Popcorn Panic

A Valpo Tradition Unlike Any Other! 

Join the 41st running of the Popcorn Panic. A community tradition of four decades, this event has over 1,000 participants annually, running and walking through our tree lined city streets. In teams or as an individual, you can choose to run 5 miles or participate in the 5K Run/Walk. All ages are welcome!

Our continued goal is to make this the best event in which you’ve ever participated. You can expect some long straight runs, turns and a few hills. The course is monitored to prevent vehicle obstruction during the race. However, it isn’t guaranteed, and for your safety please watch for vehicles. The course map is posted race day. Live musicians perform at various areas along the course. Computerized race results.

Registration:

• $30.00 for entries received before August 8th
• $35.00 August 9th through September 6th at 11:59PM  (online registration only)
• $40.00 Late registrations September 7th through race day. Online registration will remain open until 7:15AM on race morning.  Last minute registrants can register online at home before coming to packet pick up.
• $10.00 Team Registration Fee. ALL TEAMS MUST BE REGISTERED BY AUGUST 10TH. NO ADDITIONS OR SUBSTITUTIONS TO TEAMS WILL PERMITTED AFTER SEPTEMBER 5TH.
  
  You can choose the No Shirt option and save $5 through August 8th.

Packet Pick-Up:

• Early packet pick up will be available on Wednesday, September 4th and Thursday September 5th from 11AM-6:30PM at the Extra Mile Fitness Company, 1330 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN, and on Friday September 6th at the Butterfield Family Pavilion located at Calumet & Evans, Valparaiso, IN from 3:30-6:00PM
• Race Day Registration and packet pick up takes place at the Race Tent located in Central Park Plaza, 63 Lafayette Street, Valparaiso 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m.
• Lit'l Kernel Puff Race Packet Pick-up Friday, September 6th at the Butterfield Pavilion 3:30-6:00PM ONLY.

Awards (Based on start time)

5 Mile Run:
Awards will be given to the first 3 overall male and female finishers, the top male and female Masters winners (40 years and older) and the top three in the following age categories:  14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+

5K Run/Walk:
Awards will be given to the first 3 overall male and female finishers and the top three in the following age categories: 10 and under, 11-12, 13-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+

Team Competition: (5-Mile & 5K)
5-Mile & 5K participants are encouraged to form teams.  Teams must have at least 4 finishers to be eligible for team award.  Winner is determined by computer analysis of the overall place of the top 4 team members. Team members are also eligible for individual awards. 

Please note, Popcorn Panic has a non-duplication of awards policy.  A participant who finishes in the top 3 overall in either the 5 Mile or 5K event does not qualify to win an individual age group plaque.

Race Day Schedule

6:00 a.m. Packet Pick-up/Race Day Registration-Festival Tent
7:00 a.m. Packet Pick-up & Race Day Registration closed and Pre-Race Instructions
7:15 a.m. Popcorn Festival Opening Ceremony
7:20 a.m. 5-mile Race Start
7:30 a.m. 5K Race Start
8:40 a.m. Race Course Closes
9:00 a.m. Awards-Central Park