3 running events in Rochester Hills, Michigan

The Golden Grizzlies Festival of Races is an event for all ages and abilities! Join us as we run a scenic loop through Oakland University's campus and finish with a lap on the Elaine Leigh track facility! We will be holding a 5k run/walk and a 10k run with medals and t-shirts for all participants. Proceeds from the race will go to benefit the Oakland University Cross Country and Track and Field programs.

STARTING TIMES:

9:10 am - Kids Run/Walk (meant for ages 10 and under)

9:30 am - 5K run/walk and 10K Run

PACKET PICKUP: Packet Pickup on race morning only. Packet pickup open from 7:30-9:00 at race site.

AWARDS: Each finisher of the 5k and 10k will receive a race t-shirt and a medal. Kids run participants will receive a ribbon for finishing one lap of the OU track! Kids race will start and finish inside the OU track facility.

This year, Hansons Running Shop will be awarding gift certificates to the top finishers in the following categories:

10k

Top Three Overall Men and Women

$250

$150

$100

Masters Overall Man and Woman

$150

5k

Top Three Overall Men and Women

$150

$100

$50

Masters Overall Man and Woman

$100

$15 for Oakland University students using their oakland.edu email address. Students who get 3 friends to sign up with their unique registration code will be refunded $10 as well.

New Medals for 2026!!

**Stay tuned for our 2026 medal reveal!

Introducing our new medal series! Our medals this year will feature the gorgeous Elliot Tower. Elliot Tower will be the first of a multi-year series of medals featuring different parts of our beautiful campus here at Oakland University! Learn more about the Elliot Tower here: https://www.oakland.edu/elliott-tower/

POST RUN FESTIVITIES:

Please stick around after your run or walk and visit our sponsor tents and enjoy some music. We will also have Rootless Coffee with a coffee truck on site for that extra energy boost!

Corporate/Open Team Races:

We will have a 5k team race for Corporate, Open, and Oakland University Department runners.

We plan to award the first place team in each event. Scoring will be based on individual age group placings. Only your top 5 runners will be configured into the scoring. We will have the results posted on our race website after the competition.

For those of you in charge of creating corporate teams, you will have to create a corporate team in the corporate section on our website. You will be able to customize your settings for payment. You will put your teams together in the groups/teams section as well under “corporate teams.” If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out!

SPECIAL ALUMNI BIB:

Just like in 2025, the first 350 alumni to sign up will receive a special gold race bib!

Join us on Sunday, October 5, 2025! Help Neighborhood House "Scare Away Hunger" by participating in this one-of-a-kind fun run/walk! Scare Away Hunger is a unique, annual event that adds a creative twist to a traditional running event, while helping our community! Participants are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes!* Proceeds from this event will help our neighbors with food insecurity and during times of hardship. Whether you are a casual walker or a running enthusiast, join us in helping in Neighborhood House envision a community of neighbors helping neighbors on the path of self-sustainability.

5K Run/Walk | $40/runner - you will receive

• professional timing

• runner bib,

• T-shirt,

• medal,

• finish line snacks

• NEW THIS YEAR - Pancake Breakfast

Family Fun Run/Walk | $15/person - you will receive:

• Runner bib

• Participation award

• Finish line snacks

• NEW THIS YEAR - Pancake Breakfast

**Strollers welcome (will be staged in back of pack).

Spectator Pancake Breakfast | $5/person - you will receive:

• Pancake breakfast

Packet Pick-Up Times:

Thursday, October 2nd: 1PM-4PM

Friday, October 3rd: 5PM-7PM

Pick-Up Location: Neighborhood House Main Office | 1720 South Livernois | Rochester

October 5th - Race Day Times:

On-site Packet Pick Up 8:00-9:30

Family Fun Run starts 9:00 am

Children's activities available after Family Fun Run

5k Run/Walk starts 9:30 am

As you lace up for our 5K/family fun run, remember to bring a can of food with you on race day. Your donation will help stock the shelves of the Neighborhood House Food Pantry. One small can makes a big difference – let's turn our steps into sustenance for those who need it most. Together, we can outrun hunger!

• Participants are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes! Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.

Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.

Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials.

Costumes may not drag on the ground

The race takes place rain or shine. Only severe weather and/or lightning will result in delay or cancelation