Running Wild 2025 Brings Record Turnout, Community Spirit, and Support for St. Joseph County Parks

On Saturday, August 16, people of all ages gathered at St. Patrick’s County Park in South Bend for Running Wild 2025. The mix of a chip-timed 5K and a family-friendly 3K scavenger hunt walk has made the event a summer tradition.

“This was our highest attended event with 533 participants registered,” said Deputy Director of St. Joseph County Parks, Leslie Witkowski. “Our second highest was 504, and that was pre-COVID. It’s nice to see those numbers go up, and everyone having a good time.”

The day began with a 20-minute rain delay as a storm cell passed to the north, but once skies cleared, the race quickly took shape. Runners surged to the front in pursuit of personal bests, followed by walkers, families with young children, and even leashed dogs trotting happily beside their owners.

Witkowski noted that the scavenger hunt element brought an extra layer of fun for families. “One of our staff members developed a scavenger hunt for the 3K part of the event,” she said. “She used different kinds of plant and animal names that the participants would have to find on the trail. For example, she’d take something blue and a heron, then the runners would have to find a Blue Heron. Typically, the plants and animals were of species native to Indiana.”

Running Wild has always been more than just a race. Out on the lawn of the park’s iconic Red Barn, people enjoyed lawn games, music from a local DJ, an educational display highlighting bald eagles, and info about the county parks. After crossing the finish line, everyone gathered for a post-race spread featuring gourmet egg bakes from Victorian Pantry, homemade baked goods, and the event’s signature oatmeal cookies.

Each registered participant received a hand-crafted medallion featuring a Bald Eagle. The medallions have become collectible over the years, with a different animal featured annually. Overall winners and top finishers in each age group were recognized with gold, silver, and bronze spray-painted pine cone “medals,” along with a container of maple syrup produced at Bendix Woods County Park. Door prizes donated by local businesses and friends of the parks rounded out the celebration.

“It was wonderful to see so many people of all ages out enjoying the park today,” said Nancy Owsianowski, Board President of the St. Joseph County Parks Foundation. “Running Wild is more than just a race or a walk—it’s a reminder of how much our community treasures our county parks and how, together, we can support the programs that make a lasting difference.”

Running Wild is organized through the partnership of the St. Joseph County Parks Foundation, Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake, and St. Joseph County Parks. Proceeds from the event will support park facilities, programs, and bus transportation for schoolchildren to attend outdoor learning experiences.