While it may not be 26.2 miles from the fridge to the couch to watch football and holiday movie marathons, this time of year can be a race all its own. 

I know from personal experience that instead of mile marker signs, I could label finding cookies, pies, and tasty treats as markers for progression of the day. To have some fun and just feel better, I love doing walks and runs in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area.

Fall and early winter are packed with opportunities to walk, trot, or dash a path to festive Fort Wayne fun!

The Best Festive Runs in Fort Wayne, Indiana

three women wearing green shirts and red tutu skirts after running a holiday 5k race

1. Fort4Fitness Winter Wonder Dash 5K/2K

November 18 & 19 / Franke Park

Ring in the Christmas season a little early with Fort4Fitness and Blue Jacket, Inc. at the Winter Wonder Dash 5K on November 19. Wind through the 120 lighted elements in Franke Park for a fun start to the holiday season.

On November 18, enjoy the family-friendly 2K walk, also allowing for enjoyment of the lights. You can forget the ugly Christmas sweater this year and enjoy the awesome long-sleeve cotton t-shirts runners and walkers will receive. You'll also receive a commemorative ornament at the finish line!

Registration and Details

2. 28th Annual Fort Wayne Running Club Turkey Trot 5K

November 19 / Homestead High School Environmental Center

Start depleting your calorie bank for refill a little early at Homestead High School Environmental Center, host of the Fort Wayne Running Club’s annual Turkey Trot. The Turkey Trot is a 5K walk/run, and toddlers can participate for free in a 15,000-centimeter dash.

Plus, enjoy door prizes and goodies for participating!

Registration and Details

3. Galloping Gobbler

November 24 / University of Saint Francis

If the live turkey and turkey mascot are not enough of a reason for you to let the bird marinate a little longer Thanksgiving morning, then the fact that you get to run through the beautiful Lindenwood Cemetery should draw you to the Galloping Gobbler. The four-mile course will fire up your appetite; the event gets done in plenty of time for you to spend the rest of the day quenching those flames.

Registration and Details

4. Frosty Frolic 5K

December 3 / Foster Park

Start a new holiday tradition and join the Frosty Frolic 5K at Foster Park! After the run, enjoy hot chocolate and Christmas cookies, and participate in a Christmas movie trivia contest.

Registration and Details

family dressed in christmas pajamas after running a 5k race

Find more information on these events and other festive events coming up in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

*This post was originally published in November 2017 and has been updated. Last revised November 2022.