5Ks are a beloved tradition for many reasons. They're more accessible than longer races so anyone can enjoy the run, they're often organized as fun events with themes, and some even act as fundraisers for charitable causes.

Discover the Best Events in Fort Wayne, Indiana

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

Fort4Fitness Winter Wonder Dash 5K/2K

November 15 & 16 / Franke Park

Registration fee is $30.

Grab your winter coat, hat, mittens and warm socks and get ready to experience one of Fort Wayne's favorite holiday traditions! Every year, Blue Jacket, Inc. sets up beautiful holiday light displays throughout Franke Park for folks to drive through and enjoy. Fort4Fitness participants have special access to walk or run through the lights before the Blue Jacket drive-through event opens to the public! Can you imagine a more magical place to run a 5K than along a path surrounded by 1,500,000 Christmas lights? Don't miss this festive run!

Registration and Details

30th Annual Fort Wayne Running Club Turkey Trot 5K

November 23 / 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

Galloping Gobbler

November 28 / University of Saint Francis

The Galloping Gobbler has become Fort Wayne’s new family tradition for Thanksgiving. Folks visiting from across the country have made room for the turkey and trimmings by running the four mile Galloping Gobbler course. The four miler will start at the Hutzell Athletic Center on the campus of the University of Saint Francis and then take you through Fort Wayne’s historic Lindenwood Cemetery before finishing back at campus.

Registration and Details

Frosty Frolic 5K

December 8 / 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

Gingerbread Pursuit 4-Miler

December 8 / Promenade Park Pavilion
Start a new Holiday Season tradition with the Gingerbread Pursuit 4 Mile Run.

​More information here

Ugly Sweater Run

December 15 / 121 W Wayne St. Fort Wayne

Registration fee is three non-perishable food items.

Gather up your family and friends for what has become a Fort Wayne Holiday tradition. A three-mile fun run downtown while viewing all of the Holiday Festival Lights. After the run join us at JK O'Donnell's Irish Pub,121 W Wayne St, Fort Wayne, for our Ugly Sweater Contest (where the ugliest sweater wins a prize), drinks, and fun. The first 350 participants that redeem an in-store coupon will receive a FREE commemorative glass.

​More information here

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 2024.