PARC/RCRC’s 6th Annual Amazing 5K Run/Walk

The 6th Annual PARC/RCRC 5K Run/Walk is not a race, more so an activity that includes fun “challenges” and business stops along the route. Think walkathon/fun run meets Amazing Race. The 2026 theme is “History, Scenery, and Fun in West Salem.” All ages are welcome! Registration is required for all participants ages 11 and over. Minors must be accompanied by parents. The cost of registration covers all event food/beverage samples, with the exception of an optional adult beverage. The first 75 registrants will receive a 2026 souvenir personalized PARC 5K glass. This is a nonprofit event, with proceeds as well as additional contributions being donated to the Sara Rose Hougom Foundation.

The event starts and ends at the parking lot of Swarthout Park near beautiful Lake Neshonoc, and goes through the downtown area of West Salem, with local points of interest, unique activity stops, challenges, and food/beverage sample stops along the way. The 5K is not timed, and all challenges/stops are optional. Estimate up to 3 hours if participating in each challenge! Please note that one stop is a pub—anyone under 21 MUST be accompanied by their legal guardian to be in this establishment, and beverages for this optional stop are not included in registration.

Download the “RunGo” app for verbal turn-by-turn instructions as you follow the route! New this year is an optional online Challenge Checklist. A map, written route directions, and Challenge Checklist sheets will be available on the PARC La Crosse Facebook page on 5/2/26. Participants are strongly encouraged to print off the checklists and map/written directions if not using RunGo and/or the online Challenge Checklist, as only a very limited number of hard copies will be available at the event.

Note: In case of inclement weather necessitating cancellation, a gathering will instead be held at Las 3 Fronteras from 11 AM – 12:00 PM, where participants can pick up your personalized PARC souvenir glass and enjoy the food/drink samples that would’ve been included along the route. Please check the PARC La Crosse Facebook page the evening before the event if the forecast is questionable.