10K races near Rochester Hills

The Michigan Monster Dash is a Halloween-themed run and walk held at Kensington Metropark in Milford, Michigan. The start and finish are located at Maple Beach by Kent Lake. Finish Line Runs, a race group from the Detroit/Ann Arbor area, organizes the event, typically scheduled for late October. Participants can select from a 1k Kids Dash, 5k, 10k, or half marathon. A virtual option is available for each distance, allowing individuals to run from home, a treadmill, or a local path. The in-person course winds through Kensington’s wooded area and is described as relatively flat, emphasizing the Halloween atmosphere over a challenging route. Costumes are highly encouraged, contributing to a family-friendly feel across all events, from the kids’ dash to the longer distances. The race supports Make-A-Wish Michigan, with participant contributions exceeding $8,000 for the charity. Previous race perks have included discount coupons from Dick’s in Novi, chocolate milk from Horizon Organic, and jerky packs from Jack Link’s.

Run of the Dead is a fall 5K in Charlotte that sends runners through Historic Elmwood Pinewood Cemetery, a cemetery of more than 70 acres with many notable names from the city’s past. The event also includes a free 1 Mile Kids Fun Run, with registration required, and kids receive their own fun run finisher medal. The course follows the cemetery paths rather than ordinary city streets, so the setting is the main thing that separates it from a standard neighborhood 5K. After the run, participants can stay for a food truck, DJ, awards, and a guided tour, while 5K registration includes an official race shirt, custom bib, and finisher medal.

The Kona Chocolate Run offers 5K, 10K, and 15K races on Belle Isle in Detroit. All three distances feature a flat, traffic-free course, suitable for both new and experienced runners. Participants can choose a shorter run or extend to the 15K, all without navigating city traffic. The course provides views of the Detroit skyline, the Ambassador Bridge, the Gordie Howe Bridge, and Windsor across the river. The chocolate theme is central to the event's appeal. Finishers receive medals, and the first 600 registered participants get jackets. The post-race buffet includes hot chocolate, chocolate baked goods, carved chocolate, chocolate milk, chocolate ice cream, a dipping station, and various candies. Awards are presented to the top three overall finishers and the top three in each age group.

The Kona Chocolate Run takes place on a November day on Belle Isle in Detroit, offering a Fun Run alongside 5K, 10K, and 15K races. It caters to both new and seasoned runners, with a flat course designed for consistent pacing instead of challenging hills. The first 600 registrants will receive a Kona Jacket, a tradition dating back to the event’s inception when the jacket was highly coveted. Participants navigate wide, paved, car-free roads on Belle Isle, with sights of the Detroit skyline, Ambassador Bridge, and Gordie Howe Bridge, plus views of Windsor across the river. All finishers receive medals. The post-race event features a chocolate buffet with hot cocoa, cakes, muffins, ice cream, chocolate-dipped items, chocolate milk, candies, and a chocolate bar carving station. Trophies are awarded to the top three overall finishers and the top three in each age category.

Gobbler Gallop is a Thanksgiving morning 5K run/walk and 10K run at Holly Recreation State Park, starting at 9:00 a.m. EST. It accommodates runners and walkers, allowing families, casual participants, and those aiming for a specific time to use the same event as a holiday-morning outing. The course uses closed, paved park roads, ensuring simple footing and a route suitable for varied abilities. The race is professionally timed with live results, and includes overall and age-group awards, finisher medals for all participants, Dri-Fit event shirts, free race photos, and post-race refreshments.