5K races near Tiffin

The Muddy Creek 5k and Youth 1k Race takes place at Creek Bend Farm-Wilson Nature Center in Lindsey, Ohio. The Sandusky County Park District hosts this event, offering a 5K for those seeking the full trail distance and a 1K youth race for children. Registration is available on race day in the barn area. The 5K begins at 10 a.m., with the youth race starting around 11 a.m. The 5K route follows the PK 5K Trail, named in honor of local runner Pam Graver-Koenig. The entry fees are $20 for the 5K and $8 for the youth race when registered online. All funds raised support the Sandusky County Park District. Participants who pre-register will receive a soft-style shirt and a participation ribbon. Shirts for race-day registrants are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The event will proceed regardless of weather, but pets are prohibited on the course, and organizers reserve the right to cancel if conditions become unsafe.

The Night of the Dead Mud Run is a nighttime 5K mud run in Oak Harbor, Ohio, taking place two weeks before Halloween. Runners begin at 7870 OH-163 and proceed along a lit course featuring over 20 obstacles, eerie displays, and unexpected elements. While not an official chip-timed event, participants can still view their overall finish time. The event, also known as Black Swamp Runner, caters to a broad spectrum of runners, not exclusively obstacle-race experts. Numerous obstacles offer two paths: a simpler challenge and a more difficult Xtreme option. Registration provides a T-shirt, wristband, and medal. Early participants have the option to pay a nominal fee for a second run through the course, earning a distinct wristband. The organizer also conducts giveaways and raffles, with ten percent of the funds raised benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities.

The Tiffin Zombie Run is a Halloween-season 5K run/walk in Tiffin, Ohio. A 1-mile walk is available for those seeking a shorter option. Participants wear sashes, and zombies positioned along the course attempt to remove them before the finish line. The event welcomes all ages, functioning more as a community costume event than a competitive 5K. The race features separate starts for zombies, the 5K, and the 1-mile walk, concluding with refreshments and an awards ceremony. Awards are given to top finishers by age and gender, plus a best costume prize. Proceeds benefit CASA of Seneca, Sandusky, and Wyandot Counties, supporting the training of local volunteers who advocate in court for abused and neglected children.

The Ghost and Goblin 5K is a Halloween-season race held at Williams Park in Gibsonburg, Ohio. The 5K begins at 10 a.m., preceded by a 1-mile fun run starting at 9:30 a.m. Sandusky County Job and Family Services presents the event, which features packet pickup in the morning, followed by the kids-and-family option, and then the main 5K. The fun run embraces the Halloween theme, encouraging costumes and incorporating trick-or-treating. Proceeds benefit The Child Abuse Prevention/Domestic Violence Awareness Committee, with options for non-runners to donate. Awards are given to top age-group finishers, and the 1-mile distance offers a straightforward way for younger participants and walkers to engage in the day's activities.

The Findlay Beer Chase 5K is a timed 5K in Findlay, Ohio, starting and finishing at Findlay Brewing Co. The race centers on a chase: run the 5K and try to beat the “beer” to the finish. Registration includes timing, a race shirt (while supplies last), and a pint voucher for runners 21 and older. The event also features a Super Hero Kids Dash and a volunteer 5K supporting the Braden Kramer Foundation. The course runs through the area surrounding the brewery, with East Crawford Street closed during the event. Finishers who beat the “beer” are entered into a drawing for gift cards from Dave’s Running and Findlay Brewing; the winner must be present. Race day also marks the tapping of Saazam!, a SMaSH beer brewed with local malt and hops. It has a light golden color, mild malt sweetness, balanced bitterness, and a “Wild American” hop profile. Proceeds benefit the Braden Kramer Foundation, supporting community members affected by pediatric cancer.