Dr. Bender 5K Classic 2026

Everyone is welcome to participate in the 19th Annual Dr. Bender 5K Classic – which will be conducted as a hybrid race. The in-person 5k race begins at 7:30 am on Saturday, July 18th at Canal Winchester High School. The 1-mile Fun Run for children will follow the 5k. The girls 1-mile race will begin at 8:30 am and the boys race will begin at 8:50 am. A virtual 5K event will also be available for those who are not able or choose not to participate in the in-person race. 

A longstanding community 5K run and walk through the streets of Canal Winchester. As always, proceeds from registration and sponsorships from this year’s races will directly benefit the boys and girls cross country teams at Canal Winchester High School. 

If choosing the virtual race, you will run your 5K anywhere that you would like! Bike paths, neighborhood routes, and the like are all great options. The virtual time frame is July 18th – 25th to participate in your 5K. You may enter your results up to July 25th on the sign up page website, but optional.

If you choose the traditional 5k Bender route, we encourage you to download the Race Joy app if you plan to run or walk your route with your phone. This app will track your time, alert you when you complete the race, and also provides cheers and helpful tips along the way as you race.

Share your race photos on social media with the hashtag #drbender5k. We would love to see as many participants visible on social media as possible!

Cost

In-person race – $30 (before June 1st)

Late Registration- $40 (after May 31st)

Virtual race – $30

Fun Run – $10 (before June 1st)

Late Registration – $15 (after May 31st)

Swag

All race participants will receive a T-shirt with this year’s race design. They are guaranteed to participants who register for the race by midnight on June 25th. Please indicate your size in the registration process. For those who register on June 26th or later, shirts and shirt sizes are first come first served within the registration platform. Race medals and swag bags will be given out to 5K participants. Shirts will be mailed to virtual race participants the week after the race and will be available on the day of the race for in-person participants.

Early Packet Pickup

In-person participants have the option to pick up their race materials at early packet pickup on Thursday, July 16th, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at Canal Winchester High School or on race day at the race site, starting at 6:30 am.

Virtual participants have the option to select early packet pickup (details above) or have their items mailed directly to their front door (details are listed within the registration process). Virtual participants who select to have their items shipped will have materials shipped out the week after the race.

T-shirt design will be posted here as soon as it is finalized.