Blake's Berry Fast 5k

Triathletes throughout Michigan have long considered the Island Lake State Recreation Area, home of the Island Lake Triathlon, an epic training destination, ideal for any athlete preparing for a multisport event. Set within a 4,000-acre park in Livingston County that offers an “up north” experience without leaving southeast Michigan. The terrain is a mixture of open brush land to mature hardwood forest, with some pockets of open meadows mixed in with a paved road of rolling hills weaving throughout. You’ll swim the clear waters of Kent Lake, bike the park’s rolling, tree-lined hills, then run the panoramic final leg towards the lakeside finish line!

Island Lake Tri features 7 different events:

Olympic Triathlon — 1500 meter swim, 24-mile bike, 6.2-mile run

Sprint Triathlon — 750-meter swim (32 lengths in a standard metric pool), 12-mile bike ride, 3.1-mile run

Mini-Sprint Triathlon — 400-meter swim (16 lengths in a standard metric pool), 12-mile bike ride, 1.5-mile run

Olympic Aquabike (swim bike done) — 1500 meter swim, 24-mile bike ride

Sprint Duathlon (run bike run) — 1.5-mile run, 12-mile bike ride, 3.1-mile run

Olympic Relay — team up with one or two friends to complete our Olympic Triathlon together

Sprint Relay — team up with one or two friends to complete our Sprint Triathlon together

Certification

USA Triathlon Official Sanctioned Event

Course

Please note that in the interest of safety, all courses are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the race director.

OLYMPIC BIKE COURSE

OLYMPIC RUN COURSE

SPRINT AND MINI SPRINT BIKE COURSE

SPRINT RUN COURSE

MINI SPRINT RUN COURSE

Post-Race Party

Stick around post race for food and festivities! Our Epic staff and volunteers will be cooking up pancakes, breakfast burritos, and more for race participants.

Zero Waste Policy

The event is a Leave No Trace event. Learn more about our race-day recycling and composting efforts here. Want more information about running a great race and leaving no trace? Visit https://happyplanetrunning.com.

→ Read the Island Lake Tri sustainability report here!

The Moovin’ Thru the Midway 5K Presented by Wells Fargo made its debut at the Michigan State Fair in 2019 and has been a fan favorite ever since! This one-of-a-kind race welcomes participants of all ages and abilities to experience an immersive and energetic course through the heart of the fairgrounds. Runners dash past highlights like the Carnival Midway, the animals and even inside vendor exhibits—bringing the full fair experience to life.

The race finishes in true fair style at the Entertainment Pavilion Beer Tent, where participants celebrate with medals, light refreshments, free race photos, and a sponsor-branded keepsake photo. Adults 21+ can toast their accomplishment with a complimentary beer, while everyone is welcome to enjoy the live music and festive vibes at the post-race celebration in the Beer Garden.

Officially Chip Timed & Age Group Prizes!

Our 5K is professionally chip timed, so every runner gets accurate, real-time results no guessing, no stopwatch needed. Whether you're chasing a personal record or just out to have fun, your time will be tracked with precision.

🏅 Age Group Awards

We’re celebrating standout performances across multiple age groups—so everyone has a shot at the podium! Awards will be given to the top three finishers in each category: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Male and Female runners. Push your pace, race your best, and take home some well-earned bragging rights!

Every in-person participant receives:

• (1) Complimentary Ultimate Admission Ticket to the Michigan State Fair (Redeemable Saturday, Sunday or Monday Only -- $42 value that includes fair entry, unlimited rides)

• Unique Moovin’ Thru the Midway 5K Dri-Fit T-shirt

• Finisher Medal

• Race Photo

• Pint of Guernsey Farms Dairy Chocolate Milk

• Sweetwater's Coffee to kickstart the fun

• (1) Free Beer from the Beer Tent (21+)

Economy Option (No Shirt)

• (1) Complimentary Ultimate Admission Ticket to the Michigan State Fair (Redeemable Saturday, Sunday or Monday Only -- $42 value that includes fair entry, unlimited rides)

• Finisher Medal

• Race Photo

• Pint of Guernsey Farms Dairy Chocolate Milk

• Sweetwater's Coffee to kickstart the fun

• (1) Free Beer from the Beer Tent (21+)

In 2020, the race expanded to include a virtual option, allowing participants to run or walk from home or a location of their choice. Virtual runners receive a mailed Race Kit with their official swag and can submit a photo to receive a branded keepsake image to share on social media. Plus, all virtual participants can upload their race photos directly to the results page.

