5K races near Grand Haven

The Heroes 5K Trail Run and 2K Trail Walk is a West Michigan charity event hosted by Shields of Hope for people affected by cancer. This is the 12th year for the event, which features a 5K trail run and a 2K trail walk. A clock will be available on site, though the event is not officially timed. The day honors Shauna Smith, a cancer survivor, and Thoe Kok, who is currently battling brain cancer. All are welcome to participate, with public safety, EMS, and military personnel particularly encouraged to join in full gear. Individuals touched by cancer are invited to run or walk to honor or remember a loved one.

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 GVSU Turkey Trot is a late-fall 5K walk/run held on campus. The course begins and ends at the clock tower, adjacent to packet pickup. Now in its 13th year, the race begins at 9:00 AM EST and is designed for both walkers and runners, not exclusively fast club racers. Entry for the 5K Walk/Run costs $20 prior to the price increase. The field has recently seen over 100 participants, with age groups ranging from 13 and under to 70+. Medals are distributed across these numerous divisions. Organizers have refined the course and introduced clearer social media updates via Instagram at @gvsu.turkeytrot and Facebook. Participant feedback is welcomed, contributing to the event's intimate atmosphere that accommodates regular runners, students, families, and first-time participants.

The Turkey Trails- Grand Rapids is a Thanksgiving-themed running event held annually in Grand Rapids. It offers a 5K, 10K, half marathon, 1 mile, Kids Dash, and a virtual race option. The event is designed for both families and regular runners, featuring youth pricing for ages 12 and under in the 5K and 10K, and a short untimed dash for children 10 and under. The in-person races provide chip timing, live results, and awards. The virtual option allows participants to run at their own location and still receive event merchandise. Most registrations include a custom bib, a designer shirt, and a finisher medal, with children receiving a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and medal. Complimentary participant photos and finish-line refreshments enhance the holiday outing atmosphere.

The Holland Turkey Trot 5K is a Thanksgiving morning run in Holland, Michigan, starting at 8 a.m. on Eighth Street. Its first edition sold out at 1,000 runners, and local approval added 300 more spots after demand kept coming. The course loops around Windmill Island and passes some of Holland’s familiar landmarks. The race is tied to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holland, with organizers expecting it to raise $10,000 and the club providing 17 volunteers; family, friends, and neighbors are invited to come out and cheer.

The Tamarac Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving morning 5K race beginning at Tamarac City Hall in Tamarac, Florida. This city-sponsored event has a history spanning over forty years and attracts a wide range of local participants, not exclusively competitive athletes. Runners, walkers, wheelchair users, families, novices, and age-group competitors are welcome, with recent participation numbering around 2,500 individuals. The route follows a straightforward 5K from the City Hall starting point, with the event focused on both completion and community involvement. Participants wearing a bib receive a medal, the initial 2,000 registered individuals obtain a commemorative shirt, and awards are presented to the top three male and female finishers overall, as well as age-group victors. The morning program also features live music, fitness-related vendors, and door prizes, functioning as a holiday gathering alongside the race.