7 events in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Join Us on April 17 & 18, 2026!

Celebrating our 14th year...Rivertown Races has become a popular family-friendly 1/2 Marathon, 10k, & 5k, with a kids event the evening before. Any of the distances are great for first-timer runners to elites. These events start and finish at the beautiful Meadows of Millennium Park, the largest urban park in the area, located in Walker, MI, southwest of Grand Rapids. Runners will travel over roads, paved trails, and bridges while enjoying the rolling terrain, wetlands, and lakes that encompass this unique location. Food and beverages, music, and family fun will be available throughout the event.

This year we are excited to announce that the Rivertown Races will be presented by our friends at Striders!

"Striders is excited to partner with this premier local spring race, and support the important mission of Bridge Street Ministries (owner and beneficiary) as they work to equip and empower local youth to be future leaders of restoration and hope." -Jeff Jauch, owner

Register by April 1st to lock your shirt size in!

Join Us for the 7th, Nathan Syrek Memorial 5K Trail Run & 1 Mile Walk where Big Hearts Wear Pink!

If you have a big heart and some trail shoes then this inclusive non-chipped trail 5K (or 1 mile walk) is for you. All ages and abilities will enjoy the run or stroll through through the beautiful apple orchards of Robinette’s (or cheer on others at the finish line). Avid runners, lace up and join us too, we will award the top female and male finishers of the 5k!).

The Nathan Syrek Memorial 5K honors the legacy of Nathan Syrek, who passed into heaven at the age of 19 after a courageous battle with cancer. This annual charity event celebrates Nathan’s spirit of kindness and faith while raising funds to support a local family facing significant challenges. We are honored to walk alongside and support the Seewald family and to celebrate the beautiful life of Zoe.

Zoe tragically passed away in a car accident on August 12, 2025. She is lovingly remembered by her parents, Adam and Jamie, and her beloved sister and best friend, Bella. Zoe was a tough, strong-willed “wild child” who stood up for others and followed her own unwavering moral compass. Her faith was deeply important to her—she loved and trusted Jesus and proudly wore her pink WWJD bracelet every day. Zoe also had a deep love for the outdoors, making a 5K held in her honor a fitting tribute to her adventurous spirit and the bold life she lived.

Note: The 5K route winds through the orchard with varied terrain that may be soft or muddy—after all, it’s spring in Michigan! For those with strollers or wagons, we recommend the 1-mile walk, which follows a firmer, established path for a smoother experience.

Bring the whole family! Enjoy kids’ activities, explore an array of exciting raffle items. Food also available. All proceeds benefit the Seewald family.

We hope your big heart will join us in your favorite shade of pink to celebrate Zoe & honor the sprit of Nathan.

Celebrate Earth Day with John Ball Zoo’s Wild Strides 5K presented by Triangle! This unique evening event brings together runners, walkers, families, and conservation enthusiasts to support the Zoo’s mission of saving wildlife and wild places.

The 5K course begins at the Zoo and joins the scenic Kent Trail and finishes inside the Zoo, running past the stunning Grand Rapids Lantern Festival displays for a truly one-of-a-kind race experience. All 5K participants receive an official race t-shirt, finisher medal, and a ticket to attend the 2026 Lantern Festival.

Young runners can participate in the Wolverine Worldwide Youth Half-Mile, a fun and energetic race designed just for kids. Youth participants receive a race t-shirt and finisher medal.

The celebration begins at 5:30 PM with a lively pre- and post-race party featuring face painting, inflatables, a DJ, and local favorites Taquero Mucho Food Truck and Kona Ice. Come early, stay late, and enjoy the full Wild Strides experience.

Wild Strides is more than just a race — it’s a celebration of community, conservation, and kicking off Earth Day together.

This race is just one part of the City of Kentwood's fun filled 4th of July Celebration! On Tuesday, July 4th, there will be a pancake breakfast, parade, carnival, live music, food trucks, and of course a firework display. The race will start and finish next to Kentwood City Hall and Fire Station #1. It will include a fun course throughout the local neighborhoods and along one of our paved trails. There will be hundreds of spectators along the race route as the start/finish line is along the parade which takes place directly after our race finishes. All participants will receive a finisher medal for this race. Shirts are guaranteed if registered before June 13th. If you register after June 13th shirt sizes can't be guaranteed but we will do our best to accommodate everyone. For the safety of all participants, no baby joggers, roller blades, dogs or bicycles will be allowed on the course. Make sure to hydrate before the races starts but if needed we will have water stations along the course.

Digital time clock at finish and Chip Timing!