If you’ve done a traditional 5K, you know they can be a bit lackluster. But the BUBBLE RUN™ is like running through Willy Wonkas’ factory. Clad in white t-shirts, adults, kids and strollers run, walk, dance and play across up to 3 miles of absolute fun! Waves start every 3-5 minutes. Participants will run through the Foam Bogs where there is enough colored foam to cover you from head to toe!
Bubble-teers will also be there to help make sure you get your share of the frothy goodness. Each one of the Foam Bogs is represented by different colored foam. So what if you should accidentally “taste the whimsey?” They don’t taste as great as they are fun, but not to worry. The foam is 100% safe.
Event details and schedule
Please plan on arriving 30-45 minutes prior to your wave start to give yourself plenty of time to park, get your Bubble RUN™ swag, check in if needed, and to get situated.
Please be prompt for your Heat.
Once your heat has started, (the heat is the time you registered for) small waves will be released every 60-90 seconds. Your physical start time is based on a first come-first serve basis, so naturally you will start earlier if you enter the start chute earlier. The last wave within your heat will go out 30 minutes after your scheduled heat (i.e., if your registered heat is for 8AM, the last wave in your heat will leave at 8:30AM).
Bring some extra cash for parking and SWAG!
After you park, bring some extra cash! You'll want to check out our super sweet Bubble RUN store for t-shirts, tutus, and more!
There may be a parking charge of up to $20 for the event that is handled by the venue. With THOUSANDS of smiles present on race day, please have exact change and please don't cut your time too short before the race starts. Cram as many bubblers (legally) into your car to save some cash money money!
The 7th Annual Sweet Cheeks 5K is NOW the SUMMER FUN RUN 5K! This event is a family friendly event that aims to raise money for Sweet Cheeks Diaper Ministry and raise awareness for the issue of poverty and diaper need in Shelby County and surrounding areas. Register to run, walk, or dance your way across the finish line. Strollers are also welcome for the race! Sweet Cheeks Diaper Ministry is the only independently ran basic needs bank in the Mid-South recognized by The National Diaper Bank and partners with local social service agencies to provide diapers to low-income families while raising awareness of the basic health need for diapers. This year we are celebrating distributing over 1.5 MILLION diapers to families in need. 5k participants will receive Chip Timing, Live Results, Finisher Medal (whiles supplies last), Post Race Food and Drinks, Discount Coupons & Giveaways, and Custom awards for Overall and Age Group Winners. Kid's Fun Zone with games, face painting, and more. DJ Gibbs
will be back to bring the fun.
North Mississippi’s Premier Cycling Event
Oxford, MS
Saturday
August 8th, 2026
The wait is over. Oxford MS has experienced the historic ice storm last Winter. Clean-up work for the streets is coming to an end. We welcome you back to the 2026 Velvet Ditch Grand Fondo cycling event. This year we have moved the date to August 8th and thank you to the Lafayette County and city of Oxford, we have a new road riding out this year. It will be a less hilly start.
The Velvet Ditch Gran Fondo is a non-competitive bicycle ride, meaning there will be no awards for fastest times. The ride will take place on open roads, so rider discretion is advised.
As long as you want to pedal, all bikes are welcome: Big Box Bikes, Commuter bikes, E-bikes, Gravel bikes, Mountain bikes, Recumbent bikes, Road bikes, Tandem bikes, etc.
What are new this year
Starting time: 7:00am to start for the Summer temperature
Start/Finish location: The concession stand of the mTrade park at 328 Old Sardis Rd, Oxford, MS 38655
Routes: All routes have updated due to new start/finish location
Packet pick up location: The pavilion at the mTrade Park
Pricing: Simplified and more affordable
2026 VDGF Merchandise
The 2026 VDGF jersey is available in the event store. It can be purchased during registration or after the registration.
Fundraising
Proceeds of this ride will support the North Mississippi Gnarmadillos Composite MTB Team. This team is made up of middle and high school mountain bikers from the Oxford and North Mississippi area. More information about the team can be found on their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/NorthMSGnarmadillos/. You can support the team by making a donation at https://raceroster.com/events/2026/122466/velvet-ditch-gran-fondo-2026/fundraising-organization/91963
A check will also be donated toward the on-going maintenance of the Tanglefoot Trail during the Tour de Bodock Bicycle Ride.
The Yalobusha Greenways Alliance (YGA) is working to build a connected, bikeable, walkable pedestrian trail that spans from Water Valley to Oxford to the north, Coffeeville to the south, and beyond. You can support this project by making a donation at https://www.yalobushagreenways.org/donate
Lodging and Dining
Check out Visit Oxford’s website for lodging, dining, and other attractions around town: https://visitoxfordms.com
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Registration
Online registration closes at 6:00AM on August 8th Central Time.
Registration includes an event T-shirt, a pair of socks, and some goodies from our sponsors. Don't forget to register early to guarantee T-shirt size.
Packet Pick-up
Location: The Pavilion at the mTrade Park
Time:
Friday, August 7th (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
Saturday, August 8th (5:30 AM - 6:30 AM)
Age Restriction
Race Information
The race starts at 8:30 AM.
Packet pickup starts 30 minutes before the race and ends 10 minutes before the race starts.
All runners must register on RunSignup.
No on-site registration.
Additional Information
Park in the lot by the tennis courts; the starting line is next to the playground.
This is the Google Pin to the parking lot- https://maps.app.goo.gl/uBiYa6pM3DkmSkex7
The course is paved.
5K & 10K Course (0.78M)
https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5968528219
The course is an out-and-back (1.56M)
The 5K does the out-and-back two times.
The 10K does the out-and-back four times.
Half Marathon Course (1.09M)
https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5945600728
The course is an out-and-back (2.18M).
The Half Marathon does the out-and-back six times.
Course Time Limit
3 hours and 30 minutes.
Finisher Medals
https://usroadrunning.com/FinisherMedals.php
Shirt and Gear Shop
https://usroadrunning.com/Gear.php
Best Costume
https://usroadrunning.com/BestCostume.php
Series Points
https://usroadrunning.com/S.php
Awards
https://usroadrunning.com/Awards.php
Frequently Asked Questions and Information
https://usroadrunning.com/FAQ.php
US Road Running
Come join us for a fun 5k with and easy course. Arrow signs will be placed at each turn. This course includes a turn about with views of the khalua colored waters and natural resources of Pierce landing.