is a 5k run or walk along an out-and-back course, featuring a clock for participants who wish to monitor their own times. The morning also features a Kids Big Wheel Race for ages 3 to 7, with big wheels supplied. All funds raised support patient care at the Community Health Clinic, centering the event on a local health-care cause instead of a large race production. Participants receive a water station and complimentary snacks, with bake sale items available by donation. Medals will be awarded to the top three male and top three female finishers in the 5k. Registration is open on the day of the event, though shirts cannot be guaranteed for those who sign up late. Parking is available in the clinic lot, with additional space across the street by the dog park.

The Heartline Donut Dash Walk/Run for Life is a community 5K in Warsaw, Indiana, held in October starting at the Health Services Pavilion on Provident Drive. Participants cover 5 kilometers, with packet pickup in the morning and the race beginning at 10:00 am. The event benefits the Heartline Pregnancy Center, with all net funds supporting its free services and programs for clients. The route follows the Lake City Greenway and finishes back at the Health Services Pavilion start area. All finishers receive a medal, and winner’s medals are awarded by gender and age group. Fundraising is integrated into the race: participants can donate during registration, solicit donations as individuals, or form or join a team. The fundraising goal is $30,000, with registration refunds offered to fundraisers who reach $200.

The Haunted Halloween Hustle is a Halloween-themed race day held at Abshire Park in Goshen, Indiana, offering four distances: the Monster Mile, Frightening 5K, Terrible 10K, and Haunted Half Marathon. The shorter races and the half marathon begin in the morning. The Monster Mile is an untimed, lower-pressure option. This event is designed for runners and walkers seeking a fall race that incorporates costumes, rather than just a typical road event with a spooky title. Every course utilizes the Pumpkinvine Trail and follows an out-and-back format, making the route straightforward to grasp before starting. The trail is traffic-free, with police and volunteers stationed at road crossings, and portable restrooms are available along the course. All finishers will receive medals, and awards for overall and age-group winners are provided for the 5K, 10K, and half marathon. Costumes are integral to the event: participants are encouraged to dress up, costume awards span eight categories, and a Monster Mash parade typically offers an opportunity to display outfits.

The Great Pumpkin Run is a fall 5K in Grandview Heights, Ohio, featuring a free Tiny Tot Pumpkin Trot for children 6 and under before the main race. It starts near Oakland Avenue and West 3rd Avenue in Columbus, designed for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, not solely competitive athletes. Costumes are encouraged, adding a Halloween atmosphere to the morning, which maintains its straightforward format: a neighborhood 5K, a short children’s run, shirts for early registrants, finisher medals, and prizes for the top male and female runners. The 5K follows a closed-road course through Grandview Heights neighborhoods, beginning on Oakland Avenue between First Avenue and Third Avenue. The children’s run occurs first; the first 100 registered kids get a shirt and goody bag, and the first 400 registered 5K participants receive an official event shirt. Grandview Heights Parks & Recreation organizes the race to benefit local parks and recreation programs, encourage health, and highlight the city’s neighborhoods.

The Flannel 5K Run begins and ends at Beutter Park in Mishawaka, Indiana, directing runners and walkers onto the city’s Riverwalk. This December 5K offers a shorter 1-mile option, suitable for those seeking a timed run and for families or less experienced runners wanting a brief activity. The 1-mile race commences first in the morning, with the 5K following; both races feature chip timing. The race embraces its theme: participants are encouraged to wear flannel, and all finishers receive a medal. Awards are presented to the top male and female finishers in both the 5K and the 1-mile race. Shirts are available for purchase separately while supplies last. The event collaborates with the South Bend Center for the Homeless, gathering new or gently used coats, hats, and gloves via Fleet Feet Mishawaka and at Chicory Cafe on race morning.