Copper Collar 5K
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Copper Collar 5K
The Copper Collar 5K is a road race hosted by the Man in the Sea Museum and the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center (NDSTC) in downtown Panama City, Florida. The event is scheduled for 11/14/2026 and takes place near E 4th Street and Harrison Ave, between History Class Brewing and the Center for the Arts.
The event traces its origins to 1982 when it was created by NDSTC. Over the years the course has used base roads and the trails of St. Andrews State Park; the 2026 edition is the second running of the race in the downtown area. The race is commonly known as the Original Heavy Metal 5K, a name that references the copper diving helmets traditionally worn by Navy divers and the event's connection to naval diving heritage.
The 2026 race coincides with America's 250th anniversary and is presented with an emphasis on honoring the legacy of military divers and the broader themes of service and resilience. The Man in the Sea Museum has arranged a partnership with Hotel Indigo Panama City Marina to provide special discounted room rates for participants and visitors.
The description above summarizes the event's location, history, and purpose without providing schedule details or registration instructions. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
