Alex's Duck Duck Run

The 5K course will take runners and walkers along the beautiful St. Joseph River and two Lake Michigan beaches. Participants will race along Silver Beach, Lions Park Beach and Howard Recreational Trail and then through the Whirlpool Compass Fountain. The race begins and ends at the Margaret Upton Arboretum. The 5K begins at 9 a.m.

The non-competitive 1K fun run (0.62 miles) begins prior to the 5K. With volunteers cheering along the way, the children will follow a paved sidewalk and safe route. Parents are encouraged to run with younger children. All participants will receive a race bib, rubber duck award and t-shirt. The 1K Kids' Fun Run begins at 8:40 a.m.

All proceeds from the event will benefit The Alex Mandarino Foundation, founded by Tony & Katie Mandarino to honor the courage and strength of their son, Alex. The Alex Mandarino Foundation is a 501(c) 3 not for profit organization dedicated to helping save the lives of children with neuroblastoma and other rare pediatric cancers. Our mission is to provide critical funding for research related to the prevention, treatment, and ultimate cure of neuroblastoma. By participating in Alex's Duck Duck Run you are helping fund new medicine that will increase survival rates of kids with cancer. 

Join fellow runners on June 13, 2026 for the Alex's Duck Duck Run. It's a fantastic 1K, 5K featuring a flat and fast course in Saint Joseph.