Dirt Days Trail Series - French Park Creek Crossings

Our annual spring 5K event returns April 11, 2026!

• 🐷 Looking for a relaxed Flying Pig tune-up? We've got you covered!

• 🌳 Is a scenic walk more your pace? You can do that, too!

• 🏁 It doesn't matter how you cross the finish line.

• 🥞 We all get to celebrate with a hot, hearty breakfast and fun activities at the end!

Race Day Schedule

• Packet Pickup Begins: 8:30am

• Race Begins: 9:00am

• Post-Race Festivities (Including Breakfast): 9:30am

About the Event

The Sap Run is a scenic, slightly hilly neighborhood 5K route, held about every spring since 1989 to help raise money for Kennedy Heights Community Council and its efforts to support the neighborhood.

Since this typically takes place a month before Flying Pig Weekend, many participants use this as a light training opportunity. Others use this as an opportunity to casually walk the route and catch up with friends, family, and neighbors.

The races are timed, but this is an intentionally low-stress, small field race, ending with breakfast and fun activities for all ages inside.

More Information

• Contact: saprun@kennedyheights.org

• Website: https://kennedyheights.org/saprun

Please join us for the 21st Annual 'Matt's 5K Pursuit' on Sunday, April 12th to support Matt's Foundation and celebrate funding 131 K9's totaling over $1.4 million! Your donations and sponsorships, participation, in person or virtual, is greatly appreciated as we work to help keep our communities safe. Should you participate virtually, you must upload your time by 9 am April 12th to compete for a medal.

HOW TO GET YOUR T-SHIRT:

All pre-registered, by March 31st, (in person) will be guaranteed an event t-shirt; late registrants will receive a t-shirt while supplies last. You can pick up your shirt/bib on Thursday, April 9th from 4-7 pm at Queen City Running, 5819 Cheviot Road or on race day before 8:30 a.m.

Pre-registration closes March 31th. After that, you can still register online and on race day until 8:30 a.m. but a late fee of $5 per person will be added and you will not be guaranteed a shirt. If you pre-registered (and have not pick up your shirt/bib at Queen City Running), you will check in at the 'Pre-Registration' booth. If you registered after March 31st, check in at 'Late Registration' (formerly 'Same Day').

Sponsorships will be accepted until March 31st.

The Matt Haverkamp Foundation is proud to have been able to purchase 131 K9's for law enforcement agencies since 2005. In 2025 we assisted ten police departments by funding 16 K9's, equipment and training totaling over $210,000. In 2026 we've already received many request and hope to be able to assist. Your support and participation in this year's 5k will help us continue our mission to support law enforcement with their K9 Units.

Rucks will need to make weight prior to and following completion of the ruck

For those living locally, packets can be picked up from the University of Cincinnati Army ROTC office beginning the week prior to the ruck on 13 April to 17 April from 0900-1600 located at 2585 Dennis St #1100, Cincinnati, OH 45219. All other packets will be picked up on the day of the event beginning at 0515.

All age groups will participate at the same time; in order to earn the Foreign Badge, participants will need to meet time standards per the Guidelines for the Norwegian Foot March v1.6

If this will be your 2nd or greater completion of the NFM, please email CDT Davis (davisz2@mail.uc.edu) with a copy of your most recent completion to ensure we include this in our final reporting.

Requirements

Age Group Women Men

18-20 5h 25m 4h 35m

21-34 5h 15m 4h 30m

35-42 5h 25m 4h 35m

43-49 5h 30m 4h 40m

50-54 5h 40m 4h 50m

55-59 5h 50m 5h 00m

60+ 6h 00m 5h 15m

First held in 1915 as a test of marching endurance for soldiers in the Norwegian Military. A strategic goal was to be able to move larger units of troops over a great distance swiftly and in a manner that enabled them to efficiently be combat ready even after the march by carrying their rucksack /weaponry of 11 kg.

The goal today is to stimulate the general interest of marching over extended distances amongst military and civilian personnel.

The test consists of a 30km/18.6mile march (march/run) with rucksack containing 11kg (24 lbs). There is no longer a requirement to carry your rifle.

Approved military uniform must include field uniform and military grade boots. The uniform must be within regulation during the march. Civilian events and where civilians partake in a military setting, civilian clothing is allowed i.e., long trousers and boots.

Rucksack with content must weigh in at minimum 11 kg/24 lbs. at both start and finish line.

NOTE: water weight will not be included in weighing, this should be accounted for prior to step off. Rucksack/backpack of military grade. Civilian participants can use a civilian version of rucksack, which may include hiking backpacks, GoRuck bags, or any other variation so long as it has waist belt capabilities.

Control of outfit and weighing of backpack is done prior to and after the march to ensure the correct weight and requirements have been maintained.

Assistance from non-participants is prohibited, except for timing, weighing, on hydration/food stations, and first aid.

If any clarifying information is needed for uniform and rucksack regulations, please contact CDT Davis (davisz2@mail.uc.edu)

All participants will begin the ruck at 0700. Those with an anticipated pace of 10 – 11 minutes will locate at the front, followed by 11-12, 12-13, 13-14, 14-15, 15+ which will allow for proper spacing and rucker distribution

The Hunger 5K is a fun, family-friendly way for people of all ages to help those in need. Proceeds benefit Matthew 25: Ministries’ work with the poorest of the poor and disaster victims in Greater Cincinnati, throughout the U.S., and around the world. For over 20 years, Matthew 25 has been collecting food products to support local pantries and shelters.

Groups/Teams of 6+ receive $5 discount (refunded after member 6)

Since the first Hunger 5K was held, more than 1 million pounds of food has been distributed to people in need in Greater Cincinnati.

*Military Discount: As a thank you for their service, active military personnel and veterans have the opportunity to participate in the Hunger 5K for FREE! Simply use this complimentary code when registering online: military26.

**Virtual: Choosing this registration option indicates that you are unable to attend the event, but would like to receive a t-shirt in the mail after the race, if you cannot attend packet pickup. Be sure to select your desired shirt size and provide your current postal address when completing the registration form.

It's back, Cincinnati!

The Incline to the Finish Line 5K benefiting Saint Joe's (formerly St. Joseph Home) is returning on April 18, 2026 - and we can't wait to see you at the starting line!

For more than 150 years, Saint Joe's has been serving Greater Cincinnati - and today, we provide compassionate, lifelong support for children and adults with complex developmental and medical needs. This race is more than a run - it's a way to show up for our residents and participants and be part of a mission that continues to evolve to meet our community's needs.

Whether you're running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines - you're making a difference.

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: Saint Joe's Main Campus (10722 Wyscarver Road, Cincinnati, OH 45241)

OFF-SITE PARKING on Race Day: Landmark Church (1600 Glendale Milford Road, Cincinnati, OH 45215)

Saint Joe's is a Cincinnati-based nonprofit network that provides much-needed support for people with complex disabilities and their families. Its disability services focus on top-level medical care while helping individuals discover and use their gifts, talents, and dreams.