Fort Mardi Gras Fun 5k Run/Walk & Fest

🌅 2026 Niceville Sunset Stampede 5K Run/Walk

Saturday, July 25, 2026

⏰ 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk Starts: 6:30 PM

⏰ 5K Run/Walk Starts: 7:30 PM

📍 Northwest Florida State College – Baseball Parking Lot

Get your neon gear ready and join us for a glowing night of fun supporting the Niceville High School Boys & Girls Cross Country Teams!

Participants will receive neon goodies:

✨ Glow necklaces

✨ Glow bracelets

✨ Neon sweatbands

Awards will be presented for:

🏆 Overall Male & Female

🏆 Age Group Winners

🐶 Dog & stroller friendly!

⚠️ Some areas are dark — glow lights on dogs & strollers are strongly encouraged.

👕 Registration Perks & Deadlines

✔ Shirt size guaranteed if registered by July 10

✔ First 250 registrants guaranteed a race T-shirt

🦅 Early registration closes:

Friday, July 10 at 12 AM

🕡 Regular registration closes:

Friday, July 24 at 12 AM

📝 Race-day registration (on-site only):

5:30 – 7:30 PM

🎟 Packet Pickup

📍 Jeremiah’s Italian Ice

1198 E John Sims Pkwy, Niceville

🕓 July 25 | 4:30 – 6:30 PM

📍 Race Day Pickup – NWFSC Baseball Parking Lot

🕠 5:30 – 7:00 PM

Don't worry! If running is not your thing or you are unavailable to participate in person, you can still support the Niceville High School Cross Country Program by making a donation without registering for the race. Simply click the DONATE tab from the menu or email NicevilleXC@gmail for sponsorship opportunities.

There will be NO REFUNDS for any reason, including, but not limited to cancelation or postponement of this Event.

Join us for the 12th Annual CMSAF Binnicker Memorial Run presented by Eglin Federal Credit Union on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Event options include the 9K Run, 5K Run, 5K Walk, and 1 Mile Fun Run. Virtual options are also available for those unable to join us in person. The first 300 9K and 5K registrants receive an official event shirt and challenge coin. A post-party with DJ, food, drinks, and an award ceremony will round out the morning.

It's about much more than running.

Supporting "Care for Alzheimer's"

The 12th Annual CMSAF Binnicker Memorial Run presented by Eglin Federal Credit Union will benefit the memory care wing at Air Force Enlisted Village's assisted living residence, Hawthorn House, where military widows, retirees, veterans, and their family members with Alzheimer’s and dementia reside. Every dollar raised from this event will provide care and support for the residents there. We feel this would make CMSAF#9 Binnicker proud.

Event History

The inaugural CMSAF James C. Binnicker Memorial 9K was held in August of 2015 at Bob Hope Village in Shalimar, Florida. The idea for the event was suggested by Airmen from nearby Eglin AFB who were participating in the Air Force Marathon. The Airmen wanted to honor CMSAF Binnicker while training for their upcoming marathon. Since CMSAF Binnicker served as the 9th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, it was only fitting the event was a 9K run.

About CMSAF Binnicker

CMSAF#9 James C. Binnicker served as the Air Force Enlisted Village's President and CEO from 2000 to 2015. Binnicker believed the residents should be treated with respect and dignity. He created The Mom Rule, which all employees still use today when working with residents or making decisions regarding their care. Binnicker's vision brought many additions to the Bob Hope Village campus to include the Garden of Hope, the Bob Gates Welcome Center, and Hawthorn House, an assisted living residence with an option for memory care for residents with Alzheimer's and dementia. Binnicker served as the 9th Chief Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force from 1986 to 1990. Read more about Binnicker here.

10K or 5K option. Race Start 0730: Navarre Beach Boat Launch parking lot (Gulf Blvd), one hour course time limit for 5K, Ninety-minute time limit for 10K. Beautiful Out and Back 10K (6.2 miles) or 5K (3.1 miles) along Gulf Blvd and Whitesands Blvd.

T-Shirts: Guaranteed to the first 350 registrants.

Packet pick-up & registration, Friday, Oct 9, 4-7 pm at WINDJAMMERS on the Pier - 8579 Gulf Boulevard, Navarre Beach or on Race Day, 6 am at Windjammers near race start. Park vehicles in Pier Parking lot. No Refunds - No Pets Please.

One Mile Fun-Run: Starts approximately 8:45 am, after 5K course closes (for children 12 and under) at the Sea Turtle Conservation Center, awards for all Fun Runners.

Post Race Party and Awards Ceremony at WINDJAMMERS. Music & refreshments, have your race bib.

Awards are handcrafted medallions by local artist Brenda Stokes of Holley Hill Pottery:

Runners-First Place: Overall, Masters, Grand Masters, and Senior Grand Masters Male/Female. Runners-First, Second, Third Place Male/Female in each age group. Walkers-First Place only Male/Female: Overall, Masters, Grand Masters, Senior Grand Masters, and each age group.