The Golden Grizzlies Festival of Races 2026 — Rochester, MI
Date
September 27, 2026
Location
Rochester, MI
Venue
Recreation and Athletic Outdoor Complex (Elaine Leigh Track and Field Complex at Oakland University)
Start Time
9:10 AM
Entry Fee
$0.00 – $55.00
Events
5k Run/Walk, 10k Run, Kids Run (Ages 10 and Under), Student 5k (Only Registrations With an Oakland.edu Email Will Be Accepted), 5k Run/Walk (No T-Shirt Included), 10k Run (No T-Shirt Included)
The Golden Grizzlies Festival of Races on September 27, 2026, offers running events in Michigan with distances of 400 meters, 1 mile, and 6.2 miles, held at the Recreation and Athletic Outdoor Complex (Elaine Leigh Track and Field Complex) at Oakland University in Rochester. Entry fees range from free to $55. The festival starts at 9:10 AM, giving athletes multiple distance options to match their fitness level and goals. Whether you're targeting a short track effort or a longer road distance, this event provides flexibility for runners of various abilities. If you're traveling to Rochester for this September race, you'll want accommodation close enough for an early morning arrival at Oakland University's facilities.
From the Race Organizer
The Golden Grizzlies Festival of Races is an event for all ages and abilities! Join us as we run a scenic loop through Oakland University's campus and finish with a lap on the Elaine Leigh track facility! We will be holding a 5k run/walk and a 10k run with medals and t-shirts for all participants. Proceeds from the race will go to benefit the Oakland University Cross Country and Track and Field programs. STARTING TIMES: 9:10 am - Kids Run/Walk (meant for ages 10 and under) 9:30 am - 5K run/walk and 10K Run PACKET PICKUP: Packet Pickup on race morning only. Packet pickup open from 7:30-9:00 at race site. AWARDS: Each finisher of the 5k and 10k will receive a race t-shirt and a medal. Kids run participants will also receive a special OUCU T-Shirt and also a medal. This year, Hansons Running Shop will be awarding gift certificates to the top finishers in the following categories: 10k Top Three Overall Men and Women $250 $150 $100 Masters Overall Man and Woman $150 5k Top Three Overall Men and Women $150 $100 $50 Masters Overall Man and Woman $100 $15 for Oakland University students using their oakland.edu email address. Students who get 3 friends to sign up with their unique registration code will be refunded $10 as well. New Medals for 2026!! Year 2 of our Medal Series!! Our medals this year will feature the historic MEADOWBROOK HALL. We are excited to provide this memento for you all to remember your trip around our campus, and the beautiful scenery of Meadowbrook Hall. Learn more about the Meadowbrook Hall here: Meadow Brook Hall | Rochester, MI POST RUN FESTIVITIES: Please stick around after your run or walk and visit our sponsor tents and enjoy some music. We will also have Rootless Coffee with a coffee truck on site for that extra energy boost! Corporate/Open Team Races: We will have a 5k team race for Corporate, Open, and Oakland University Department runners. We plan to award the first place team in each event. Scoring will be based on individual age group placings. Only your top 5 runners will be configured into the scoring. We will have the results posted on our race website after the competition. For those of you in charge of creating corporate teams, you will have to create a corporate team in the corporate section on our website. You will be able to customize your settings for payment. You will put your teams together in the groups/teams section as well under “corporate teams.” If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out! SPECIAL ALUMNI BIB: Just like in 2025, the first 350 alumni to sign up will receive a special gold race bib!
Hotels Near This Race
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The Golden Grizzlies Festival of Races 2026 — Rochester, MI
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for September 27.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Rochester, 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 The Golden Grizzlies Festival of Races 2026 — Rochester, MI?
The Golden Grizzlies Festival of Races 2026 — Rochester, MI takes place on September 27, 2026. The race is held in Rochester, Michigan.
Where is The Golden Grizzlies Festival of Races 2026 — Rochester, MI held?
The Golden Grizzlies Festival of Races 2026 — Rochester, MI is held at Recreation and Athletic Outdoor Complex (Elaine Leigh Track and Field Complex at Oakland University) in Rochester, Michigan.
Where can I find hotels near The Golden Grizzlies Festival of Races 2026 — Rochester, MI?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Rochester. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
