We're excited to announce that our annual 5K is returning to the historic Heartland Park! After a vote by popular demand, runners and community members made it clear they wanted to see the race return to one of the event's most memorable venues.
Last year, we hosted the biggest race in event history, with more than 900 runners crossing the starting line. This year, we're aiming even higher. Our goal is to welcome over 1,000 participants and make the 2026 Heartland Park 5K our largest and most exciting race yet.
Whether you're a competitive runner chasing a personal best, a first-time participant, or someone who simply wants to enjoy a great community event, we invite you to be part of this special day. Join us as we celebrate the return to Heartland Park, bring together runners from across the region, and make history with our largest race yet.
Register today and help us reach 1,000 runners!
Register by June 26th for a guaranteed race t-shirt!
Awards:
The top three male and female finishers in each age group will receive medals, and the top five male and female finishers overall will be awarded gift cards from our gracious sponsors Main Street Meats and Enjoy!
We are excited to recognize excellence across all age groups while also rewarding the top overall performances of the day.
Be sure to stick around after the race for the awards ceremony as we celebrate the outstanding performances and achievements from this year's event.
Begin your July 4th celebration day off with a family fun event in scenic Park Rapids Minnesota! For the more serious runner this event is a certified USATF fast course. This year the event is chip timed by Pickle Events!
The Firecracker 5K event kicks off the Fourth of July festivities in Park Rapids Minnesota! Shops and restaurants will also be open July 4th for you to spend your day exploring Park Rapids! Join in the parade on Main Street and stick around for Music in the Park and finish off the day watching a spectacular Firework display at Heartland Park!
Special Thanks to our Sponsors:
Thank you to Flying W Gardens, Hugo's, Premium Waters, Auto Craft, Healing Arts Center, Main Street Meats, Neighbors Ford, Park Rapids Aviation, Enjoy, A&W, Ulvin Plumbing, Signature Homes, DePaul Lettering, CHI Health, Cuzzins Candy Store, Edward Jones, Anytime Fitness, Johanning Farms, Andy Hilmanowski Construction, Gartner Real Estate, Lifetime Roofing, Dream Vacations, Stepping Stones, and Affinity Real Estate for their commitment to our race and the community.
REGISTER AS A GROUP & SAVE!
Register a family or group of 5 or more in one order and every runner receives $5 off the entry fee! This will be automatically applied when you place the order!
FREE KIDS FUN RUN (12 & Under following the 5k)
Join us after the 5k (APPROXIMATELY 10-10:15 a.m.) for a free kids fun run. No formal registration needed, meet at the finish line area to pick up a race bib for kids who want to wear one. Popsicles for all finishers! Cuzzins Candy Store will also be giving each participant a ticket to grab some free goodies after the race!
3-4 different distances will be run to accommodate the various age groups (e.g. 4-under, 5-7, 8+).
BIB PICK UP AND WALK-UP REGISTRATION
Online registration ends at 11:59 p.m. on July 2.
Walk-up registrations will be accepted at Heartland Park on July 3 from 6:15 - 8:00 p.m. and again on July 4 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Packet pickup for pre-registered runners will also be available during these times. We encourage you to come the night before to avoid the morning rush.
