2026 YWCA Race for a Reason

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

Join Epic Racing Events for the summer tradition of the New Haven 5K/10K! We also now also offer a 5K distance too!! The race will start and finish at Jury Pool Park in New Haven and proceeds through the adjoining neighborhoods.

This is the second race of our Epic Summer series. Participants who complete the summer series of the 5K-10K and 15K will be awarded with an Epic Summer Series medal.

You will still be able to register onsite Friday evening or Saturday morning at Jury Park Pool.

Special Youth based pricing (18 and under) for both events. Discount applied automatically at registration checkout.

Packet pick-up will be from 4:30-6 p.m. Friday, July 24th at Jury Pool.

For those that cannot make the Friday night packet pick-up, you may also pick up your packets starting at 6:45 AM on Saturday morning..

Stay after the races for a swim at the Jury Park Pool. Free entry into the pool with your race entry.

In honor of the military Veterans we proudly serve, we’re excited to announce the Indiana Canine Assistant Network’s 5K and Family Walk, happening Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The event will take place at a park in the Fort Wayne area, with the exact location to be announced soon.

Kickoff is at 8 a.m.

All proceeds from the event will directly support our Veterans, whose service‑dog placement fees are fully waived by ICAN. Your participation helps ensure these life‑changing partnerships continue.

Joining us is a powerful way to recognize the sacrifices our Veterans have made and to show your appreciation for their service. Let’s come together to make a meaningful impact for these remarkable individuals.

Please note: Virtual participants are not guaranteed a T‑shirt.