The Children's Grief Center of the Great Lakes Bay Region's

Grit Your Grief 5K Run/Walk at MBS International Airport ON THE RUNWAY including a KIDS COLOR RUN on MBS property!

May 6th-20th: Virtual Race Weeks  🏃‍♀️🏃🏽

May 16th: LIVE RACE EVENT at MBS International Airport ON THE RUNWAY including a

FAMILY FUN COLOR RUN ON MBS PROPERTY

5K RACE DETAILS: During the VIRTUAL Race Weeks (May 6-20), participants choose their own routes. For the LIVE Race Event on May 16th, the 5K starts at 10:00 a.m. and the path will include MBS taxiways and a portion of a main runway.

5K REGISTRATION DEADLINES: 
💚  EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ($35) ✔️ All participants will be timed. Must be registered by April 24th to Guarantee a T-Shirt.
💚  REGISTRATION ($45) ✔️ May 9th - May 16th: receive a race T-shirt and medal ONLY IF AVAILABLE.

COLOR RUN DETAILS: A Color Run for all ages will be held starting at 11:30 a.m. Registration will be $20. Must be registered by April 24th to guarantee a T-Shirt. All participants must be registered to get a T-shirt. Kids may register after, or onsite, but please wear a white shirt should they not be available. Please note: due to FAA regulations, the color run will be on MBS property, but not on a runway. If you have more then 3 family members doing the color run please call the office for a discount code 989-495-9335

RACE PACKET PICK-UPS: 
💚  LIVE Race Packets:  Packet pick-up will be available the day of the race.
💚  VIRTUAL Race Packets:   Available on race day or any time the following week at the Children's Grief Center, 4708 James Savage Rd, Midland, 48642, will ship for an extra shipping cost.

MEMORIAL SIGNS: 
💚  Memorial signs to celebrate and honor loved ones who have died can be purchased through this website. Signs will be Displayed on MBS property at the event.

This is a Great Lakes Bay Regional event. All proceeds will directly benefit ALL of the children and families we serve in the Great Lakes Bay Region. We are grateful for our amazing Great Lakes Bay Region communities and look forward to having you participate in this wonderful event. In the words of Dr. Seuss, "To the World You May be One Person and to One Person You May be the World". Thank you for being the world to us!

Age Groups/Awards
Awards:
Top (3) Overall Male and Female
 

A Family Color Run will be available for all ages at 11:30 a.m.

Registration for the Color Run will also give you access to the paid activities in the Kid's Zone.

All participants must be registered by April 24th will get a Color Run T-shirt.
If registering after April 24th, shirt may not be included, please plan to wear a white shirt. 

Please note: due to FAA regulations, the color run will be on MBS property, but not on the runway.

👟Our unique 5K course takes you right onto the active runway at MBS International Airport — a rare opportunity to race where planes usually take off and land! The course is:

✅ Flat, fast, and fully paved – perfect for runners, walkers, strollers, and families
✅ Lined with cheering volunteers, and memorial signs to remember those who have died
✅ Surrounded by wide-open skies and awesome views of the airport grounds

Whether you’re aiming for a PR or just out to enjoy a scenic stroll, this one-of-a-kind course offers a memorable, high-energy experience for all ages.

8 AM -9:50 AM - Packet Pickup    Color run Packets can be picked up until 11:30 Am
9 AM -1 PM – Kids Area and Activities
9:45 AM – Welcome and Opening Remarks
10:00 AM -  5K Run/Walk
11:30 AM - Family Color Run

What is included in my registration?

5K Run/Walk: Run on the runway, race shirt, medal, and kid's activities for the participant
Virtual 5K: Race shirt and medal
Color Run: Color run, color run shirt, medal, and kid's activities
Spectator Pass: Access to the secure area to watch the 5K on the runway and kid's activities

Can I bring a stroller?
Yes! Strollers are allowed during the race, but must not have anything that can be thrown or fly off. 

 
I purchased a memorial sign.  What's next?
Great question!  You can email your name and a picture for your memorial sign to admin@childrensgriefglbr.org.  After the race, we will have the signs available for pickup both at the race site and back our Midland office. Memorial signs will be distributed after all runners have completed the 5K. Please DO NOT take your memorial sign off the runway, volunteers will grab it for you! (This is mandated by TSA!)

Want to see what they have looked like in the past? See an example below!

 
 
Where are the runs happening?
Both the 5K and the Color Run are happening at MBS International Airport at 8500 Garfield Rd. in Freeland.  
The 5K will take place on the runway and the Color Run will take place on the grass just outside the secure area.  
 
Can I bring my pets?
For the safety of all participants we need you to keep your pets home.  

Can I Volunteer?

YES! We're still looking for volunteers to help out, click this link for more information! Click here 

All runners AND color run participants will receive the medal below!

🎉 Kid Zone: Big Fun for Little Runners! 🎉

Our Kid Zone is packed with hands-on activities and playful experiences designed to keep kids moving, creating, and smiling throughout the day. Hosted under a large tent with support from community partners, this space is all about fun, color, and connection!

Access to the Kid Zone is included with purchase of 5K Run, Color Run, and Spectator Pass. 

Kids can enjoy:

🎨 Creative craft stations with hands-on art projects to take home
🌈 Colorful fun with Tie Dye! 
🧩 Interactive booths from local organizations with games, and activities
🖍️ Meet the Mascots from your favorite local teams!
🏃 Bounce houses to release energy!

Whether your child loves art, action, or just being part of the buzz, the Kid Zone offers a safe, welcoming space for kids of all ages to have fun while families enjoy the race together.

RACE PACKET PICK-UPS: 

💚  LIVE Race Packets: Race Packet Pick-Up will take place on the day of the race, Saturday May 16th beginning at 8AM until start of race at 9:50 AM.  Color Packets can be picked up 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
💚  VIRTUAL Race Packets: Will be mailed to the provided address if paid for shipping, or can pick up at our Midland office: 4708 James Savage Rd. 

Any questions, please contact our office at 989-495-9335.

5K race participants will receive this T-Shirt with their registration! Deadline for registration to receive a t-shirt is April 24th.