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.

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

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.