Frog Hop Five

The 9th Annual Frog Hop Five (FHF) is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Goodland, IN. Hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church, this memorial run honors the lives of Levi Mueller and Jackson Mueller. The event is held at Foster Park, a central community space in Newton County. This region is predominantly rural, with a demographic profile that is approximately 94% White, 4% Hispanic or Latino, and less than 1% Black. Local initiatives like the Frog Hop Five play a significant role in supporting the county's social safety net, particularly for youth and families in these smaller agricultural communities.

Participation and Logistics

The onsite event takes place at Foster Park (100 South Benton Street). Registration and packet pickup are located in the park pavilion at the corner of South Benton Street and US 24. For those choosing the virtual option, the race can be completed anywhere through April 19th, with results submitted via the ASICS Runkeeper app or by texting the race director. To ensure a guaranteed commemorative shirt in the correct size, participants must register by April 4, 2026. Shirt options include a 100% polyester tech fabric or a 50/50 blend. The event is also designated as a Thrivent Action Team project, highlighting its community-service orientation.

Impact and Beneficiaries

Proceeds from the race are split equally between two vital local organizations: Birthright of Rensselaer, which provides support for unplanned pregnancies, and the South Newton Backpack Program. The Backpack Program addresses food insecurity within the South Newton School Corporation; in Indiana, approximately 1 in 8 children face food insecurity, making these school-based programs essential for ensuring students have access to meals over weekends and school breaks. Participants are encouraged to make extra donations during registration to further support these causes.

Registration and Fees

Both the onsite and virtual 5K entries are priced at $29.00 (inclusive of all online surcharges, which the race is absorbing this year). For those who only wish to purchase a shirt, the cost is $12.00. Onsite registration will be available on the morning of the race between 7:30 AM and 8:15 AM, though shirt sizes cannot be guaranteed for late sign-ups. Awards are presented to finishers across a wide range of age brackets, from "9 & under" to "80 & over." For specific questions or manual registration forms, Race Director Diane Costello can be reached at 219-629-3593.