4 running and walking events in Frankenmuth, Michigan
From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find running and walking events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Frankenmuth
4 events in Frankenmuth-
Sat, Feb 07, 2026 at 10:00 AMSee full details
Lace up and layer up — Winterläufe is back! ❄️
Join us on Saturday, February 7, 2026 for the 17th annual Winterläufe 8K, hosted by the Frankenmuth Jaycees! There’s no better way to warm up your winter and kick off your 2026 race season than with this frosty favorite — all for a great cause. Every dollar raised supports local charities and vital community efforts.
This scenic, out-and-back course takes runners through snow-dusted stretches of Frankenmuth’s countryside and across the historic 1904 Gugel Bridge, offering a peaceful (and brisk!) tour of Michigan’s Little Bavaria.
Registration perks include:
• A long-sleeved, winter-themed cotton tee (unless you choose the Economy option)
• A shiny finisher medal
• Cozy, delicious post-race refreshments
Want a comfier upgrade? Opt for the Sport-Tek long-sleeve for just $5 more!
Awards will be given to top finishers in each division.
Looking to save a little green this winter? The Economy option gets you to the start line and the snack table — but skips the shirt and medal. Still want swag later? Limited quantities will be available at the Winterläufe Store, along with exclusive race-day merch!
Important: To guarantee a shirt and medal, be sure to register by January 17, 2026!
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Sat, Jul 04, 2026 at 7:00 AMSee full details
Description
For over five decades, the Volksläufe has brought together runners from all walks of life, making it far more than a race; it’s a cherished community tradition. The Volksläufe, meaning “The People’s Race” in German, embraces the spirit of family, friendship, and fitness, inviting participants to a fun and meaningful celebration.
In 2026, we celebrate something even bigger.
As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, this year’s Volksläufe carries an extra layer of pride and purpose. Hosted by the Frankenmuth Jaycees, this Fourth of July tradition will honor 250 years of American spirit with every mile, every cheer, and every finish-line moment, all while continuing our mission to support charitable causes close to our community’s heart.
Our 51st Annual race will feature the traditional 5K, 10K, and Half-Marathon, guiding runners through Frankenmuth’s picturesque Bavarian streets, scenic countryside, and along the peaceful Cass River. And for our youngest runners and those new to racing, we proudly offer the 2K Fun Run, a shorter route filled with the same high spirits and patriotic energy as the longer distances.
Whether you’re chasing a personal best, running in red, white, and blue with friends, or starting a new family tradition, the Volksläufe has something for everyone.
🗓️ Race Day Schedule – Saturday, July 4, 2025
📍 Heritage Park, Frankenmuth, MI
10K Start – 7:00 AM
Half-Marathon Start – 7:15 AM
5K Run Start – 9:00 AM
5K Walk Start – 9:05 AM
2K Fun Run Start – 10:00 AM
Packet Pickup Location
601 Weiss St.
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Friday, July 3, 2026
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT
Race Day – Saturday, July 4, 2026
6:00 AM – 9:45 AM EDT
Stick around on Volksläufe Eve (Friday, July 3) for an evening of celebration before the big race.
From 5:00 PM until the fireworks begin around 10:00 PM, enjoy:
Live entertainment
Food vendors
A bustling community marketplace
Family-friendly activities and music
And of course, the spectacular Frankenmuth fireworks display will light up the night sky as we kick off Independence Day weekend.
There is no better way to begin America’s 250th birthday celebration than surrounded by community, music, and the unmistakable tradition of a Fourth of July in Frankenmuth.
As always, the Frankenmuth Jaycees’ mission goes far beyond the race. Every dollar raised helps fund the July 3rd fireworks display and supports charitable initiatives throughout the year. When you run Volksläufe, you are investing directly back into the community.
After crossing the finish line on July 4th, stick around for post-race festivities filled with food, music, and celebration.
The Volksläufe is about people: racers, families, friends, sponsors, and our incredible volunteers. Together, we will make this 51st edition, and America’s 250th birthday, unforgettable.
Thank you for supporting this tradition and helping us continue to make a meaningful difference in our community.
