The annual Heartland 5K Run/Walk event that benefits Riley Hospital for Children is coming up on May 11 at 8:30 a.m. at Ivy Tech Columbus — one of a multitude of 5K events in our area for runners, joggers and walkers.
This year, with our area in the path of totality for a solar eclipse on April 8, there is a constellation of 5Ks on the calendar, according to the websites runningintheusa.com and indianatiming.com, which list full details and signup links for the following events:
April 6: Around Our Town Solar Glow Race, North Vernon.
The third annual event will offer a 5K and a 1-mile walk or run around downtown North Vernon beginning at 7 p.m. Participants are encouraged to “light up the night with some fun, showcase our downtown, and promote wellness in our community.” An afterparty is planned.
April 7-8: Total Eclipse of the Parks, Columbus.
The Columbus Park Foundation and the Columbus Visitors Center are presenting an event that includes a Lunar 5K beginning at 7 p.m. April 7 at Mill Race Park, using the People Trail across the river along Jonathan Moore Pike and back. At 9 a.m. April 8, a Solar 5K will take place from Mill Race Park to Noblitt Park and back. Vendors and other events are planned for both 5Ks. More information is available at columbusparkfoundation.org/total-eclipse-of-the-parks-5ks.
April 13: Tour De Trails Run/Walk, Columbus.
A 5K run, a 5K walk and an 8K run will begin at 9 a.m. at the Donner Park shelter house. The event is sponsored by the Columbus Park Foundation and the Columbus Department of Parks and Recreation. More information is available columbusparkfoundation.org/tour-de-trails-run-walk.
April 14: Rugby Rumble 5K, Columbus.
Columbus Rugby Football Club plans a 5K walk and a 5K run, both beginning at 10 a.m. at Blackwell Park, 1400 Parkside Drive in Columbus.
April 20: Indiana National Guard Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month 5K, Edinburgh.
Indiana National Guard will host a 5K run/walk with check-in starting at 6:30 a.m. at Building 4 at Camp Atterbury. The race will begin at 7:30 a.m. Also, and Mom of the Month Club will host a Kids Color Fun Run with check-in at Building 4 beginning at 8 a.m. and the run starting at 9 a.m.
April 27: Good, Better, Best 5K, Columbus.
The Bartholomew Consolidated School Foundation sponsors the Good, Better, Best 5K to pay tribute to award-winning educators and begins at Southside Elementary School, 1320 W. County Road 200S.
April 27: Spring Tonic 5K, Vernon.
In conjunction with the Sassafras Tea and Living History Civil War Festival, the Jennings County Running Club, Jennings County Historical Society and Friends of Historic Vernon team up for the Spring Tonic 5K run & walk and the Tea Time 1-Miler at 9 a.m. Proceeds benefit Vernon Gym building improvements, the Jennings County Historical Society, and Friends of Historic Vernon.
May 11: Heartland Kiwanis Run for Riley 5K.
The Heartland Division of Kiwanis is sponsoring its third annual 5K run/walk to benefit Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. The race will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Ivy Tech Community College. Goodie bags, random drawings for more than 40 prizes, food and drink will be available to all participants. Riley Hospital will be on campus to distribute information about Riley Hospital services.
