Race for Wishes

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.

EVENT INFORMATION:

The Parade 5k race runs the Elkhart County Fair Parade route with thousands of spectators. Temperatures are usually very warm. Be sure to hydrate the day before and morning of the race if hot temperatures are forecast. We recommend that all competitors have trained prior to this run and are able to complete the 5K in 50 minutes or less. The Parade will follow the last runner on the route, which is why we need competitors to finish in a timely manor. Respectfully, this event is not intended for casual walkers or anyone that will have difficulty finishing the course. Running with strollers is acceptable, but please no pets. Costumes are also always fun to see!

• To guarantee a race shirt, please register by July 1, 2026.

• Prizes for Top male and female finishers

• Check-in will take place at Corporate Tent 1 located on the northeast end of the fairgrounds, directly north of the race track (near gate 5) the day of the race from 10am-11:30am. This is is when you will pick up your race shirt and race number bib. You must pick up these items prior to the race to be able to participate.

• All registered runners will be bused to the starting line at Rogers Park by Cardinal Buses. Those without the current issued Parade 5K race number will NOT be allowed to use the transportation provided, nor run in the race.

• The race itself begins approximately at 1:20 pm or whenever the race route can be completely cleared.

• Two water stations are available during the route, as well as ice towels at the finish line.

• Results will be displayed at Wattsmytime.com & www.runsignup.com

*Bandits will not be tolerated! -all participants must be showing their official race number to start the race. Race organizers will be checking to ensure the race is fair to all participants that sign up officially.

*A youth mile fun run may take place on the horse track before the finish of the Parade 5K, but is separate from this event. Those interested should visit 4hfair.org for more information.

We sincerely appreciate all of you that have properly supported this race over the years or for the very first time!

The 11th Annual Rock the Quarry Triathlon and Mile Swim scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2026 at the beautiful Fidler Pond Park located in Goshen, Indiana. Formerly a rock quarry, the pond will be open to the public for this sprint triathlon and mile swim, which is the only day of the year people are permitted to swim in the quarry. The quarry’s pristine water make this event a special destination swim experience!

Sprint Triathlon- This competitive but shorter sprint-distance race is great for both veteran and novice athletes.

500 Yard Swim: If you are comfortable swimming in open water, you will absolutely love this rare opportunity to swim in a quarry nestled in a picturesque setting. The course is a triangular counter-clockwise course beginning and ending at the same point.

15.8-Mile Bike: This is a flat, out-and-back course with both right and left turns. The first section extends through an industrial park and then into the country to Millersburg and back.

5K Run: This course is two laps (3.1 miles) on the flat aggregate track that encircles Fidler Pond. While on the course runners are able to see the rest of the field, and there are plenty of great spots for spectators to cheer.

Mile Swim Event- If you like to swim in open water, you will absolutely love this opportunity to swim in thispristine quarry. The deep, clean, clear water makes for quite the swim experience! The Mile Swim Event will be set up in a counter-clockwise course, tracing the perimeter of the pond. Swimmers will be chip-timed, and timing will end upon crossing a timing mat placed on land at water’s edge of the swim exit

The Nappanee Apple Festival Donut Dash 5K will be held on September 19, 2026, at Nappanee Missionary Church, located at 70417 SR 19 North, Nappanee, IN 46550. The church is situated 2 miles north of downtown Nappanee and south of Wakarusa. The event will start and finish at Nappanee Missionary Church. Whether you are an experienced competitive runner or a beginner, everyone is welcome to participate! After your run or walk, be sure to explore the small-town shops and enjoy all that the Nappanee Apple Festival has to offer with your family and friends. Ample parking will be available for easy access and exit after the run.

We will Celebrating the Apple Festival 50th Anniversary

When you register 4 or more individuals simultaneously, you qualify for the Multi-Person Pricing option, which allows you to save $3.00 per registrant. Whether you choose to join an existing group/team or establish your own, the choice is entirely up to you! This is a fantastic opportunity to bring your friends or family members together and take advantage of this fantastic offer.

Start Times

1 Mile run starts at 8:00 AM

5k run/walk starts at 8:30 AM.

PACKET PICK UP

Will be held Friday night September 18 from 5-8 PM

Saturday morning September 19 from 6:30 AM - 8:15 AM

Participants will be able to pick up their shirts and race bibs at these times at Nappanee Missionary Church, 70417 SR 19 North Nappanee, IN 46550 .

Shirts

After August 31st, shirts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until they are gone!

Unclaimed shirts WILL NOT be mailed out if you do not pick up your shirt at the event. Any remaining shirts will be given to runners who were unable to receive one or will be donated.

Refreshments

All participants will receive apple, donut, and apple cider at the finish line.

Awards Information:

1 Mile Awards: Awards will be given to the top 3 boys and top 3 girls in the following age groups: 12 and under, and 13 and older. -

5K Awards: Overall prizes will be awarded to the top three men and women finishers. -

Age Group Awards for the 5K: The top 3 male and female runners in each of the following age groups will receive a custom apple award:

Awards age grouping for 5K only:

The top 3 male & female runners will receive custom apple award

Male: 9 – under, 10 -14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60 - 64, 65 - 69, 70 -74,75 -79, 80+

Female: 9 – under, 10 -14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60 - 64, 65 - 69, 70 -74, 75- 79, 80+

Award Distribution

Awards will be presented shortly after the last participant crosses the finish line of the 5K.

Please note that awards will not be mailed after the event.

Referrals -

Refer 5 friends to signup and receive $10.00 back on your registration! Look for your referral code in confirmation email or share on your facebook!

Parking & Bathrooms

Parking and bathrooms is available at Nappanee Missionary Church, 70417 SR 19 North Nappanee, IN 46550 .

Timing

Chip timing by Watt’s My Time

Guidelines for Dogs Attending the Event

• All dogs must be kept on a NON-retractable leash and under supervision at all times.

• Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs.

• Any dog displaying aggressive behavior toward people or other dogs must be immediately removed from the event by its owner.

• Dogs are not allowed inside Nappanee Missionary Church.

Race day registration will be online only...NO PAPER REGISTRATION ON RACE DAY.

We look forward to seeing you at the starting line!

No Refunds!!

More information for the Nappanee Apple Festival can be found at https://www.nappaneeapplefestival.org/

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.