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RACE DETAILS

Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026

Location: Essen Haus Inn and Conference Center

Start Time: 10:00 am

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PRICING

$23 for timed 5k entry and $18 for the Mile entry, long sleeve shirts are an additional/ optional $16. (as long as you can select a shirt size online, you will get one! Refreshments served back in the extremely cozy Essen Haus Inn and Conference Center.

Family pricing available!

SWAG

Optional custom Long sleeve performance shirts are $16 each, and you can also pick up some vintage colors for less 🙂 so bring a few bucks!

VENUE

Essen Haus Conference Center, 240 CR 20, Middlebury, IN

AWARDS

Top 3 Overall M/F in the 5K

AG awards- 3 deep in 15 age groups

COURSE

See Course map below

The race begins on Wayne Street (in front of the Essen Haus Inn and Conference Center)- where you run on the road for approximately one mile, and then goes on to the Pumpkinvine Trail, so is guarded from car traffic for the remaining 2.1 miles. Weather? We have had everything from Polar Vortex sub-zero temps to no snow! It’s always a great way to start the New Year off right! The route is gorgeous, goes for a great cause and what a way to begin a new year- with healthy, positive people!

In summary, this is a triangular-ish course, approximately 1 mile-ISH each side so there are only two real right turns. Stay on the path- you can’t go wrong!

NOTES

This is an annual fundraiser for the Middlebury Food Pantry. Every PENNY of your entry goes right to the bottom line so the Pantry can purchase bulk food to feed working families during times when funds get stretched due to shut downs or unexpected bills.

If you sign up now, you will lock in a positive experience to kick off the year! Something we can all use! When the weather gets colder, it can take extra effort to get out for your run! Let us help you with that!

This is also the first race in the 2026 Fleet Feet Mishawaka Race Series! So start your sticker collection on the first day of the New Year!

RESULTS

THTiming.com and StoneSoupPromotions.com

EVENT FACEBOOK PAGE

Facebook page link here

RACE MAP

We start and finish at the EssenHaus Inn and Conference Center.

10:00 am start, so you can stay up late and still come race or have a nice brisk walk with a friend!

Ample parking right there- we only ask that you avoid parking by the Inn lobby area on the back side (by the finish line) and use the front entrance. [So hotel guests can easily bring their cars around to check.]

Hah! People were wearing SHORTS in 2020! In 2025, we also had people wearing shorts and the roads were clear! But whatever the weather- it won’t matter! Start the year off on the right foot!