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.
Welcome to the 18th annual Not your ordinary Run-of-the-Mill race in small town of Hadley.
Race details:
-On line registration here. Opens March/April.
-National Anthem at 7:55AM. Race starts at 8:00AM.
-Open start line for 1-2 minutes to get everyone through.
-All finishers get a finish medal on table to pick up.
-Bottled water and refreshments at start/finish line.
-Water station on course by the Post Office.
Each participant has individual start and finish time. Overall male and female with 10 year age groups(6-15,16-25...66+). Your finish time is available immediately via Kiosk or live at Midmichigantiming.com. Last Chipped time about 9:00ish to clean up and out. Kids parade at 10:00. Hence no awards ceremony. Independence parade at noon.
Course is 100 percent paved flat streets in town. Mostly shaded except for the Starr mile. Race starts and finishes at the Mill Museum just south of the stop light. Parking in church parking lot across the road.
Registration is $20 in April, $25 in May, $30 in June and $35 July. $100 prize money to Overall Male and $100 prize money to overall Female!!!
Main sponsor is Choice One Bank. Also, thanks to Meijer for the healthy snacks and drinks.
Net proceeds go to the Hadley Historical Society and other local charitable causes..
Join us downtown Milford on July 4th before the annual Milford 4th of July Parade for a 5K, 10k or 1 mile
The Fenton Firecracker is an annual tradition just prior to the Fenton 4TH of July Parade. Come join us for fun and fitness, then stay for the parade!
The 13th annual Fenton Firecracker 5K and 2.5K is back! This is a great race for athletes and weekend warriors alike on July 4th.
The race begins at 9:45 am so be sure to be in place with your bib on by 9:30 am. Race starts at the Ellen Street Campus (World of Wonder) which is also the finish line!
Packet pick up will be at Freedom Center Church, 2473 W. Shiawassee Ave, Fenton, July 2nd 9 am-12 pm or July 2nd 6pm-8pm. If you are unable to make it on that day, packets can also be picked up at 7am on the day of the race.
T-shirts and finisher medals are provided for every participant.
Check us out at Freedom Center
Contact us for additional information [email protected]
Thanks for registering for our summer racing. We appreciate you coming out to get in some race training with your fellow racers and we look forward to hosting you. If there happens to be a change needed to your registration please ask at the registration table at the event or shoot us an email. Race on!
The Mighty Mile is for kids only ages 5 to 14 years old.
The race is part of the Michigan Running Foundation Mighty Mile series put on at several locations in Michigan in an effort to encourage our children to run and stay active. This race is located at Carman Ainsworth Middle School on Wednesday evening July 8th. We hope to have a fun and challenging event for all the kids to get their summer off to a running and healthy start!
Calling all Elementary and Middle School students: Finish up your school year with a challenging and fun mile and get your Summer off to an active healthy start!
All runners will receive a T-shirt, Backpack, and a chipped timed accurate mile. Once the runner crosses the finish line they will receive a Mighty Mile Finisher Medal.
FREE! There is no entry fee to run the Mighty Mile. It is a free race for any child ages 5 to 14 years old.
Online registration only: To participate in the event you must register your child on this site prior to the race. We need to know your child's information before the race so we can issue a bib number for them and have their shirt sizes and other race materials ready for them.
Race is limited to the first 200 participants. Register for the race early!
SCHEDULE
Race 1: 6:30pm | 5 - 7 year olds
Race 2: 6:50pm | 8 – 9 year olds
Race 3: 7:10pm | 10 - 11 year olds
Race 4: 7:25pm | 12 - 14 year olds
RESULTS: This race will be electronically timed using the disposable tag system on the bib number. Results will be available immediately after the race and will be posted on this web site.
AWARDS: There are no awards for the race. The purpose of the program is for the runner to challenge themselves to run their best race and start a healthy lifestyle. All of the runners will receive a Mighty Mile medal when they cross the finish line!
COURSE INFORMATION: The start and finish is on the Carman Ainsworth Middle School Track. The first 1/4 mile of the race is on the track, the runners then make a loop on school grounds and finish with a 1/4 mile on the track. The race is not 4 loops of the track. Feel free to run with your child! We will have members of the Carman Ainsworth High School Track team along the entire course to offer encouragement and support.
ENTRY FEE: The race is FREE there is no entry fee BUT Registration for the race must be done online on this site prior to the race. There will be no registration available at the race.
PACKET PICK UP: Race day at the Carman Ainsworth Middle School Track from 5:15 pm to 7:15 pm
Bring water for your child. There is not water available at the race.
If you can't make this Mighty Mile but would like your child to run in one click HERE to check out all the Mighty Miles we put on throughout Michigan.
The race is hosted by the MICHIGAN RUNNING FOUNDATION a non profit whose mission is to encourage youth running.
Registration coming soon.