Popcorn Panic 5M Run & 5K Run/Walk
- Date Sat 12th September 2026
- Time 7:20AM CDT
- Location Valparaiso, Indiana
- Price $35.00
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5 Mile, 5km
Event summary
Get ready to lace up your running shoes for the 48th annual Popcorn Panic 5M Run & 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in the charming city of Valparaiso, Porter! This beloved community tradition attracts over 1,200 participants each year, inviting both seasoned athletes and casual walkers to experience the scenic, tree-lined streets of Valpo. Choose between the exhilarating 5-mile race or the fun-filled 5K run/walk, and don’t forget to rally your friends and family to form a team for some friendly competition!
Participants who register by August 14 will secure their preferred shirt size, with early registration offering savings before fees increase after August 17. There are exciting awards awaiting the top runners, including the prestigious title of champion, a crown, and the opportunity to ride in the Popcorn Fest Parade! With age group awards spanning from 10 & under to 80+, everyone has a chance to shine. Join us for a day filled with community spirit, fitness, and fun at the Popcorn Panic!
Participants who register by August 14 will secure their preferred shirt size, with early registration offering savings before fees increase after August 17. There are exciting awards awaiting the top runners, including the prestigious title of champion, a crown, and the opportunity to ride in the Popcorn Fest Parade! With age group awards spanning from 10 & under to 80+, everyone has a chance to shine. Join us for a day filled with community spirit, fitness, and fun at the Popcorn Panic!
Organiser's Description
THE VALPO TRADITION CONTINUES!
Join us for the 48th running of the Popcorn Panic. A community tradition for over four decades, this event has over 1,200 participants annually, running and walking through our tree-lined city streets. In teams or as individuals, you can choose to run the 5 miles or the 5K run or walk.
TEAM COMPETITION
Participants are encouraged to form teams! Teams must have at least 4 finishers to be eligible for team award. Winner is determined by computer analysis of the overall place of the top 4 team members. Team members are also eligible for individual awards.
REGISTRATION
Register by 8/14 to guarantee a shirt size. No shirt option saves $5.
_REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE! _Fee increases to $40 after 8/17. Same day registration $45.
PACKET PICK-UP
* Pre-race packet pick-up will be available Wed, Sep 9 - Thu Sep 10 at the Extra Mile Fitness Company, 3400 Calumet Ave., Valparaiso, IN
* Pre-race packet pick-up will be available Fri, Sep 11th at Butterfield Pavilion from 3:30pm - 5:30pm
* Onsite packet pick-up will be available on race morning beginning at 6:30am. Due to the size of this event WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO REGISTER AHEAD OF RACE DAY AND PICK YOUR PACKET UP EARLY.
AWARDS*
BACK FOR 2026 - Valpo Parks is continuing the recognition for the top runners. The male and female winners of the 5-mile race will be crowned champions, each receiving a suite of prestigious prizes:
* Champion crown
* The honor of riding in the Popcorn Fest Parade
* Two complimentary drink tickets for the Popcorn Festival
OVERALL & AGE GROUP AWARDS Top Overall Male & Top Overall Female, Top Masters Male & Top Masters Female, Top 3 Male and Female in the following age groups: 10 & under, 11-12, 13-14, 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+
_*Please note, Popcorn Panic has a non-duplication of awards policy. A participant who finishes in the top overall and masters winners in each event do not qualify to win an individual age group plaque._
Join us for the 48th running of the Popcorn Panic. A community tradition for over four decades, this event has over 1,200 participants annually, running and walking through our tree-lined city streets. In teams or as individuals, you can choose to run the 5 miles or the 5K run or walk.
TEAM COMPETITION
Participants are encouraged to form teams! Teams must have at least 4 finishers to be eligible for team award. Winner is determined by computer analysis of the overall place of the top 4 team members. Team members are also eligible for individual awards.
REGISTRATION
Register by 8/14 to guarantee a shirt size. No shirt option saves $5.
_REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE! _Fee increases to $40 after 8/17. Same day registration $45.
PACKET PICK-UP
* Pre-race packet pick-up will be available Wed, Sep 9 - Thu Sep 10 at the Extra Mile Fitness Company, 3400 Calumet Ave., Valparaiso, IN
* Pre-race packet pick-up will be available Fri, Sep 11th at Butterfield Pavilion from 3:30pm - 5:30pm
* Onsite packet pick-up will be available on race morning beginning at 6:30am. Due to the size of this event WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO REGISTER AHEAD OF RACE DAY AND PICK YOUR PACKET UP EARLY.
AWARDS*
BACK FOR 2026 - Valpo Parks is continuing the recognition for the top runners. The male and female winners of the 5-mile race will be crowned champions, each receiving a suite of prestigious prizes:
* Champion crown
* The honor of riding in the Popcorn Fest Parade
* Two complimentary drink tickets for the Popcorn Festival
OVERALL & AGE GROUP AWARDS Top Overall Male & Top Overall Female, Top Masters Male & Top Masters Female, Top 3 Male and Female in the following age groups: 10 & under, 11-12, 13-14, 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+
_*Please note, Popcorn Panic has a non-duplication of awards policy. A participant who finishes in the top overall and masters winners in each event do not qualify to win an individual age group plaque._
Races
-
5 Mile Run
Incl. T-Shirt (Size Guaranteed if Registered by 8/14)
Sat 12th September 2026 (7:20AM CDT)
$35.00
Pets, skate boards, in-line skates, bike, etc. are prohibited. Wheelchair participants are welcome. Baby strollers are cautiously permitted and if used must start at the REAR of the participants. -
5K Run/Walk
Incl. T-Shirt (Size Guaranteed if Registered by 8/14)
Sat 12th September 2026 (7:30AM CDT)
$35.00
This is a 5K Run/Walk. This is not a competitive walk. Pets, skate boards, in-line skates, bike, etc. are prohibited. Wheelchair participants are welcome. Baby strollers are cautiously permitted and if used must start at the REAR of the participants.
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63 Lafayette Street, Valparaiso, 46383, IN, United States
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Popcorn Panic 5M Run & 5K Run/Walk
