5K races near Wyoming

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 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 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 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.