Penguin in the Park, NFP

See you at the 2023 Tuesday Night Park Runs

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Thank You!

From the race directors, thank you for your continued support of Penguin in the Park. It’s 15th year wasn’t what any of us expected, but 461 of you made the commitment on your terms and on your own desired route. Self-submitted results of this year’s virtual run/walk can be found here along with the results from prior years. As well, thank you to all of our sponsors for their continued commitment. Your dedication to fitness and Penguin 5K helps to fund Millikin scholarships and youth athletics at the DISC.

Next Year

We wish we had an answer on the date for the 2021 Penguin 5K, but we’re not to a place where we confidentially can make that call given the uncertainly surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. We are currently leaning toward a race in the second half of the year where there is a higher likelihood we can resume activities in-person.

Have your race bag shipped!

We know you’re busy, but we really want you to have this year’s performance t-shirt, medal, and other goodies. Even though you missed our packet pick-up opportunities, you can still have your race bag shipped to your door. Simply go here by November 1 and make a donation for the following amount, based on how many race bags you need shipped. Include in the special notes the race participants you need shipped and we’ll take care of the rest.

  • 1 race bag, $8
  • 2 race bags, $12
  • 3 or more race bags, $15

Did you miss packet pick up?

Did you miss packet pick up last weekend? We are hosting a last chance packet pick up on Wednesday, October 21, from 5:00 – 6:30 pm at Millikin’s Alumni and Development office.

  • The office is located at 1305 W Main St., Decatur, IL  62522 — at the corner of Fairview Ave. and Main St.
  • You can park in the Westminster Presbyterian Church parking lot across the street.
  • Masks are required on Millikin University’s campus.
  • Observe social distancing by maintaining at least 6 ft between you and others.
  • To limit foot traffic, please send one representative from your family or group of friends group to pick up your race bag.

How was your virtual run?

How are those virtual 5Ks going? To log your time, simply run your own 5K route (socially distanced) when it is convenient for you this week. To submit your virtual time, click the following link, find your name, and click Edit Time.

Packet Pick-up Instructions

A socially distanced packet pickup will take place on Saturday, October 10th from 9AM-1PM at the large pavilion in Fairview Park

  • Masks are required in the packet pick-up area in Fairview Park.
  • Observe social distancing by maintaining at least 6 ft between you and others.
  • To limit foot traffic, please send one representative from your family or group of friends group to pick up your race bag.
  • Individuals who live outside of the following counties will have their race bag mailed free of charge if not picked up on October 10.
    • Champaign, Christian, Coles, De Witt, Douglas, Effingham, Logan, Macon, McLean, Menard, Moultrie, Piatt, Sangamon
    • If you live within the counties listed above and you want your race bag shipped to you, you can add on shipping by clicking here: https://runsignup.com/Race/MyRegisteredRaces – Locate the “Penguin in the Park 5K”.  Click Manage Registration.  In the menu select “Add Ons” and complete your purchase. This feature is available through October 7.

Still Time to Register!

Registration is still open for Virtual Penguin in the Park, taking place from Saturday, October 10 through Sunday, October 18. Complete with race goodie bags, t shirts, fleece head warmer compliments of Staley Credit Union, and finisher medal.
If you previously registered for the race in March, you are automatically included in this event. Registration is reopened through Wednesday, October 7 if you didn’t get a chance to register this spring. More information, including info about packet pick-up, can be found on our Virtual Race Information page.

Penguin 5K to be virtual Oct 10 – Oct 18

Since March, we have been working diligently to host a rescheduled 2020 Penguin in the Park in light of the global COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, we have continued to monitor conditions and data as we prioritize everyone’s health and safety. We have determined that hosting an in-person 2020 Penguin in the Park is not the safest for everyone involved.

All hope is not lost!  We have decided to host a Virtual 2020 Penguin in the Park from Saturday, October 10 through Sunday, October 18.  Complete with race goodie bags, t shirts, fleece head warmer compliments of Staley Credit Union, finisher medal, results, and more!  If you previously registered for the race in March, you are automatically included in this event.  Registration is reopened through Wednesday, October 7 to meet the demand of others who would like to join us.

