6 events in Kent County, Michigan
From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find trail running events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Kent County
6 events in Kent County-
Sun, Mar 22, 2026 at 9:00 AMSee full details
The White Pine Thaw Marathon Relay will be Sunday, March 22nd, starting in Comstock Park, Michigan, on the southern most section of the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail. It's held annually on the second Sunday of March. Competitors form teams of runners and on race day, will each take a leg of the relay, covering 13.1 miles, north to Russel Road, where the course returns back south to Comstock Park. There are easily accessed parking lots and bathrooms, roughly every four miles. The trail is routinely plowed by Friends of The White Pine Trail and covers very few low traffic crossroads.
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Sat, May 02, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
Join us at the Bier Distillery 5K (or 1 mile walk) in Comstock Park, MI on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Start time is 9:30 am. The 5K and 1 mile route will utilize the White Pine Trail system. Participants will receive a craft cocktail or craft soda courtesy of Bier Distillery after they finish the event.
All proceeds benefit Food Hugs!--Food Hugs is driven by a single goal--"to do our part in making the world a better place for all. This is done through crowd funding and the generous hearts of amazing local people. The concept is simple, we feed front line workers, people who have suddenly lost a loved one, or anyone in need of a pick-me-up."
What you get when you register:
-Race t-shirt, guaranteed if you register by midnight April 22. We will order extra shirts but may run out (or not have your size). We'll set the extra shirts aside for those that registered after the cutoff.
-Timing for 5K and 1 mile
-Traffic free route
-Voucher for cocktail or craft soda to be redeemed at Bier Distillery
-Potential overall or age group award
-Post race snack
Packet pickup will be held at Bier Distillery starting at 8:30 am on Saturday, May 3. Bier Distillery's address is 5295 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321. Day of event registration will be available.
Age groups are as follows: 12 and under, 13-15,16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.
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Sat, Jul 04, 2026 at 7:50 AMSee full details
The 5K begins at 8:00am on July 4, near the Caledonia High School north entrance at 9050 Kraft Ave, Caledonia MI. The race runs throughout the campus, the Thornapple Trail, Lakeside Park, and finally heads back to the high school.
All proceeds from the Kilt Klassic events benefit the Caledonia High School Men's and Women’s Track & Field and Cross Country programs.
Packet pickup will occur on Friday, July 3, from 4pm-7pm at Caledonia High School North Entrance at 9050 Kraft Ave Caledonia, MI 49316, and before the race on Saturday morning, July 4 from 7:00am-7:45am at the same location. Shirt sizes are only guaranteed to preregistered runners who register by June 16. No guaranteed shirt for participants who register after that date.
Kids Fun Run will start at 9:15am.
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Sat, Aug 08, 2026 at 7:00 AMSee full details
Come for the run and then join in on the fun at Mill Creek Days in Comstock Park.
The 2026 Mill Creek Days 5K/10K brings an exciting update to the course layout! This year, runners will start behind Vitale’s Sports Bar in Comstock Park, utilizing the White Pine Trail. Runners will head north along this scenic, flat, and fast paved path. Runners will enjoy tree-lined stretches and views of Mill Creek, LMCU Ball Park and the Grand River, as they pass through quiet, shaded sections of the trail—perfect for finding your stride and setting a strong pace.
The race will conclude with a finish in the beautiful Dwight Lydell Park, a beloved community hub with green space, cheering spectators, and the post-race celebration area.
This course is ideal for both competitive runners and casual walkers—flat, scenic, and fully paved, with minimal road crossings and a welcoming, small-town race atmosphere.
Limited parking at Dwight Lydell Park - additional parking located at Mill Creek Middle School in the School Street parking lot.
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Sat, Aug 15, 2026 at 9:00 AMSee full details
We are back!
I don't know you, but something was just off last year. I think we figured out what.
We'll be at Creekside Park near Kentwood, MI, again! This year's race will be August 15th, 2026. Can't wait to see you there!
Shirts are guaranteed if you sign up before August 1st. If you are able to select a shirt at check out, we still have your size! If you can't sign up by then, we have some great ones from 2023-2025 too.
Course is out and back on a paved trail that is impossible to get lost on. This will be a great race for families with young children and seasoned runners looking for a fast course.
