Dearborn, Michigan · Saturday, April 11, 2026
The Martian Invasion of Races is a 5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, and running event held on Saturday, April 11, 2026. It is located at Michigan Avenue in Dearborn, Michigan.
Divine Child is excited to welcome Falcons and the greater community to the 33rd Annual Mark Carpenter (Class of ’68) Falcon 5K Family Fun Run. This annual public running event takes place on Divine Child’s campus and features a Tot Trot for children ages 6 and under, a 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, and a 5K open to all ages.
Following the races, top finishers in the 5K and 1-Mile will be announced on the track. Complimentary hot dogs, sponsored by Dearborn Brand Sausage, and chips will be available beginning at 9:15 AM. Family activities will take place on the field and concourse, and all participants and their families are invited to stay and celebrate.
Race Information
Register in advance at runsignup.com by Sunday, July 20 — $30 early-bird price (includes T-shirt)
Registration after July 20 — $35 (T-shirt not included)
Onsite registration will be available race day starting at 7:00 AM under the tent on the football field for $35
Bottled water will be available at the start/finish line
Water station located along the course
Race awards announced during the social hour following the 5K
Bib and T-shirt pickup begins at 7:00 AM at the registration table
5K finish medals awarded to the top three winners in each age group
Race Schedule
(All races start on the Divine Child track)
8:15 AM – Tot Trot (ages 6 and under)
8:30 AM – KONA Ice Truck arrives (open for purchase)
8:45 AM – 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk
9:10 AM – Welcome and Prayer
9:15 AM – 5K Race Begins
9:15 AM – Grill Opens (complimentary hot dogs and chips, sponsored by Dearborn Brand)
About the Mark Carpenter Falcon 5K
The Divine Child Falcon 5K is an annual public running event held in memory of Mark Carpenter ’68. Proceeds benefit the Divine Child Alumni Association and the Divine Child High School Girls Cross Country Team.
FAQ
Where can I pick up my packet?
Packet pickup (T-shirt and bib) begins at 7:00 AM at Divine Child High School on race morning.
Can I register the day of the run?
Yes. Day-of registration opens at 7:00 AM. Shirt size is not guaranteed.
When does online registration close?
Register by July 20 for the $30 early-bird price with T-shirt included. Registration after July 20 is $35 without a T-shirt.
Is there parking available?
Yes, parking is available on campus.
Do I have to wear my bib?
Yes. Bibs must be worn on the front of your outermost garment. Participants without bibs will be asked to leave the course and will not be allowed to finish.
Will water be available?
Yes. Water will be available along the route and at the finish line.
What can I bring to the event?
Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted. Firefighter turnout gear and military backpacks are also allowed. Please leave personal valuables in your vehicle.
Can I donate without running?
Yes. Donations will be accepted for three weeks following the event.
How can my company sponsor the event?
Email [email protected] with your contact information and someone will respond within 24 hours.
How can I donate goods or services?
Please contact [email protected]. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Can I get a refund?
No refunds are provided. Registrations may be transferred to another participant.
How can I volunteer?
Email [email protected] to sign up. Volunteers are always welcome and appreciated!
Dearborn Decades 5K – August 9, 2026
Kick off August racing in Southeast Michigan with the Dearborn Decades 5K, a fast, fun, USATF-certified race at Ford Field Park. Taking place August 9, 2026, this community-favorite 5K welcomes runners and walkers of all paces, families with strollers, and anyone who loves a good theme. Whether you’re chasing a new PR, gearing up for fall racing, or dressing for your favorite decade, Dearborn Decades brings together everything people love about a great 5K—speed, community, nostalgia, and a course built for every type of runner.
About the Race
Dearborn Decades 5K blends blends speed, energy, and personality. Athletes love the USATF-certified course, easy logistics, and the welcoming vibe that makes this one of the most popular summer 5Ks in Southeast Michigan. Costumes are encouraged but not required—it’s a race where you can come for the PR, the outfit, or both. After you finish, stick around and enjoy the start of Dearborn Homecoming, which begins just after most participants have wrapped up their morning.
