5 events in Jackson, Michigan

Grow Jackson is excited for the 2026 Groundhog Gallop to benefit our Summer 2026 Initiatives. Grow Jackson is a nonprofit 501(c)3 entity that exists to end food insecurity in Jackson. By operating community gardens and rescuing good food from being thrown away we are making healthy food options available to our neighbors, educating the next generation on the value of a healthy diet for personal health, and are playing a part in the wellness of our whole community. This year we are fundraising for a farm vehicle and farming equipment for the expansion of our food growing operations. All proceeds will go to supporting these efforts so that we can continue to grow local organic food in urban farms for our neighbors! We cannot wait to see you on race day and thank you for supporting our great cause! Run for FREE with a donation, details below.

Pricing: $30 from until 1/25, then $35. $40 on race day February 7th (no shirt)

Family/Group pricing: $5/discount per person when registering 3 or more people at the same time

T-shirts: Long Sleeve Race Shirts will be available to participants who sign up by 1/16/2026. Shirts are first come first serve after that date, supplies available as they last. We will order extra, register early to secure your shirt.

Early Packet Pickup: Friday, February 6th from 3:30-5:30 in the back of the Lean Rocket Lab. Racers should enter the Lean Rocket Lab from the entrance on the East side of the building near the red awning that says "Max's House of Pancakes". Address 133 W Michigan Ave, Jackson, MI 49201.

Race day Packet Pickup at Parkside starts at 8:30am

Awards: Prizes will be awarded for the top three finishers in each age group for men and for women, for both the run and the walk. Prizes will be awarded to the overall Male and Female Winner in the Run and the Walk, the Master's (40 and over) Male and Female Winner in the run and walk, and Senior Master (60 and over) Male and Female in the run and walk. Awards after the event will be available for pick up in the cafeteria inside the Middle School at Parkside.

Age Groups Awards to the top 3 places in each age group:

5k Run age groups: 0-12, 13-14, 15-17, 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69. 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85+

5k Walk age groups: 0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

The 2025 ORS Race Series awards will happen in the cafeteria at 11am or when the last person crosses the finish line, whichever comes later.

Course Map: A link at the top of the page will bring you to the course map

Parking is available at Parkside, with overflow parking at Ella Sharp Golf Course and Ella Sharp Park

Schedule: Kids fun run at 9:45. 5k run 10:00 am. 5k walk 10:05 am.

Please note there are no dogs permitted at this event. Service dogs excluded. Please see the full policy under Race Info. This is for the safety of both our participants and your dogs. Thank you.

The race will be professionally timed by the Michigan Running Foundation. Results will be live during the race and available on this website.

24th Annual Family Service & Children’s Aid 5K RUN and WALK.

Same location as previous years - Middle School at Parkside. The course will take place on the Falling Water Trail.

Overall Awards will be given to the top male and female finishers of Open (all ages), and Grand Masters (50+), in the 5k Run, and 5k Walk.

Age Groups Awards to the top 3 places in each age group:

5k Run age groups: 0-12, 13-14, 15-17, 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69. 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85+

5k Walk age groups: 0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

BONUS! TEAM/FAMILY DIVISION AWARDS

Grab your friends and family! Awards will be given to the top three teams/families in both events. Two or more team/family members must compete in same event (Run or Walk) to qualify. The two fastest times of all team/family members participating will be averaged to determine winner. Please create a Team (link at top of page or choose create or join a team when registering) to enter.

Pricing: New Years Day special pricing $20 valid until 1/15. Then $25 until April 12. $30 April 13 to April 24. $35 Race day

Special pricing for families - only $3 for kids registering with an adult.

Register by April 5th to be guaranteed a t-shirt. T-shirts available as supplies last after that date.

Kids fun run is back this year! All kids will receive a medal. Cost is $3.

Early Packet pick-up Friday, April 24th from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm at Family Service & Children’s Aid (306 W Michigan Ave, Jackson, MI)

Race day packet pickup at Middle School at Parkside from 8:00am - 8:50am on race day morning.

Proceeds from the race go to Family Service & Children’s Aid. Since 1944 Family Service & Children’s Aid has touched the lives of thousands of Michigan families in Jackson and Lenawee Counties through adoption, foster care, counseling, community and school based programs, substance abuse treatment, and other services for children and families.

Please note there are no dogs permitted at this event. Service dogs excluded. Please see the full policy under Race Info. This is for the safety of both our participants and your dogs. Thank you.

The race will be chip timed by the Michigan Running Foundation. Results will be live during the race and on this website.