5K races near Belding

The Franciscan Rhythms Trail 5K Run & Walk is a fall 5K trail run and walk held on the Franciscan Life Process Center’s Lowell campus in Michigan. Now in its eleventh year, the event welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels. It is structured more as a community day on trails than a competition solely for fast runners. Its unique feature is the opportunity to “Run with Nuns,” with proceeds supporting the center’s music therapy scholarship fund, its music therapy program, and land restoration efforts. The route winds through paths on the Lowell campus, crossing deciduous woodland, pine forest, and a restored prairie featuring native species. Live music stations are positioned along the trail, offering Irish, rock, and folk music that literally embodies the race's rhythm theme. The host organization has provided visual arts, music education, and therapy programs for over 50 years, and its Lowell and Grand Rapids campuses serve at least 300 music therapy clients weekly.

The Bee Brave 5K is a 5K run/walk in Caledonia, Michigan, starting at 7525 Alaska Ave SE. It takes place in October and includes timed running, an untimed walk, and a virtual 5K option, allowing participation as racers, walkers, or remote supporters. The race supports breast cancer research, with 100% of registration fees donated to the Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids via its Purple Community program. Bee Brave has been held for approximately twenty years. Since 2016, it has raised over $1 million, aiding individuals with breast cancer and commemorating those lost to the disease.

The Spooky Sprint in Caledonia, Michigan, southeast of Grand Rapids, is a Halloween-themed running event held annually at Caledonia High School. It offers a variety of race options, including a kids dash, an untimed 1-mile run, a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and a virtual race. A unique 'Volunteer then Run' entry is also available, allowing families and runners of all distances to participate together. The 5K, 10K, and half marathon feature chip timing, live results, awards, a custom bib, a designer shirt, and a finisher medal. The 1-mile run, though untimed, includes the main race's merchandise. The kids dash is designed for children 10 and under, providing a mini bib, youth shirt, and kids medal; children can participate in the dash without charge on race day if they forgo the swag. Finish-line treats and complimentary participant photos enhance the Halloween atmosphere, and the virtual race allows participation from any location while still receiving the shirt and medal.

The Grand Rapids Zombie Dash is a Halloween-season 5K in downtown Grand Rapids, starting at 6:45pm by the Sixth Street Bridge. Runners cover 3.1 miles on an urban course where zombies appear along the route, making the race more like a chase through the city than a standard road run. The course stays in the downtown setting, with the bridge area serving as the race base. All proceeds go to Hunt 2 Heal, a nonprofit that helps provide accessible outdoor adventures, giving the event a clear charity purpose beyond the costumes and zombie theme.

The Alger Heights Halloween 5k is a neighborhood 5k fun run in Grand Rapids, Michigan, starting at 2404 Eastern Ave SE. It begins at 10:00 AM and concludes by noon, offering chip timing for all participants, whether they are aiming for a personal best, jogging with companions, walking, or moving in costume. This race is volunteer-led and describes itself as a “small town in a big city” event, aligning with its focus on the Alger Heights area rather than a downtown race atmosphere. The course winds through the Alger Heights neighborhood, connecting the race directly with the residents along the route. Costumes are a key element of the day, featuring a Community Costume Contest with awards; participation in the race is not necessary to enter this contest. The event also hosts a Neighborhood Cheer Contest for residents situated on the route, blending the 5k with a local Halloween gathering. This is the 14th edition of the series, and it contributes to community improvement within the neighborhood.

Chesterfield's Heroic Walk, Run & Roll is a June community race day held on the grounds of Michigan Veteran Homes at Chesterfield Township, located at 47901 Sugarbush Road. The event features a timed 5K suitable for runners and walkers, along with a 0.5-mile walk option for those preferring a shorter, less strenuous route on the same property. The race route remains on the veterans' home property, focusing on direct support and interaction with residents. Proceeds from entry fees contribute to enhancing the quality of life for veterans residing at the home. The day also includes a silent auction, a raffle, and a hot dog lunch for community members, staff, volunteers, and families following the races.

The Grand Rapids Public Schools Turkey Trot begins and ends at Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids on Thanksgiving morning. This family-friendly 5K run/walk typically draws over 6,000 participants, positioning it as one of West Michigan's largest Thanksgiving Day events. A virtual participation option is available for those unable to attend in person. The morning's events commence with the LMCU Mini Trot, a brief fun run for children aged 12 and under. Following this, My Team Triumph and the main 5K race begin. The event benefits Grand Rapids Public Schools student athletes, with funds assisting approximately 4,000 students in their athletic pursuits. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network of Michigan are the presenting sponsors, and the race has a history spanning over thirty years.

The Gobble Wobble is a Thanksgiving morning 5K run and walk supporting Kids' Food Basket in West Michigan. This is its 21st year and it is designed for a mixed crowd: runners, walkers, families, neighbors, and people bringing their dogs can all participate in the same holiday-morning event. The event maintains a casual tone, with participants invited to run, walk, or wobble to the finish line. Kids 12 and under receive their own free Widdle Wobble, and all proceeds go directly to Kids' Food Basket, which works on child and family food access through Sack Suppers, community farming, family food provision, and education programs.

Twisted Trail is a Black Friday trail race held at Ken-O-Sha in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It offers 5K, 10K, 15K distances, and a free 1-mile option. All participants begin together in the morning. The longer races utilize a 5K loop: one lap for the 5K, two for the 10K, and three for the 15K. The start, finish, and packet pickup are located at Calvary Baptist Church on 28th Street SE. The course follows hidden trails alongside Plaster Creek, featuring narrow singletrack mountain bike paths and wooden bridges instead of wide park routes. This design favors runners over strollers, particularly if snow is present. Organizers suggest leaving dogs at home because of the trail's confined nature. The free mile is available for those seeking a shorter run, while the timed races feature age groups from 9 and under to 70+, with awards for overall winners and top finishers in each age group. Registered runners receive shirts if they sign up by the guarantee deadline.