LifeWise 5K for Allen County 2026

The LifeWise 5K for Allen County is a run/walk held on Labor Day morning in Elida, Ohio. The start and finish are located beside Elida Elementary, near the Sunnydale House. The event includes a 5K race and a low-cost 1K Fun Run, allowing families, children, walkers, and runners to participate together. Proceeds benefit LifeWise Academy programs in Allen County, which provide Bible instruction to over 2,500 public school students up to Grade 8. These local programs are connected to schools such as Allen East, Bath, Columbus Grove, Delphos, Elida, Perry, Shawnee, and Spencerville. The 5K route is flat and travels through Elida village, with water stations at miles one and two and volunteers stationed along the course. Participants can select a team to support a local LifeWise program. Individuals who raise $100 will receive a McDonald's gift card. Past event keepsakes have included a cookie coupon, a buy-one-get-one drink offer, pork rinds, McDonald's coupons, pens, and a magnetic chip clip. Medals are awarded to the top three male and female finishers in the Under 40 and Masters categories. Bib holders are eligible for prize drawings held after the race, where fruit and water will be available at the finish line.