2 running events in Rockford, Michigan
From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find running events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Rockford
2 events in Rockford-
Sat, Apr 18, 2026 at 9:30 AMSee full details
Come join us for the first-ever Rogue River Gauntlet in Rockford, MI! Over $2,000 in cash and prizes.
A canoe race on Rockford’s Rogue River — C2 race April 18 and C1 race April 19 — bringing elite paddlers, outdoor adventure, and community together
Early-bird pricing- $40 entry fee per C2 if pre-registered (shirts will be included). $50 entry fee per C2 team day of event, if not pre-registered. $20 C1 entry fee if pre-registered
Saturday, April 18, 2026 – C2 Race
Registration: Register early to secure a t-shirt below. Race opens at 9:00 AM at the table set up near the canoe landing north of the Rockford Dam.
Safety Briefing: 9:30 AM (mandatory for all participants).
Race Start: 10:00 AM, with competitors launching from the north side of the Rockford Dam.
Course: Paddlers will head upstream on the Rogue River to a turnaround buoy near Friske Road/12 Mile. Competitors will round the buoy clockwise before paddling back downstream to finish at the Rockford Dam.
Distance: 10 miles round trip.
Awards Ceremony: 1:00 PM at the finish line area.
Sunday, April 19, 2026 – C1 Race
Registration: Register early below to secure a t-shirt. Race opens at 9:00 AM at the table near the canoe landing north of the dam.
Safety Briefing: 9:30 AM (mandatory for all participants).
Race Start: 10:00 AM, with competitors launching from the north side of the Rockford Dam.
Course: Paddlers will travel upstream toward Summit/12 Mile Road. Just before the road, there is an island—competitors must stay to the right side of the island, circle around it counterclockwise, and then return downstream to the Rockford Dam for the finish.
Distance: 4 miles round trip.
Awards Ceremony: 1:00 PM at the finish line area.
Directions-
From US-131 North or South: Take Exit 97 for 10 Mile Road/Rockford.
Head East: onto 10 Mile Rd NE.
Continue to Downtown: Follow 10 Mile Rd for roughly 1.5 to 2 miles into the city of Rockford. Turn left on Main St. and then left on Courtland Dr.
Destination: Parking lot will be at the end of Courtland drive to the right. North of the Beer City Bread restaurant. The river runs along Main Street in the downtown area.
Camping options
Detach Campground 3.8 miles
Cedar Springs RV Resort 7.1 Miles
Duke Creek 10 Miles
Wabasis Campground 10.1 Miles
Hotels
Hotel Rose Rockford .2 miles
Holiday Inn and Express Cedar Springs 10.2 Miles
Tru by Hilton Comstock Park 10.2 miles
Comfort Suites Comstock Park 10.2 Miles
Radisson Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront 12.9 Miles
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The Rogue River Gauntlet would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Their commitment to local endurance racing and community events helps us provide a safe, competitive, and memorable experience on the Rogue River.
Please support the businesses that support this race!
Interested in supporting the Rogue River Gauntlet? Your contribution helps fund race safety, operations, and athlete prize support. Donation to Rogue River Gauntlet
Sponsors-
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Foot and Ankle Specialist of West Michigan (Boulder Creek Location)
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West Michigan Eyecare Associates
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Kent County Parks Foundation
Product Sponsors
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GU
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Tailwind
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Third Nature Brewing
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Fri, Jul 10, 2026 at 6:30 AMSee full details
This is your chance to run West Michigan's favorite 25, 50, 100 and 200 mile relay, The FRED!!
The FRED Running Relays are a fun and challenging TEAM effort, where participants combine to run their chosen distance. You will form a team, plan out who is running which sections and on race weekend, will load up the vehicle and embark on the challenge!
Our course runs on the FULLY PAVED White Pine Trail, right up and down the heart of beautiful Michigan, through the woods, the country side and around Lake Cadillac. The trail was once the Grand Rapids - Indian Railway, retired in 1985 and now operates as a 92 miles paved trail, stretching from Grand Rapids up to Cadillac.
25 Mile Relay is Saturday morning, from Sand Lake, Michigan, running south and ending at Third Nature Brewing.
50 Mile Relay is Saturday morning, from the Big Rapids White Pine Trailhead and progresses south, ending at Third Nature Brewing.
100 Mile Relay starts Friday night in Cadillac, where runners will work together, progressing south and ending at Third Nature Brewing.
200 Mile Relay starts Friday morning and is the longest distance, is 36 legs/spurs, traveling from Belmont, north to and around Lake Cadillac, then returning to Belmont. Each leg is between 2 to 9.5 miles in distance. Teams often will use two vehicles with up to 6 runners in each, allowing vehicles to alternate turns being active on the course, while the nonactive vehicle rests.
Thanks to the efforts of West Michigan Trails Origination, the State of Michigan and events like this, we can enjoy such an amazing and scenic trail. A percentage of proceeds from this event, go to the West Michigan Trails Organization, who continues their efforts to provide more miles of paved and pristine trails, for our everyday use.
Choose your Distance - Choose your Team - Choose to Register TODAY
Local Clubs & Organizations
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Club
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Club
USA Swimming Club. 104 members.
[email protected] +1 765-702-8227