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Sat, Aug 01, 2026 at 9:00 AMSee full details
Join us for the 3rd Annual Step Up to 5k, taking place on Sunday September 14, 2025 at Heritage Park in Frankenmuth, MI.
Step Up to 5K is an inclusive, fun-filled 5K run/walk/roll hosted by Bremer Prosthetics. We bring together individuals of all abilities—whether seasoned runners, people with prosthetics, families, or first-time participants—for a supportive and uplifting community experience.
Our mission is to inspire confidence, celebrate movement, and promote access to mobility for all. We want to bring awareness and advocacy for prosthetics and orthotics access, promoting the idea that movement is medicine and physical activity is a right. Proceeds from the event support So Every Body Can Move, a national initiative advocating for state-by-state legislative change for fair insurance coverage of prosthetic and orthotic care. We believe mobility is a human right, and this event is one step toward making that right a reality for everyone.
We are proud to offer discounted registration for amputees and individuals with limb differences who are on a journey toward a more active lifestyle. This initiative is made possible through the generous support of Bremer Prosthetics, whose sponsorship allows us to direct more funds to So Every Body Can Move, a movement dedicated to improving access to prosthetic care and active living for all.
📅 When & Where
Start Time: 9:00 am on Sunday September 14, 2025.
Place: Heritage Park
Why Participate?
Join a movement that celebrates every body in motion
Be part of a welcoming and inclusive community
Enjoy the beautiful Cass River trails at Heritage Park
Support a cause that directly improves lives of those in your local community
Raffle: Chance to win a running blade from Ossur or a pair of running shoes from Complete Runner at the event!
Entry Fee:
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Early bird registration $30 until July 15, 2025
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Registration is $35 from July 16 through August 15, 2025
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Registration increases August 16 2025 to $40.
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Bilateral Amputees: Free
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Unilateral Amputee: $15 discount
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Become a fundraiser: raise $250 and get your registration and a runny buddy's registration free! Select "Become a Fundraiser" on the Fundraising page of registration.
This year, as a participant, you can look forward to:
🏅 Finisher medal for everyone who completes the race
👕 5K race t-shirt included with registration
Refreshments at the event
Age Groups: Under 14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+.
Day of Packet Pick Up: check in will begin at 8 AM prior to the race stepping off at 9 AM.
Results: Your accurate chip time and overall and age group place will be live on this site. Timing done by Michigan Running Foundation.
No-shows to the race will forfeit their shirt and finisher medal.
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Sat, Aug 08, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
We hope to see you at our 8th Annual Frankenmuth Fondo on Saturday, August 8th, 2026, and participate on our 100k, 50k or 25k courses. The event is a timed event. Not only can you bike through one of the region's most bike-friendly cities, you get to see some one-of-a-kind beautiful sites. The route is well-marked with color-coded route markers. All proceeds going to the Rotary Helping Hands Fund.
Date: | Saturday, August 8th, 2026
Location: | 925 S. Main Street Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Race Categories: | 100K, 50K, 25K
Race Start Times
100K | 8:00am
50K | 8:30am
25K | 9:00am
Finish Lines Festivities will be held from 10:00am-1:00pm
Packet Pick Up
Date: | Saturday, August 8th, 2026 | Starting at 6:30am
Location: | Frankenmuth River Place Shops rear parking lot: 925 S. Main Street Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Donate
All proceeds from this event will go to the Frankenmuth Rotary Helping Hands Fund. The Helping Hands Committee was established as a part of the Frankenmuth Rotary Club in 2017 to help struggling and disadvantaged individuals and families in the local area. Your donations have made a huge impact - from replacing water heaters, paying overdue medical bills, helping abused women and children resettle, replace hearing aids for elderly people who are making decisions to eat rather than hear because they cannot afford both and many others. To date we have given more than $90,000 in assistance.
To donate, click on the DONATE tab at the top of the page.
2026 Shirt Orders
Click here to order!
Orders will be taken online only now through August 15th. All shirts will be printed after that deadline and sent to the address you enter.