Steve's Run takes place in downtown Dowagiac, Michigan on July 17, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM. The event offers three distances to choose from: a 1-mile option, a 5K, and a 10K, making it accessible for runners of varying abilities and training levels. Entry fees range from $1 to $40 depending on your selected distance and registration timing. The evening start time means you'll want to plan your pre-race meals and hydration accordingly, and consider bringing a light layer if you're sensitive to temperature changes after sunset. Whether you're racing competitively or running for fun, Steve's Run provides flexible options for your summer training schedule.
From the Race Organizer
Steve's Run July 17, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. | Downtown Dowagiac Steve's Run participants picking up their packet TOMORROW, Thursday, July 16, please take note of the location change. Join us in the fight against cancer! In the last 16 years alone, Steve's Run has raised over $300,000 for cancer research and student scholarships (split evenly). To continue the tradition, the 52nd running of the original Road and Trail Race, known as Steve's Run since 1992, will start and end in Downtown Dowagiac. Steve's Run will take participants through the paved roads of Dowagiac, a golf course, a cemetery, and the Southwestern Michigan College wooded trails. We hope you'll join us to raise money for these important causes. About Steve's Run Steve's Run is named in honor of Steven Briegel, the son of former Southwestern Michigan College president David Briegel. Steve died in 1990 at the age of 22 after a five-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. He was a 1986 graduate of Dowagiac Union High School and had played basketball, golf, and in the band for the Chieftains. He graduated with honors from SMC and was a junior in the Ferris at SMC program at the time of his death. After Steve’s passing, SMC’s annual Road and Trail Race, which began in 1972, was renamed Steve’s Run and was dedicated to honor all who have fought or are still fighting cancer, with proceeds being split evenly between cancer research and the Steven Briegel Scholarship. SMC continues to host Steve’s Run yearly with the support of the City of Dowagiac and through generous donations from community partners. Fire Up Course Signs Honor your loved one by purchasing a "Fire Up" course sign. This custom yard sign will be placed along the 5k course (10k course will follow this path as well) to remind runners of the people that have been impacted by cancer. Proceeds from the signs will be donated to cancer research. Head to the navigation bar at the top and click " Store ." T-shirts T-shirts are available through race registration, and specific sizes are available while supplies last. Packet Pickup Late registration and packet pickup will be open at the following times: Thursday, July 16 | 5-6:30 p.m. | Dowagiac Train Depot, Dowagiac, MI 49047 Friday, July 17 (Race Day) | 4-5:30 p.m. | Dowagiac Train Depot, Dowagiac, MI 49047 Please note that registration on race day will be open until the race start time. However, we encourage all participants to pick up their packets before 5:30 p.m., if possible. Registration Early Registration: March 27, 2026–May 24, 2026 5K Run/Walk: $25 10K Run: $30 Family Fun Run: $1 Regular Registration: May 25, 2026–July 15, 2026 5K Run/Walk: $30 10K Run: $35 Family Fun Run: $1 Late Registration: July 16, 2026 and Race Day 5K Run/Walk: $40 10K Run: $40 Family Fun Run: $1 Registration fees are non-refundable, as all proceeds directly benefit cancer research and SMC student scholarships. We appreciate your support and understanding. Awards We will be awarding medals to the overall men and women winners in each the 5k and 10k as well as the top three male and top three female runners in each of the following groups: 14 & under 15-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70+ Participant Perks Along with your participant packet and age group awards. Area restaurants are offering specials for Steve's Run participants, just show them your bib! Oak+Ash - Free basket of churros Saylor's Pizzeria - 10% off your total purchase Wood Fire Trattoria - 1/2 off an appetizer and $2 brownie sundaes
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for July 17.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Dowagiac, 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
Steve’s Run 2026 — Dowagiac, MI takes place on July 17, 2026. The race is held in Dowagiac, Michigan.
Where is Steve’s Run 2026 — Dowagiac, MI held?
Steve’s Run 2026 — Dowagiac, MI is held at Downtown Dowagiac in Dowagiac, Michigan.
Where can I find hotels near Steve’s Run 2026 — Dowagiac, MI?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Dowagiac. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
