Runners, walkers, and families are invited to lace up their shoes for the 2026 Hickory Hustle 5K & 10K Run and Kids Run, returning to Colfax on Saturday, August 1, as part of the annual Ole Hickory Days celebration.
The weekend festivities begin with a community fish fry on Friday, July 31, followed by race day on Saturday. The 5K and 10K races will start at 8:30 a.m., with the Kids Run beginning at 9 a.m.
This year’s race carries special meaning as it honors the memory of Joe Buedel, a longtime Colfax resident, Elder and Youth Leader at Colfax Christian Church, and dedicated member of the Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT.
Buedel battled Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, before passing away in July 2025. Race organizers hope to honor his life of service while raising awareness of ALS and supporting his family, especially his wife, who survives him.
All proceeds from the event, along with donations, will benefit the Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department and the Buedel family.
The race course is mostly flat and includes a scenic stretch of the Big 4 Trail, making it an enjoyable route for runners and walkers of all experience levels.
Participants who register by July 12 are guaranteed an official race T-shirt. Race-day registration will also be available at the Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department, located at 103 W. Main St. in Colfax. The race begins at the fire station and finishes a short distance away at Colfax Christian Church, 314 S. Clark St.
Following the race, participants are invited to enjoy a free breakfast at Colfax Christian Church. Donations for the meal are welcome and will benefit the church’s Dorcas Ladies ministry.