4 events in Saint Joseph, Michigan

Join us for the Run for the Buds 5K, where every stride supports Michigan’s largest and oldest multi-community festival—a cherished tradition in Southwest Michigan for over a century! This vibrant event isn’t just a race; it’s a way to honor our region’s rich agricultural heritage, bring communities together, and ensure the magic of the Grand Floral Parade continues to bloom for generations to come.

As you race through the scenic course, you’ll be running alongside history, culture, and the spirit of unity that makes the Blossomtime Festival so special. Proceeds directly contribute to keeping this beloved tradition alive, supporting the parade a cornerstone of Southwest Michigan’s identity.

Lace up your running shoes, embrace the energy of spring, and be part of something bigger than a race—be part of a legacy that blossoms every year! 🌸🏃‍♂️🎉

This is the 22nd anniversary of the Lory's Place Run, Walk and Rock to benefit Lory's Place, a Grief Healing and Education Center. Every year, Lory’s Place is honored and grateful for the community’s support of Run Walk Rock. All of the programs and services at Lory’s Place are available at no charge. That means that no child or adult is ever turned away because of an inability to pay. The children, adults, and families who are part of Lory’s Place join us in expressing deepest gratitude to you for supporting our mission of grief healing.

Since the opening of Lory’s Place bereavement programs in 2004, we have been honored to support over 63,000 children, teens and adults and after the death of a significant person. Our programs reach beyond our facility doors offering over 60 peer support groups in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties.

Event Schedule:

• Early Packet Pickup - Friday, May 15th (11:00 am to 6:00 pm) @ Lory’s Place, 445 Upton Drive, St. Joseph, MI

• Race Day Packet Pickup - Saturday, May 16th (7:00 am to 8:00 am)

• Race Time - 8:15 am

Race Fees:

• [DEL: Groundhog Day Special - January 30th to February 2nd registration is ONLY $20 :DEL]

• Feb. 3rd to March 31st (11:59 pm) @ $25.00

• April 1st to April 17th (11:59 pm) @ $30.00

• April 18th to May 14th (11:59 pm) @ $35.00

• May 15th and May 16th (8:15 am) @ $40.00 - Bring your phone to register via a special late registration QR code

New this Year: Grab your teammates!

Rally your teammates and bring the energy! Thanks to Mar‑Co Packaging, the school athletic team or sports organization with the highest number of registered participants will take home a $500 prize. Gather your group and claim the top spot!

Champions for Children Challenge:

Students, teachers, staff, and administrators—this is your moment! Represent your school in the 5K walk or run for a chance to win the coveted “Champions for Children” traveling trophy plus $500 from Mar‑Co Packaging. Don’t forget to indicate your school or grade on the registration form so every step counts toward the competition!

Group Discount:

If you are registering a group of four or more participants, you will receive a $5.00 discount per registrant. If you have a large group of people, please give us a call for additional registration options.

Parking:

When arriving at the event take Momany Drive and turn left on Upton, proceeding to any available Whirlpool lot. Please do not take Upton/Klock Road (at the stop light).

Rocking Chair Raffle:

Feeling lucky? Drop the tag from the bottom of your bib into one of the raffle boxes at the registration tables for a chance to win a classic white Rocking Chair. All ages are welcome to enter—everyone has a shot!

Medals

Push for the finish line! Custom Lory’s Place Run Walk Rock medals will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in ten different age groups for both runners and walkers.

To learn more about Mac's Sports Timing click here. www.macssportstiming.com

Make sure to follow Lory’s Place on social media for more details about the event.

Facebook - @LorysPlace

Instagram - @LorysPlace

The 5K course will take runners and walkers along the beautiful St. Joseph River and two Lake Michigan beaches. Participants will race along Silver Beach, Lions Park Beach and Howard Recreational Trail and then through the Whirlpool Compass Fountain. The race begins and ends at the Margaret Upton Arboretum. The 5K begins at 9 a.m.

The non-competitive 1K fun run (0.62 miles) begins prior to the 5K. With volunteers cheering along the way, the children will follow a paved sidewalk and safe route. Parents are encouraged to run with younger children. All participants will receive a race bib, rubber duck award and t-shirt. The 1K Kids' Fun Run begins at 8:40 a.m.

All proceeds from the event will benefit The Alex Mandarino Foundation, founded by Tony & Katie Mandarino to honor the courage and strength of their son, Alex. The Alex Mandarino Foundation is a 501(c) 3 not for profit organization dedicated to helping save the lives of children with neuroblastoma and other rare pediatric cancers. Our mission is to provide critical funding for research related to the prevention, treatment, and ultimate cure of neuroblastoma. By participating in Alex's Duck Duck Run you are helping fund new medicine that will increase survival rates of kids with cancer.

Visit www.thealexmandarinofoundation.org for more information.