The Big Run 5K 2026 (Mishawaka)

A fun and challenging triathlon for your little ones to compete in! Open to children ages 5-14, kids will swim, bike, and run their way to the finish line. After crossing the finish line, enjoy activities inside the track, support and congratulate fellow racers, and attend the awards ceremony for the top winners of each age division.

The SBVPA 2026 Kids Triathlon promotes a healthy and active lifestyle for children throughout the entire northern Indiana region featuring a 50 yard swim*, 1 mile bike ride, and 1/2 mile run. There will be one swimmer per lane, per wave and lifeguards will be on duty and in the water to ensure the safety of all participants. For ages 5-8, one guardian per swimmer is allowed on the pool deck.

No refunds for this event. Proceeds will benefit South Bend Venues Parks & Arts Youth Scholarship Program.

*Age groups 5 - 6, 7- 8 will be participating in a 25 yard swim.

Scholarships Available

Scholarships for the 2026 Kids Triathlon are available. Please visit sbvpa.org/scholarships for more information about South Bend Venues Parks & Arts Youth Scholarships.

Safety Information

Children of all ages and abilities are able to use flotation devices and training wheels in the 2026 Kids Triathlon. For safety, refrain from using inflatable life jackets and water wings. There will be coastguard-approved life jackets provided by South Bend Venues Parks & Arts.

For the biking portion of the triathlon, helmets will be required for all ages.

Awards

At the end of the running portion, each athlete will receive a medal after crossing the finish line. The top 6 athletes in each age group will receive a trophy.

Please note that early bird registration will end May 31 at 11:59pm and the 2025 Kids Triathlon will cost $30/participant starting June 1.

Rain date is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026.

Deadline to guarantee t-shirt is June 30, 2026.

Join us for the IDEA Foot Chase 5K/10K, a family-friendly run through the scenic Riverwalk paths of Mishawaka’s Parks, starting at Central Park. Whether you tackle the 5k loop or double up for the 10K, you’ll wind through the Riverwalk overlooking the St. Joseph River and through the heart of our community.

All registration fees and fundraising pledges benefit the Indiana Drug Enforcement Association (IDEA). IDEA’s mission is to reduce drug demand through advanced law-enforcement training, educational outreach, and strong community partnerships, so that every Hoosier can live safely and free from the harms of substance abuse.

Location: Central Park, Mishawaka, IN

Distances: 5K & 10K courses (to be announced)

Post-Race: Awards ceremony, refreshments, and a raffle.

Come lace up your sneakers, raise awareness, and show your support for IDEA’s vital work. Together, we’ll make strides toward a healthier, drug-free Indiana—one footstep at a time.

Join us December 8, 2026 for a running tour of Winding Brook Park's brilliant display of holiday lights. Winding Brook Park's residents create beautiful light displays each year and take donations for area charities. Fleet Feet Mishawaka is looking to donate a total of $2000 this year. Fleet Feet will start the donations off with $1000 leaving the remaining $1000 up to our amazing running community. We are suggesting a minimum $5 donation per runner to help get us there.

Teddy Bear Trot: In addition to your cash donations, we encourage everyone to bring a stuffed teddy bear, which will be provided to a local Non-profit to give kids an extra hug this holiday season.

Things all participants should consider:

• Register in advance and submit your donation online.

• We will be parking and having check-in at the Walt Disney Elementary School 4015 Filbert Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

• Participants are required to check-in upon arrival. Participants will receive a safety light that they will be required to wear for the duration of the event at check-in for safety and visibility out on the route.

• All participants are expected to follow the traffic signs in order to tour all the houses on display. The traffic signs will have some sort of flashing light hanging on them to make them more noticeable.

• The run will end where it started to allow participants to cross safely at the traffic light back to their vehicles.

• Volunteers will be on the route to help guide you.

• The lights are pretty bright but be sure to bring a light source like a headlamp or knuckle lights to see any potholes or other dips in the road.

• Christmas Light necklaces and other festive wear are 100% encouraged! We get some great pictures with everyone all lit up.

• Strollers are welcome as long as kiddos stay in them.

• We chose a time that isn't as popular with cars, but they are still present. The vehicle traffic is one-way only if they follow the route. We will be running with traffic most of the time, but may also find ourselves running against traffic in some areas.

• Leave the dogs at home, it's too dark and chaotic for our furry friends.

• If you are not feeling well, please stay home! This protects the rest of the participants and our awesome volunteers.

Route Links (coming soon):

3.9 Mile (Full Route)

3.4 Mile (Short Route)

1.4 Mile (Super Short Route)

The 6th Annual Flannel 5K & 1-Mile Run is heading back to Beutter Park, taking runners and walkers along the beautiful Riverwalk in Mishawaka, Indiana! Choose between a 1-mile run, starting at 8:45 AM, or the 5K, kicking off at 9:05 AM.

Packet pickup will be available:

• Friday, December 11 at Fleet Feet Mishawaka (3522 Grape Rd) during store hours (10:00 AM–7:00 PM)

• Race morning beginning at 7:30 AM at Chicory Café (114 W 1st St)

This is a chip-timed event, and all participants will receive a finisher medal. Awards will be given to the top male and female finishers in both the 1-mile and 5K races. Event shirts will be available for purchase at the race store while supplies last—once they’re gone, they’re gone, so don’t wait!

And of course… don’t forget to wear your flannel!

We will continue to proudly partner with the South Bend Center for the Homeless by collecting new or gently used coats, hats, and gloves at Fleet Feet Mishawaka from December 1st - December 11th, or at Chicory Café during the race on December 12th.