Franciscan Rhythms Trail 5K Run & Walk

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.