Popcorn Panic 5M Run & 5K Run/Walk
- Date Sat 12th September 2026
- Time 7:20AM CDT
- Location Valparaiso, Indiana
- Price $40.00
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5 Mile, 5km
Last chance to enter
Race day is fast approaching
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating day of fun and fitness at the 48th annual Popcorn Panic 5M Run & 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in beautiful Valparaiso, Porter. This beloved community tradition attracts over 1,200 enthusiastic participants each year, who will dash or stroll through the picturesque, tree-lined streets of the city. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual walker, you can choose to tackle the 5-mile course or opt for the 5K run/walk, making it a perfect event for individuals and teams alike!
Form a team with friends, family, or colleagues and compete for exciting awards. Teams must consist of at least four finishers to qualify for team recognition, and all team members can also vie for individual accolades. Be sure to register early to secure your preferred shirt size and enjoy early bird pricing! With fantastic prizes for top finishers and a lively atmosphere, the Popcorn Panic promises a day filled with excitement, community spirit, and, of course, popcorn! Don’t miss out on this unforgettable event that celebrates health, camaraderie, and the joy of running!
Form a team with friends, family, or colleagues and compete for exciting awards. Teams must consist of at least four finishers to qualify for team recognition, and all team members can also vie for individual accolades. Be sure to register early to secure your preferred shirt size and enjoy early bird pricing! With fantastic prizes for top finishers and a lively atmosphere, the Popcorn Panic promises a day filled with excitement, community spirit, and, of course, popcorn! Don’t miss out on this unforgettable event that celebrates health, camaraderie, and the joy of running!
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 8/17 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
* A $250 gift card to Extra Mile Fitness Company
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 8/17 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
* A $250 gift card to Extra Mile Fitness Company
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 8/17)
Sat 12th September 2026 (7:20AM CDT)
$40.00
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 8/17)
Sat 12th September 2026 (7:30AM CDT)
$40.00
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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