Registration for the Race for the Red 5K costs between $40 and $50. The event takes place on May 23, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, at 2001 Monroe Ave NE. This is a 5K running race with a scheduled start time of 1:00 AM. The early morning start allows runners to begin their race in the quiet hours before dawn, which may appeal to those seeking a unique racing experience or looking to beat the heat of the day.
From the Race Organizer
Enjoy a flat and fast course around Riverside Park. The route will be a closed course on the beautiful paths. Participants will receive a unique firefighter themed shirt and finishers medal. Turnout Challenge: Walk or run in full turnout (except for running shoes) in our special Firefighters Challenge! Turnout gear not provided Race Day Schedule 8:20–9:20 a.m. — Packet pickup 9:20 a.m. — National Anthem, sung by Carlye Haisma 9:25 a.m. — Pre-race briefing 9:30 a.m. — Race start 10:15 a.m. — Awards ceremony The race will officially finish when the last participant crosses the finish line. Location Riverside Park 2001 Monroe Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505 We will be near the baseball fields. You should see a giant start line and a firetruck, so we should be pretty easy to find! Parking There is plenty of parking in the Riverside Park lot. There is also free parking nearby along Monroe Avenue and on adjacent side streets. Please give yourself enough time to park, walk over, and pick up your packet before the race starts. Packet Pickup Packet pickup will be from 8:20–9:20 a.m. next to the start line by the bathroom building. Your packet will include your race bib and T-shirt. No ID is required for packet pickup. Please do not wait until the last minute to pick up your packet . A number of our runners have graciously volunteered to help with packet pickup before the race, and we want to make sure they have time to get to the start line too. T-shirt size exchanges will be available after the race. Late registrations that were not guaranteed a shirt will also be handled after the race. As of now, it looks like we have everyone covered — no pun intended! Course Information The course is flat and paved. There are a few rough areas, so please watch your footing and be careful not to trip. The course will be well marked with signs and chalk. It should be hard to get lost — but please still pay attention to the course markings and volunteers. There will be an aid station at approximately the halfway point. There is also a small bathroom near the one-mile mark, just off the course. Restrooms We will have three porta-potties on site in addition to the Riverside Park bathhouse, which has three stalls for men and three stalls for women. Weather We will not speculate on the weather just yet, but the race will happen rain or shine unless conditions become unsafe, such as lightning. Awards Finisher Medals for all participants. Awards will be given to first, second, and third place in each age group. We will also have an award for the overall finisher of the Turnout Challenge. To qualify for the Turnout Challenge, you must wear your turnout pants and coat. Boots are not required or recommended. A helmet is optional — but I’ll be real impressed if you win in a helmet. Post-Race After the race, we will have a food truck on site, with 10% of proceeds donated to Neighbors United. We will also have free donuts and are still working on a few more snack supplies, so keep an eye out for some unannounced extras! Volunteers and Registration If you know someone who would like to volunteer, please send them to the RunSignUp page and have them register to come hang out with us. We are also still accepting race registrations until 5:30 a.m. on race morning. Final Note We are so excited for race day. Thank you in advance for your patience as we work through the hurdles we didn’t even know existed when hosting a race for the first time. Your support is helping us make a difference for firefighters and families, and we are incredibly grateful. See you in just a few short days! Ed and Ashley
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for May 22.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Grand Rapids, MI.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Race for the Red 5K 2027 — Grand Rapids, MI?
Race for the Red 5K 2027 — Grand Rapids, MI takes place on May 22, 2027. The race is held in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Where is Race for the Red 5K 2027 — Grand Rapids, MI held?
Race for the Red 5K 2027 — Grand Rapids, MI is held at 2001 Monroe Ave NE in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Where can I find hotels near Race for the Red 5K 2027 — Grand Rapids, MI?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Grand Rapids. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
