The Rainbow Run is a 4-mile running event held in Traverse City, Michigan on June 20, 2026. The race starts at 9:00 AM from 225 E Sixteenth Street. Entry fees range from $30 to $35. This distance sits between a standard 5K and a traditional 10K, making it suitable for runners training at intermediate distances or those looking for a race longer than typical community events. Traverse City offers a variety of accommodations for visiting athletes, from downtown hotels to properties near the waterfront, all within reasonable driving distance of the race venue.
From the Race Organizer
TART Trails and Up North Pride are hosting the annual Rainbow Run, a color fun run and fundraiser around the Boardman Lake Loop Trail. On June 20, 2026, the event will celebrate the trail systems and the Northern Michigan 2SLGBTQ+ Community during Pride Month. Participants and spectators will be invited to ** new location** Right Brain Brewery to enjoy music and refreshments before and after the run. The run/walk route will take participants counterclockwise around the 4-mile Boardman Lake Loop Trail. There will be five distinct and separated stations along the route for participants to receive their colors. All participants who register by May 30th will receive a branded white t-shirt. We will be using a powder made of colored cornstarch that will be human, fish, and environment-friendly and will wash out after a rain to have no long-lasting effects on the park or the City infrastructure. The trail will stay open for public use so please be kind to other trail users. When Friday, June 19, 2026 - packet pick up | Fleet Feet, downtown Traverse City 4:00-7:00 pm | packet pick up / check-in Saturday, June 20, 2026 - race day | ** NEW LOCATION** Right Brain Brewery, Boardman Lake Loop Trail 8:00 am | late packet pick up / check in 9:00 am | run / walk start 12:00 pm | event ends Where **NEW LOCATION** Right Brain Brewery | 225 E Sixteenth St, Traverse City, MI 49684 Route The 4-mile Boardman Lake Loop Trail wraps around Boardman Lake, just south of downtown Traverse City. The northern portion of the trail offers an urban setting with commercial access. The western portion features lookout piers, fishing decks, and kayak launches. The southern end features two bridges over the Boardman/Ottaway River and an extended boardwalk over the Boardman Lake Cove with bump-out sections for rest and recreation. The east side is a heavily wooded segment featuring gentle curves and a mix of pavement, boardwalk, and gravel surfaces. There are bathrooms located on the southern end at Medalie Park and Northern end at Hull Park. Distance: 4 miles Surface: Pavement, boardwalk, and short sections of gravel ADA Accessibility: Fully accessible Waves Participants will identify themselves as runners or walkers at check-in and will be assigned a wave. There will be 8 waves that start 2 minutes apart. Each wave will be limited to 50 participants. There will be designated waiting areas for each wave. This is done so people will generally start and run/walk most of the event near people of their own abilities and speeds. This will also prevent participants from waiting in line to receive their color spray at each color station along the route. Who benefits Proceeds will be split between Up North Pride and TART Trails What is the cost? Pre-Registration | $25 Student (17 and under) / $30 Adult (18+) | must register by May 30th to guarantee a t-shirt & early bird pricing May 31st price increase | $30 Student (17 and under) / $35 Adult (18+) Parking & Bathrooms Limited parking is available at Right Brain Brewery. Overflow parking is available on city streets following posted regulations. Bathrooms are located inside Right Brain Brewery, and on course at Medalie Park and Hull Park. Packet Pick Up Join us for packet pick up on Friday, June 19 between 4 to 7 pm at Fleet Feet in downtown Traverse City! Grab your t-shirt, wave assignment and stick around for lots of fun. Check-in and packet pick up will also be available Saturday morning at Right Brain Brewery beginning at 8 am. Training Programs Are you new to running? There are great training groups and fun run/walks offered by our local sponsors and community partners: Fleet Feet run/walk groups, more info here Traverse City Track Club weekly fun runs, more info here Volunteer Volunteers are the heart of Up North Pride and TART Trails, volunteers can sign up here Inclement Weather Information In the event of inclement weather (thunder, lightning, threatening rain), we may postpone or cancel the Rainbow Run. Please check your email on the morning of the event for updates. TART Trails and Up North Pride will also post updates to social media channels if needed. In the event of cancellation or postponement, your registration fee is non-refundable and will be considered a tax-deductible donation to TART Trails and Up North Pride. The 2026 Rainbow Run is presented by JenTees Custom Logo Gear and Molina Healthcare . With support from Oryana Community Cooperative, Naperala Consulting, Traverse City Roller Derby, Bubbie's Bagels, Elev8 Climbing and Fitness, East Bay Pet Hospital, Rare Bird Brewpub, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, Bay Area Pet Hospital, and Fleet Feet. And special contributions from Coca-Cola, GoGo squeeZ, Oryana, Pure Water Works, and Right Brain Brewery.
