See you at the 2023 Tuesday Night Park Runs

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Penguin in the Park: The Next Chapter

It was a great day and perfect weather for a 5K in Fairview Park. Congratulations to all of the participants and thanks to all of our sponsors. Check out to see how you and your fellow waddlers did on our results page.

Penguin in the Park has been successful over the past 17 years because of you, the participants, the sponsors, the volunteers, and most notably because of John Bingham’s re-connection to his alma mater, Millikin University.ย  During that time, over $70,000 in proceeds have been given to support an endowed scholarship in John’s name to entrepreneurship students in the Tabor School of Business at Millikin University and to support youth athletic programs through the Decatur Park District. It’s been a joy to see so many achieve fitness goals, spend time with friends and family, and just be active because of Penguin in the Park. Beginning in 2023, Penguin in the Park, NFP, will become the sponsor of the last night of the Tuesday Night Park Run series in Fairview Park instead of a standalone 5K. The race has had a great run (pun intended), and we look forward to continuing to be a part of the running community and supporting our two worthy causes. Thanks for waddling.

 

Race Weekend is Here!

Itโ€™s race weekend! We are looking forward to welcoming you back.
  • As a reminder, packet pickup is 1:00 – 2:30 pm on Sunday before the race in the large pavilion in Fairview Park. Race packets will not be mailed or available for no-shows. Make arrangements to have someone else pick up your packet if you don’t plan on participating.
  • The Penguin Dash starts at 2:30.
  • Online registration will remain open until 2:30 pm on Sunday. No paper registrations will be accepted.
  • 5K starts at 3:00 pm.
  • Race Day Instructions
Waddle On, Penguins!

16th Penguin in the Park in the Books

Thanks to you, the participants, volunteers, and sponsors for another successful Penguin in the Park. After too many years of cold weather in March, it was nice to have the race in warm weather (maybe too warm at 85 degrees), and gather in the open air pavilion for music by the Red Wheelbarrows and awards presentations. The weather from previous race days can be found on our weather history page.

Congratulations to Andrew Anderson and Megan Lockhart, our division champions with times of 18:30.1 and 24:35.7, respectively. A compete set of results along with the age division awards can be found on the results page.

Proceeds from this race go to support a Millikin scholarship in honor of John Bingham, the original penguin and Millikin alumnus, and to support youth athletic programs at the Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC).

We will keep you posted on the date for the 2022 Penguin in the Park. Until then, continue to waddle on.

Rates Increase after 8/31. Register Today!

Race day will be here before we know it. Get registered by August 31 before rates increase from $24 to $35. We can’t wait to have you for this year’s spooktacular Penguin in the Park. There will be surprise treats!

Save the Date: October 10 @ 3:00 pm

Penguin in the Park 5K Run/Walk will be back and in person on October 10, 2021! After his namesake, the Penguin, John Bingham, inspires us all to get out there and be active. Penguin in the Park is the largest (and friendliest) 5K in the Decatur area. This race embraces the Penguin in all of us โ€” a race for the speedy, and those who want to take their time and enjoy the course!

Starting at 3:00 pm, the 5K race takes place in Fairview Park on a rolling bike path; afterwards, we will have a post-race party with awards, food, prizes, and entertainment in Fairview Pavilion.

This year will once again include theย 300 meter Penguin Jr. Dash for the younger penguins that will take place before the start of the 5K at 2:30 pm. This is a great opportunity to include youth in a sport and activity that is life long. Make Penguin in the Park a family activity this year. Penguin Dash participants will receive a short sleeve t-shirt and goody bag along with a finisher ribbon.

The race committee is committed to hosting the race in accordance with all CDC, state, and local health guidance. Prior to race day, detailed instructions will be sent regarding guidelines for participating in the race safely, which may include certain restrictions.

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