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22nd Annual Mercer Health 5K Challenge

Online registration is now open for the 2026 Mercer Health 5K Challenge season. Once again, we are offering the option to register for all seven Challenge events at the low price of $90, or you can register for individual races at $15 each. It continues to be the mission of the Challenge series to provide young and old alike the opportunity to physically challenge themselves and build friendships that will last a lifetime.

Back by popular demand, all kids 14 and under will participate for FREE thanks to the generosity of Edward Jones agents Dick Denning and Molly Shreffler. Events offering 5K shirts are not included in the free entry or bundle pricing, but may be purchased separately online.

2026 Mercer Health 5K Challenge Schedule:

• June 20^th   9:00 AM   Zuma 5K
• June 27^th   9:00 AM   Country Fest
• July 5^th   8:45 AM   Redskin Classic
• July 11^th   8:30 AM   Shane’s Crossing
• July 18^th   8:30 AM   St. Clair
• July 25^th   8:00 AM   Lake Festival
• Aug 1^st   8:30 AM   Buzzard’s Glory

By participating in at least five of the seven Challenge events, you will earn a Mercer Health 5K Challenge tech shirt and be eligible for year-end age group awards.

All events will be chip timed by Can’t Stop Running Company, and the series standings will be updated week by week.

Age groups will begin at 10 and under, with the final age group being 70 and over.

If you are new to the series and wonder how it works, here are the details:

As you compete in the events, points will be earned based upon your finishing time and how you place within your age group. These points are accumulated throughout the 5K season. Participate in five of the seven Challenge events and you will be eligible to receive a Challenge long-sleeve tech shirt. If you finish in the top three of your age group, you will also be eligible for year-end awards. All awards will be presented on the Saturday morning of the Buzzard’s Glory 5K.

Perhaps greater than the awards you may receive will be the camaraderie of new friends you will make during the Challenge season, along with the pride of competing in the Mercer Health 5K Challenge.

Whether you are an avid runner or someone looking for motivation to be more active, we look forward to encouraging you to join us for the Challenge series! All runners and walkers are welcome to participate. Parents, please take advantage of the “Kids 14 and under running for free” and encourage them to participate in the series. Feel free to click on the Contact Us tab with questions you may have.