Why Runners Choose Dearborn Decades 5K
Fast, USATF-certified course ideal for PR attempts
Mid-summer timing perfect for fall marathon and half marathon training
Welcoming to all paces—runners, walkers, families, and strollers
Fun decade-themed atmosphere with optional costumes
Easy race-day logistics, including parking, packet pickup, and awards
Great Southeast Michigan location with an accessible park venue
Part of multiple Trivium Racing Running Series and Club Competition for extra motivation and rewards
A finisher medal that connects to five others in the Trivium Racing Mega Medal Series
Part of the Trivium Racing Michigan Running Series, Club Cup, and Mega Medal Series
Dearborn Decades 5K is part of the Trivium Southeast Michigan Running Series, the Trivium Club Cup, and the Trivium Mega Medal Series. Every finisher earns points toward season standings—for themselves and their run club. All participants also receive a connecting finisher medal that links with five other 2026 races to create the full Trivium Mega Medal.
2026 Mega Medal Series
Dearborn Decades is the third race in the six-race 2026 Trivium Mega Medal Series. Register once, race all six events (in-person or virtually), and collect medals that magnetically connect into one giant, year-long achievement.
2026 Mega Medal Series Lineup
Prove It 5K & 10K – April 18, 2026 · Milford, MI
Trenton Summerfest Half Marathon, 8K, & 5K – June 27, 2026 · Trenton, MI
Dearborn Decades 5K – August 9, 2026 · Dearborn, MI
Run the 313 5K – August 22, 2026 · Detroit, MI
Growler Gallop Atwater 10 Mile & 5K – September 27, 2026 · Detroit, MI
Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon & 7.5 Miler – November 27, 2026 · Commerce Township, MI
In our 13th year, this event is a great option for people of all abilities. Come enjoy a family-friendly event with a small local food expo, mariachi dancers and other local flavor options as we celebrate our community here in Detroit's Mexicantown! And kids can dress up as their favorite superhero and do the short, untimed run to be part of the festivities too! Walk or run, we're happy to have you! Proceeds go to support personal care and learning needs for our most vulnerable neighbors!
Registration fee increases on 7/18 and closes digitally on the Tuesday prior to the event.
Walk-in Registration on race day is also an option with an additional increase in pricing! Register sooner than later and save some cabbage!!
Race day registration and pick-up opens at 800am.
A 5k/10k race aiming to raise money for cancer research in America as well as Lebanon. This race is named after Rami Shams, my brother. The best brother, friend, or project manager anyone could ask for. He has made a legacy in his 22 years of living that most people strive for in a lifetime. Now imagine what he could have accomplished with more time. Let's get together to try to put an end to this awful and vulturous disease.
SATURDAY NOV 1, 2025
CHECK IN BEGINS AT 7:00 AM
Arrive early to pickup your packet if you missed packet pickup. Visit the vendors. Visit the Ofrenda. Get warmed up. Network with community and business leaders.
RACE BEGINS AT 9AM SHARP
10K Runners will line up first, followed by the 5K Runners and then walkers. The Race Chair will sound the horn for the race to begin. Please follow the signs and volunteers for directions
Run of the Dead 2025 is a fundraiser for the Center of Music & Performing Arts Southwest (COMPÁS). The mission of COMPÁS is to provide high-quality performing arts training and cultural experiences with an emphasis on youth socio-emotional development. The program preserves the Latinx heritage of Southwest Detroit and celebrates its diversity through the arts. Your sponsorship and partnership will support this mission for years to come.
The Run provides 5k and 10k options. The USATF-Certified event will celebrate the Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). In commemoration of the annual Día de los Muertos holiday, that honors deceased relatives and loved ones, an ofrenda (altar) will be created and displayed by a community leader. Participants will celebrate by wearing traditional face-paint, flowers and attire. Enjoy light bites, vendors and entertainment by COMPAS.
This race is chip timed by Wolf Creek Race Management.
Medal Award Winners for both 5K and 10K, 1st and 2nd place winners as well as overall Male and Female winner in both categories.