Lots of age group awards for the kids to win. Age groups for those over 20 will be in 10 year increments plus a masters division. Awards will be given out as runners finish, so if you plan on winning - please be there at the start.
Please let us know if you are participating and have Type 1 Diabetes so that we can acknowledge you by clicking the "contact race" button below.
All proceeds from this race will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)/Breakthrough Type 1 (BT1D), in honor of Beau Joyner. This race is organized by John Joyner, his older brother. Beau was diagnosed two days before Christmas with Type 1 Diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, caused by your body's immune system attacking your pancreas and insulin producing cells. What that means is, Beau needs to monitor his blood sugar 24 hours a day via finger pricks or a continuous blood sugar monitor. He must take an insulin shot before eating anything with carbohydrates. There is currently no cure for this disease, but the Juvenile Diabetes Research foundation gave Beau a stuffed bear named Rufus, a new bag with a book about diabetes for children and helped to make this diagnosis just a little bit easier for him to handle. BT1D also funds research and matches families with clinical trials for their children - like Beau.
We are grateful for the comfort this organization gave our son and want to help fund the work they do for other children like Beau in the hope that one day, there will not be a need for insulin shots or alarms going off in the middle the night.
Since 2017, there has been a 30% increase in the number of people diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and that number is expected to continue to rise. Please help us do something to make this disability a little less traumatic, even if it's just with a bear.
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Sat, Oct 03, 2026 at 9:00 AMSee full details
The 11th annual Franciscan Rhythms 5K Trail Run & Walk benefiting our music therapy program and land restoration efforts will take place Saturday, Oct. 4.
The all-ages and all-fitness-levels 5K will give participants an opportunity to “Run with Nuns” and experience a variety of restorative projects on a scenic path through our Lowell campus, 11650 Downes St. NE.
As race participants enjoy the course, they will be surrounded by deciduous woodland, pine forest and a restored prairie that contains all native plants. Visitors have spotted many beautiful birds, insects and woodland animals on the land – even an adventurous beaver!
A variety of live music stations featuring Irish, rock and folk music will be spread out along the trail route to motivate and inspire participants.
Learn more about the Franciscan Life Process Center at LifeProcessCenter.org.
Race schedule
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Recommended arrival time is 8:30 a.m. for registration.
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A short fun run for children will start at 9 a.m.
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The 5K run & walk will start at 9:15 a.m.
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After the race, there will be water and snacks, including the Sisters’ homemade cinnamon rolls.
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The event will conclude at noon.
Registration information
The 5K run & walk registration is $35 and the kids’ race is $15 online until 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3. Same-day registration will be offered on-site from 7:45-8:45 a.m. for $40. Register by Wednesday, Sept. 17 to guarantee a race t-shirt.
A virtual option is also available for individuals who cannot attend on Oct. 4 but still want to run or walk the route another time and support the cause.
Fundraising goals
Our goal is to raise $40,000 to support our music therapy scholarship fund, which helps cover the cost of services for families and individuals when medical insurance will not. Funds will also help the continued stewardship of our Lowell campus, a beautiful space where our clients can grow and heal. Help us reach our fundraising goal by making a donation online.
You can also support our efforts by preordering fresh, homemade bread baked by the Franciscan Sisters and volunteers. Choose from whole wheat, oatmeal or dilly casserole bread for $10 per loaf. Orders can be picked up at our Lowell Campus. Place your order by visiting our online store.
Volunteer opportunities
We’re seeking volunteers to help us prepare for the race, assist with day-of setup and support cleanup efforts. View the volunteer opportunities and sign up online.
Tag us on social media
Share your photos from the event on social media with the hashtag #RunWithNuns and tag the Center on Facebook @FranciscanCenter and Instagram @FranciscanLifeProcessCenter.
FAQs
How do I become a sponsor?
Fill out our sponsorship packet and email it to [email protected].
Can you register on the day of the race?
Yes, you can register in person from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. The late registration fee is $40.
Is there a map of the trail?
Yes, please view the race map here. Printed maps will also be provided at the race.
Is the trail paved?
No, most of the trail is unpaved, winding through wooded areas, fields and our prairie.
Are strollers and dogs allowed on the trail?
No, strollers and dogs are not allowed.
How can I purchase bread?
Visit our online store to purchase bread online then pick it up at the race.
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