Packet Pickup

  • A socially distanced packet pickup will take place on Saturday, October 10th from 9AM-1PM at the large pavilion in Fairview Park
    • Masks are required to pick up your packet
    • To limit foot traffic,  please send one representative from your family or group of friends group to pick up your race bag.
    • If you do not live in the following counties, you will have your race bag and finisher medal mailed to you free of charge if not picked up at packet pickup.
      • Counties not eligible for free shipping: Champaign, Christian, Coles, De Witt, Douglas, Effingham, Logan, Macon, McLean, Menard, Moultrie, Piatt, Sangamon
      • It may take up to two weeks following October 10 to receive your race bag
      • If you live in one of the counties listed above and you do not know someone who can pick up your race bag for you, you may elect to have your packet shipped for an additional $8. Details on how to request shipping are forthcoming.
    • If you previously registered for the Virtual 5K, your race packet will be shipped for free.
    • Additional details will follow as we get closer to race day.

Additional Registration Info

  • Online Registration closes at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, October 7. There are no processing fees associated with online registration.
  • No other registrations will be allowed other than those online and prior to the registration cutoff of Wednesday, October 7, 11:59 pm.
  • $1 discount for Decatur Running Club Members, Millikin Students/Alum/Faculty/Staff, and Decatur Indoor Sports Center Members. Not eligible for multiple discounts.
  • Registration assumes participation. If you are not able to participate, you are still eligible to receive your t-shirt and race bag. Refunds will not be issued.

Stuff We All Get!

  • Short sleeve performance cotton t-shirt
  • Fleece head warmer compliments of Staley Credit Union
  • Penguin finisher medal
  • Goodie bag with snacks and a commemorative 15 year anniversary button

Entry Fee

Submitting Your Result

An important part of this Virtual Race is submitting your time so that you can see how you rank, much like a traditional run.  Beginning October 10th you will be able to submit your time.  Simply run your own 5K route (socially distanced) when it is convenient for you. To submit your virtual time, click the following link. (Note: link will not work and you cannot submit a result prior to Oct 10)  By your name, click EDIT TIME.  You can submit results from Oct 10 – Oct 18.  Final results will be available at the same link on Oct 19, 2020.

Why Penguin in the Park?

Penguin in the Park 5K Run/Walk will be celebrating its milestone 15th anniversary in 2020! 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 — a race for the speedy, and those who want to take their time and enjoy the course! All proceeds will help benefit the Decatur Indoor Sports Center youth programs and Millikin’s John “The Penguin” Bingham Scholarship.

Penguin 5K Postponed (COVID-19)

Due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic and guidelines now in place for the State of Illinois and the Millikin University campus, our 2020 race day on March 28 is being postponed.

We are working with our partners to confirm a new race weekend date sometime in the second half of the year. We care about the health and safety of our faithful participants, volunteers, and spectators, and we wish you all well. We will continue to update you as we make plans for a new race date and your options for participation.

Wishing you health and safety during these unique circumstances,

Penguin 5K Race Committee

#penguin5k t-shirts on sale!

Do you love that Penguin race T-shirt? Need extras for friends and family? Select any 2 T-shirts for $10, shipping included. Sizes may be limited.

To purchase, select a year/color/size, then select “Add to Cart.” This will open up a new tab. Then, go back and select your second shirt to add it to your shopping cart. You can then check out securely through PayPal using credit/debit card or your PayPal account.

Important: If you only select one shirt and check out, we will charge you an additional $5 for shipping.

All proceeds go to our mission, to support the John Bingham Scholarship at Millikin University and to support youth athletic programs at the DISC.

Head to our online marketplace to pick up your t-shirts today!

Eat too much turkey? Use discount code TURKEY to save $2

Eat too much turkey 🦃? The holidays are a tough time to manage weight and fitness with all the parties and sweets that tempt us at every corner. Commit to running the Penguin in the Park 5K Run/Walk on March 28 to give yourself a goal to achieve after the holidays. The 300 meter Penguin Dash is back to encourage fitness for our youth as it our Virtual Penguin for those who can’t be there on race day. Celebrate our 15th anniversary in 2020.

🐧 Use $2 discount code TURKEY through 12/7 at penguin5k.com

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