Proceeds from the Moovin’ Thru the Midway 5K benefit our nonprofit partner, Military Families United—supporting those who serve and their loved ones.

Packet Pick-Up

Location:

• Michigan State Fair at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace, formerly Suburban Collection Showplace (46100 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI 48374)

Dates/Times:

• Race Day Morning (September 5th, 2026)

• 6:30am - 8:00am

Dravet Syndrome Foundation’s 4th Annual Steps Toward a Cure: Michigan 5k run, fun run, and family walk!

Invite your friends and family to join Steps Toward a Cure to help raise awareness and funds for our important research and patient advocacy programs. There will be a 5k, kids fun run, and a family walk to follow. Kid friendly activities will be available at the picnic area along with a silent auction! Bagels and coffee in the morning and a lunch is to be offered as well!

All children with Dravet syndrome or epilepsy can register for free with a registered adult.

Dravet Syndrome Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to aggressively raising research funds for Dravet syndrome and related conditions. Dravet Syndrome Foundation’s ability to fund research is due in large part to the generous support of individual donors and sponsors who believe in our mission. So much progress has been made over the past 10-20 years, but there is more to do!

Dravet syndrome is a rare and catastrophic form of epilepsy beginning in childhood. Dravet Syndrome is associated with behavioral and developmental delays, sleeping difficulties, orthopedic conditions, sensory integration disorders, and more. People diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome also have a 15-20% chance of SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy).

All registered participants will receive an event T-Shirt. All 5k participants will receive a participant medal.

**Participants must register before August 11 to guarantee their event T-shirt.

Event Date:

Saturday, September 12

8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Location:

Kensington Metropark, North Martindale Picnic Shelter

4570 Huron River Parkway

Milford, MI, 48380

Schedule:

8:00 am: Check in & Onsite Registration (Race packet pickup will be onsite the morning of event)

9:00 am: 5K Starts

9:15 am: Kids Fun Run Starts

10:00 am: 1-Mile Family Walk Starts

10:30 - 1:00: Raffle, Refreshments & Games

REGISTRATION IS not open yet. Please check back soon

Adult Walkers: $35

Kids (3-17): $20

*Individuals with Dravet Syndrome or Epilepsy can register for free with a paying adult

**Participants must register before August 11 to guarantee their event T-shirt.

My Why:

Charlie is our sweet, affectionate 5-year-old with an infectious laugh and a love for trains, monster trucks, and Hot Wheels. He’s also a proud big brother and the heart of our family in Highland Township, Michigan.

At just 6 months old, Charlie had his first prolonged tonic-clonic seizure. Genetic testing soon confirmed a devastating diagnosis: Dravet Syndrome, a rare and catastrophic form of epilepsy affecting 1 in 15,700 children. It is lifelong, progressive, and currently has no cure.

Since his diagnosis, Charlie has endured more than most adults - including frequent seizures, hospital stays, emergency medications, medical procedures, and constant therapies. He’s tried numerous medication combinations, sometimes taking up to five at once. Since he was 10 months old, Charlie has followed a strict medical ketogenic diet to help control his seizures. Despite these efforts, he continues to experience 6-10 tonic-clonic seizures each month and is frequently rushed to the emergency room by ambulance. Despite it all, Charlie’s smile and spirit remain strong.

Celebrate the fall classics with a 5k for all ages. Blake's Donut Dash 5k is run on gravel trails around the family-owned 50-acre Blake's Lyon Township. The 5k race will take you through the scenic orchard and includes a donut, glass of hard or sweet cider, t-shirt and commemorative glass. Strollers are permitted at your own discretion as the terrain is gravel.

Please note, shirts sizes are on a first come, first serve basis and are not guaranteed to those registered less than 14-days prior to the event. Inventory is kept up to date during registration. If sizes are not showing at the time of sign up, they are unavailable.

What's Included?

• Donut

• Can of hard cider or sweet cider for those participants under 21

• T-shirt

• Commemorative Pint Glass

• Raceday timing