Pathfinder Early Learning Center Turkey Trot and Waddle

The Fort Wayne Running Club is proud to host Runners on Pace “ROP” presented by Fort Wayne Orthopedics (formerly Runners on Parade) in its second year on the campus of our awesome title sponsor. Experience all the things that have made ROP Fort Wayne's favorite 5K, including a fantastic loop course, mostly roads with a straight stretch of paved trail in the final mile (mainly flat with a short hill at mile 2.6), cash prizes for overall open and master winners, gift cards for age group top three, youth awards, post-race refreshments and awards presentation under the canopy, custom designed race shirts. This location offers easy access to parking and the course borders the very beautiful Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve (Trip Advisor’s #24 of 114 things to do in Fort Wayne). This course will appeal to both the serious competitor and the causal walker/runner/families/youth seeking a fun and social summer morning.

Packet pickup will occur on Friday 7/10/26 at Fleet Feet Southwest (in the Village at Coventry) from 2-7 pm, and on race morning 7/11/26 under the canopy at Fort Wayne Orthopedics at 6:30 AM. Late registration will be offered at Fleet Feet on Friday 7/10/26 and at the event venue on race morning.

Youth (0-18) always get "early-bird" pricing

The race will start at 8:00am. View the course map below.

Awards and post race snacks will be offered under the canopy.

The Fort Wayne Running Club plans to follow guidance and implement safety measures for the benefit of all participants. The following policies will be in place for this event:

1. The race will be limited to pre-registered runners. We hope you can join us, so sign up soon!

2. Runners are encouraged to take all necessary safety precautions on their own. Please take the personal precautions you feel are necessary for your own personal safety as we come together as a running community

3. We will have timing mats at the start, so we encourage runners and walkers to self-seed based on projected paces.

4. We will have a water stop along the course and water for you at the finish since July can be warm.

5. All registered runners will need to agree to an updated waiver.

6. We recommend that those feeling sick, ill, with fever, or recently having been in contact with anyone recovering from illness not participate.

7. We also recommend that people from high-risk groups consult their physician before participating

The 5K race starts on A Street behind City Hall, heads North on 3rd Street to the track at Missisinewa High School. After a few laps on the track runners will then go along the perimeter of the school property and through one of the trails in the woods. Runners will exit the woods onto Garthwaite Road taking a left of H Street, taking a right back on to 3rd Street, and then finish back at the City Hall Pavilion.

Sign-in and registration begin at 7:00 am at Hutchins Commons (Pavillion just West of City Hall) with the race starting at 8:00 am. Awards will follow shortly after the last person finishes the race. Awards will be given to the overall top male and female runners, and the top three male or female runners in each age group. Age Groups: 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+

Proceeds from this race go to support, Main Street Gas City, which strives toward strengthening vitality in our downtown district, celebrating Gas City's historic character while bringing our community together to enjoy all aspects that Gas City's downtown has to offer.

This year we want to celebrate America's 250th Birthday! Sign up for the STARS & STRIPES 5k or 10k and receive a special Miles That Matter Medal when you cross the finish line.

Get ready for an incredible morning of movement, purpose, and community! Join us on July 11, 2025 for the ACTS Miles That Matter Run/Walk 5K & 10K in beautiful Warsaw, Indiana. This annual event brings runners and walkers together for an inspiring experience on one of the most scenic courses in the area. Participants will enjoy stunning views of Pike Lake and finish strong as the course winds through the beautiful Beyer Farm Trail. Many runners say it’s a course they look forward to every year, and once you experience it, you’ll see why! Water stations will be available along the route to keep you refreshed and energized along the way.

Both the 5K and 10K races are professionally timed, so you can expect quick and accurate results shortly after you cross the finish line. The 5K includes 5-year age group divisions, with awesome awards for the top three finishers in each age group. The 10K features 9-year age group divisions, also awards to the top three in each category. In addition, we will celebrate the overall male and female winners in both race distances.

After the race, relax and celebrate your achievement with refreshments waiting at the finish, including fruit and cookies. Our event is proudly timed by TH Timing, known as one of the best race timing teams in the area, ensuring a smooth and professional race-day experience.

Most importantly, every step you take makes a difference. By participating in the Miles That Matter Run/Walk. Lace up your shoes, bring your friends and family, and come run or walk with purpose—because every mile truly matters! 🏃‍♂️✨

There is an entry fee for online registration and taxes.

Pre-registration is open now until July 5th. Includes t-shirt and fee is $25 plus fees. After July 5th registration is $30 plus fees and no shirt is guaranteed.

5K age group: 14 & under; 15-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65 & over

10K age group: 16 & under; 17-25; 26-34; 35-43; 44-52; 53 & over.

Mountain bike riders, trail runners and wheelchair athletes will take on the technical dirt trails of Franke Park during the heat of the summer in the Hot Summer Singletrack.

Mountain bike riders can take on the six hour challenge or settle for a more reasonable three hour ride on a seven-mile loop of the technical dirt trails of Franke Park.

Wheelchair athletes can choose to follow a challenging course of paved path and gravel road for either three or six hours.

Trail runners can take on the six hour challenge or settle for a more reasonable three hour ride on a three-mile loop of the technical dirt trails of Franke Park.

The race begins at 8AM.

RACE INFO

AWARDS FOR THE WINNER OF EACH CATEGORY

TENT CITY NEAR THE HUB AT THE BASE OF DERBY HILL. BRING YOUR EZ UP ON RACE DAY AND SET UP BASE CAMP FOR YOU AND YOUR CREW

THE GRILL OPENS AT 11AM FOR RACE PARTICIPANTS AND CREW. SNACKS AND PICNIC-STYLE FOOD ARE INCLUDED WITH REGISTRATION FEE

THANKS TO UAW LOCAL 2209, WE ARE ABLE TO KEEP REGISTRATION FEES LOW!

WE ARE ALSO ABLE TO MAKE THE RACE FREE TO YOUNG PEOPLE 18 AND UNDER

TIMELINE

Friday

• 5:00PM-7:00PM-Packet pickup at the HUB in Franke Park

Saturday

• 7:00AM-7:45-Packet pickup

• 7:45AM-Race instructions and information.

• 8:00AM-Race Time

• 11:15PM-Three hour race awards

• 2:00PM- Six hour race awards

Join us for the 17th Annual Pufferbelly Run, Walk, and Stroll 10K, 5K Family Run/Walk, and 1 Mile Kids' Fun Run.

The proceeds from this event will be used for trail development activities. One of the biggest projects in our community is the conversion of the former New York Railroad into a paved recreational path called the Pufferbelly Trail in Fort Wayne. When completed, it will link downtown Fort Wayne to Pokagon State Park in Angola and south to Ouabache State Park in Bluffton. At 84 miles, and called the Poka-Bache Connector, it will become the spine for a regional trails system that will provide endless health and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to the Fort Wayne area.

Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors.

UAW #2209

YMCA

The Fort Wayne Tincaps

Northeastern REMC

API

Three Rivers Running Company

Parkview Regional Medical Center