Cupcake Run/Walk for Public Education 2026

The Cupcake Run/Walk for Public Education offers a 5K, 10K, and Kids Run starting at Cumberland Park in West Lafayette, Indiana. Race-day check-in begins at 8:00 AM. This is the eleventh year for the event, which supports the Public Schools Foundation of Tippecanoe County through grants for academic and arts projects in local public schools. The 5K is open to walkers, children can participate in the 5K or 10K, strollers are permitted, and dogs may join the run free of charge. The course features wider paths within Cumberland Park and a loop around the pond in the Purdue Research Park. Water stations are available every 1 to 2 miles. The 5K and 10K have a 90-minute time limit. Teams can select a school to support, with each ten-person team contributing $100 towards recess and P.E. equipment; a recent team challenge benefited 20 schools. The race includes a Fastest Teacher Contest for male and female teachers in both distances, a new shirt color each year, and packet pickup is available at Mary Lou Donuts.