Northern Lights 5K Fun Run 2026

The Northern Lights 5K Fun Run is a Friday-night 5K run/walk in Traverse City, Michigan, starting at 8:00 PM from the Pavilion Parking Lot at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center. Hosted by the Thomas Judd Care Center, the race is designed for runners, walkers, families, and people seeking a relaxed evening event rather than a competitive road race. It is a timed 5K with finisher medals, post-race snacks, and an early-registration neon event tee, and registration is capped. The course uses a flat triple-loop layout at the Civic Center, so participants circle the same route three times and can see other runners and walkers often. The glow theme is part of the fun: racers are encouraged to wear neon, LEDs, or glow-in-the-dark gear, and there is a spirit drawing for creatively lit-up participants. The event supports HIV care and prevention resources across Northern Michigan, tying the race directly to the Thomas Judd Care Center’s work with people affected by HIV/AIDS. Cash awards go to the top overall male and female finishers and to male and female division winners, while all finishers are entered into additional cash drawings.