Water Drop 5K Walk/Run

Get your running shoes on for the annual Riverfest Water Drop 5K Run/Walk in support of the Wabash River Enhancement Corporation.  This kids run is a fun sprint down the Heritage Trail. 

Water Drop 5K Walk/Run

Event Schedule

Saturday, July 11, 2026
8:00 a.m. Water Drop 5K Run/Walk

The 5K Run/Walk check-in is at Tapawingo Park.  Runners will check-in before 7:30 am and get on a provided shuttle to the start line.  Buses will load starting at 7:00am and the last bus leaves promptly at 7:30 am so that the race can start at 8:00 am.  There will be one part-a-potty available at the start.

To ensure arrival at the start line at a specific time, individual runners may be dropped off at the start prior to 7:30am.  Please remember, there is no parking at the start line – drop off only! 

The race starts on the Sagamore Trail near Duncan Road. Runners will race back along the Heritage Trail to Tapawingo Park for the finish on the Pedestrian Bridge. 

Parking is available at no cost at the Wabash Landing Parking Garage across the street from Tapawing Skate Rink.

Early-Bird Registration: $25 (includes T-shirt), closed the Monday before the race

Running for Sustainability: $15 (no shirt), closed Friday before the event

Race Day Registration: $30 (T-shirt not guaranteed), open from 7:15 – 7:40 a.m. at Tapawingo Park

Early bird registration can be completed online following the link on this page.  In-person registration can be completed Friday evening before the race at the location below, or the morning of the race at the check-in table.  Day-of registration will close at 7:30 so that the bus to the starting line can promptly leave!

Packet Pickup Location: John Dennis Wellness Center, 1101 Kalberer Rd, West Lafayette, IN 47906

Packet Pickup Date: Friday before the race from 4-7 pm

Awards will be presented to the top male and female finishers in the following categories for the 5K Run/Walk:

  • Overall
  • Under 18
  • Ages 19-64
  • Over 65
 
Awards are announced and handed out immediately after the race on site.  Big thanks to Fleet Feet in West Lafayette for sponsoring our prizes: gift cards to their store.

The 5K check-in is at Tapawingo Park.  Runners will check in, then get on a bus to be bussed to the start line.  The route begins on the Sagamore Trail near the intersection of Duncan and Sagamore.  Runners will run west on the Sagamore Trail, take the winding ramp down to the Heritage Trail at the Sagamore Bridge, and run south along the Wabash Heritage Trail.  Runners will leave the trail just past the Harrison Bridge to run along Canal Street towards the substation.  They’ll re-join the Heritage Trail just past the sub-station, and follow the Heritage Trail up the ramp at the Amtrak boarding dock.  Runners will finish the race on the Pedestrian bridge. 

Check out the race route here:

 5K Route on Google Maps 

PDF of 5K Route

Water Droplet Kids Run

Bring the little ones to the Water Droplet Kids Run, a kick-off for the Wabash Riverfest celebrations! The race takes place underneath the Myer’s Pedestrian Bridge, creating a fun and safe environment for kids to race along the river.  Each kid running in the race has the option to receive a free Wabash Riverfest t-shirt and a coupon for a free scoop at the Silver Dipper.  

Event Schedule

Saturday, July 11, 2026
9:00 a.m. Water Droplet Kids Run

For the Kids Run, check-in will be at Tapawingo Park near the skate rink.

FREE for children 12 and under (T-shirt not guaranteed for those that sign up the week of the race)

Register now by clicking the link below, or at Tapawingo Park near the Skate Rink between 8:45 and 8:55 a.m. on race day.

The Kids Run takes place underneath Myer’s Pedestrian Bridge.  It’s just a short sprint to the finish line, along the Wabash Heritage Trail.