NICEVILLE, Fla. — A Mardi Gras-themed 5K, children’s fun run, and community festival are set for Valentine’s Day at Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Church in Niceville.
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The third annual Mardi Gras 5K Fun Run & Walk will be held Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, at Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Church, located at 1028 White Point Road. The event includes a 5K run and walk, a children’s fun run, and an expanded festival featuring food, music, games, and family activities.
Organizers say the 2026 event adds a Partner Challenge in honor of St. Valentine, inviting participants to pair up with a spouse, friend, colleague, or neighbor. Mardi Gras-inspired costumes are encouraged, and the course is flat and fast, with strollers welcome.
Festival activities will include food trucks, a gift card raffle, and kids’ games provided by Cub Scouts Pack 553, Christ Our Redeemer Ministries, and parish families. All 5K and Partner Challenge participants will receive five complimentary festival tokens and one drink ticket.
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Event-day registration opens at 8 a.m., though organizers note it is not recommended. Childcare will open at 8:45 a.m. and will be available during the race only. The 5K Run/Walk begins at 9 a.m., followed by the festival at approximately 9:15 a.m.
The Children’s Fun Run is scheduled for 10 a.m., with childcare closing at that time. An awards ceremony will follow at 10:30 a.m.
Early registration through Jan. 18 guarantees a T-shirt. Early registration is $35 for the 5K and $65 for the Partner Challenge, which covers both participants. After Jan. 18, registration increases to $40 for the 5K and $75 for the Partner Challenge, with shirts no longer guaranteed. The Kids Fun Run costs $10 and includes a finisher certificate.
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Packet pick-up will be held Friday, Feb. 13, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Church.
Awards will be presented to the top male and female finishers overall and in age divisions ranging from 7–19 through 70+, along with awards for the top three Partner Challenge teams based on combined times.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Christ Our Redeemer Building Community Fund, which supports parish programs including food drives, senior meals, youth activities, Bible studies, and community gatherings.
Sponsorship opportunities and gift card donations for raffle prizes are available through Jan. 18. For more information, organizers ask interested sponsors to contact Rebecca at corracedirector@gmail.com.
Additional details and registration information are available at corcatholic.org/5k.
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