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
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.