Heartbeats For Life 5K

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

Dirt Days Trail Series - Ault Park Switchback

Sunday, April 19, 2026 9:00 am

Ault Park, Cincinnati, OH

Ault Park is one of the most frequently used parks in Cincinnati. Its intricate network of trails is one of the City's best kept secrets.

Link to Ault Park Web Page

Google: 39°08'02.8"N 84°24'47.5"W

Q - What is the course like?

A - The Ault Park Switchback will start with a short loop near the pavilion, before entering the woods. Once on the trail, runners will enjoy a rolling route, going down by the old railroad trestle, and even spending some time on the old pioneer road from the late 1700's. Networking through Ault's web of trails, the 3.6 mile course will come back up to the pavilion and then finish back at the soccer field. This course features many twists and turns with a few hills mixed in for good measure?.

Q - Are there awards

There will be age-graded awards. In addition, there will be random drawing for prizes with one lucky grand prize winner. (must be present to win, so stick around!)

There are no duplicate Grand Prize Drawing winners throughout the series. We like to spread the wealth!

Q - Are there race shirts?

A - Dirt Day Trail Series Tech shirts will be available for this event for $20 each. You can purchase with your registration or buy at the Fleet Feet tent at the venue.

Q - What goes on after the race?

A - Awards ceremony and we will have a variety of treats for you.

Q - How much does it cost?

A - Registration Fee: $23.50. All signups will be done online. You may sign up online through race day from your computer, tablet or phone.

A - Kids 14 and under will receive a $5 discount at checkout.

A - We also offer a season pass for the entire Dirt Days Trail Series. One price covers all eight events. More information.

Q - What do I get with my registration?

A - Registration includes well-marked course, bib number, timing chip, fluid station, refreshments, chance for awards, door prizes, good folks, great fun!

Q - When can I pick up my bib number etc.?

A - Check in on day of race is from 7:30 am through 8:45 am. There is no early packet pick up for this event.

Join us for this inaugural race presented by Barleycorn's Brewhouse supporting breast cancer patients in Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026 --- 10:00AM --- BARLEYCORN'S BREWHOUSE (Wilder, KY)

RACE FEATURES:

• Scenic course on paved roadway surfaces

• Finisher's medal for all in our 5K run/walk

• Honor Walk (1 mile) and Virtual Option

• Social Teams to enhance your race experience ($100 Barleycorn's Brewhouse gift card for the largest team!)

• 5K Awards for Top Male/Female Overall and Top Male/Female in Age Groups (0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 & 70+)

• Commemorative shirts ($15) and Honor Signs ($20) as a registration add on

• Race Timing/Management provided by RaceRise

• Post race celebration at Barleycorn's Brewhouse --- Food, drink, and fun!

• Special "Peaches and Cream" Cream Ale beer brewed exclusively for the occasion. Crafted to celebrate strength, community, and coming together for a cause. It will be served PINK!

5K AWARDS

• Overall Female Winner – $100 Barleycorn's Gift Card

• Overall Male Winner – $100 Barleycorn's Gift Card

• Age Group Winners – $20 Barleycorn's Gift Card

• We will also have an award for Best Dressed Runner/Walker & Largest Team

RACE DAY SCHEDULE

• 8:30AM - Packet Pickup opens

• 9:55AM - Welcome/Race Route Instructions

• 10:00AM - Chicks on the Run 5K START

• 10:15AM - 1 Mile Honor Walk START

• 11:00AM - Awards Ceremony inside Barleycorn's

PRICING

• 5K - $40 (Add a shirt for $15, Add an Honor Sign for $20)

• 1 Mile Honor Walk - $20 (Add a shirt for $15, Add an Honor Sign for $20)

• VIP - $60 (Includes 5K race entry, VIP parking at Barleycorn's Brewhouse, T-Shirt, 1 beer coupon (Peaches & Cream special brew) & Private brewery tour with Brewer master Shane (Add a shirt for $15)

PACKET PICKUP --- We will host race morning PPU at Barleycorn's Brewhouse from 8:30-10:00am. If our registration numbers warrant it, we may add an advanced day packet pickup closer to the race.

5K ROUTE --- See map and directions below

RACE PARKING (Important) --- General admission parking for all runners/walkers will be at Frederick's Landing. Participants parking there will receive a free shuttle to/from their vehicles for the race. If you want to park conveniently at Barleycorn's Brewhouse check out our VIP package which includes special parking there in addition to other race benefits.

CHARITY BENEFICIARY --- Race proceeds and donations will support Chick & Chucks, Inc. For 20 years, Chicks & Chucks, Inc. has been a beacon of hope for local breast cancer patients and their families. Founded by Cathy Halloran "Chick", now 25 years cancer-free, the organization was created from her personal journey and a desire to ensure no one faces the fight alone. What began as one survivor’s mission has grown into two decades of providing critical resources, financial assistance, and compassion by supporting breast cancer patients in Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati. This milestone year is being celebrated with our first annual 5K honoring Chicks & Chucks, Inc. and the 20 years of impact, strength, and unwavering dedication to the community.