5K races near Spring Arbor Township

The HPWC Orphan Run 4 Hope is a charity race day at Bethpage State Park focused on fundraising for orphan children. Runners can select a 5K, half marathon, or full marathon, while walkers and families have a Family Fun Walk and a 1K walk. The event is organized by PLC and asks participants to turn their race entry into a fundraising effort, with friends, relatives, and co-workers invited to sponsor them. The race prioritizes offering people several ways to participate, from full-marathon runners to non-runners starting from scratch. PLC offers a “Couch to Race Day” program for individuals seeking assistance in preparation, and registered participants receive a personal webpage link for donations. The funds support care for over 6,700 orphan children through orphanages in 25 countries, including India, Kenya, Mexico, Thailand, Haiti, Nepal, Uganda, Ukraine, and Paraguay, with a stated objective of providing a safe Christian upbringing.

The Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists Oktoberfest 10K/5K and Kids Superhero Run is a fall race day held at Consumer's Plaza in downtown Jackson, Michigan. The start and finish are located in front of the old post office, which is now Consumers Energy headquarters. The event offers adults a 10K run, 5K run, or 5K walk, and children 10 and under can participate in the Kids Superhero Run. The course is designed using the best sections from previous races and is professionally timed by the Michigan Running Foundation. The children's run embraces the superhero theme, encouraging costumes and providing a goodie bag, a finisher medal keychain, and a free scoop of ice cream from RJ's Burgers & Ice Cream. Participants in the 5K and 10K races receive a shirt, a finisher medal, and a $10 certificate for downtown Jackson businesses. This race is part of the ORS Race Series, sponsored by Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists, and benefits the Greater Jackson Habitat for Humanity Garrett Family Fundraiser.

Dragons in the Woods guides participants onto the Birchfield Park trails in Holt for a demanding autumn trail race. Now in its 13th year, the event accommodates both experienced trail runners and families aiming to complete the course at a run-walk pace. All proceeds benefit Island City Academy, a charter school in Eaton Rapids. Trophies are awarded to the overall and Masters champions, divided by gender. Age-group winners receive pint glasses, adding a local, relaxed character distinct from typical award ceremonies.

The Grosvenor Gobble 5K Run/Walk begins and ends at the Historic Grosvenor House in Jonesville, Michigan. This local 5K run and walk supports the ongoing restoration of the Grosvenor House, a nonprofit museum that is 150 years old. The course departs the house, circles the Jonesville School grounds, and returns to the house to conclude. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes, and the event includes a playful pre-race "wobble" before the "gobble." Trophies are awarded to the fastest male and female finishers, with age-and-gender medals presented to participants from children up to those in their 80s.

The Jackson Turkey Trot begins at the Ella Sharp Museum in Jackson, Michigan, on Thanksgiving Day. This community road race offers a 5K run, 5K walk, 10K run, kids run, and a virtual 5K. Elite 5K run and walk divisions are included, which count for ORS Points in Michigan. The race route winds through Ella Sharp Park, a 500-acre city park featuring tree-lined roads. The event accommodates families, walkers, club runners, children, and competitive athletes. Professional chip timing provides immediate results for finishers. This event, now in its third decade, is a local Thanksgiving family tradition.

The Candy Cane Course in Lansing, Michigan, offers a Christmas-themed running event in December. Participants can choose from a Kids Dash, an untimed 1 Mile, or timed 5K, 10K, and 15K races. A virtual option is available for those who wish to receive the event shirt and medal without attending in person. The event begins in the morning. The 5K, 10K, and 15K races utilize chip timing, provide live results, and include awards for overall winners, masters runners, and age groups. The Kids Dash is designed for children aged 10 and under, featuring a mini bib, youth shirt, and medal. The 1 Mile race is untimed. All finishers receive event merchandise, including a custom bib, designer shirt, and event medal. Free photos and treats are available in the finish area. Runners aged 12 and under in the 5K and 10K benefit from youth pricing, and a referral refund is offered when five individuals register using a runner's code.

Annual event for a healthy lifestyle. Walkers and runners of all fitness levels welcome. Family-friendly, with a 1K for younger runners to earn ribbons. Free T-Shirts for registrations. Awards for top finishers in the Shs 5K.