37th Annual Paw Paw Grape Lake 5K Run/Walk

Please join us for the 37th Annual Paw Paw Grape Lake 5k Walk/Run. We are committed to maintaining and improving mental health in our community! The funds raised by this race will go to two organizations:
1. United Christian Services of Eastern VBC (unitedchristianservices-evbc.com)

2. The Daily Recovery Zone (dailyrecoveryzone.com)

The race again will go around beautiful Maple Lake, starting on Lake Street near the Van Buren Community Mental Health Building (VBCMH) 801 Hazen Street, Paw Paw MI 49079 and ending up on Willard Street.  

This event has been reviewed for the physical activity content and has been endorsed by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports. This does not reflect the endorsement of the sponsoring organization or the product used. 

TEE SHIRT: Tee shirts are only available during early registration. Early registration ends on August 28th 2026. Limited tee shirts are available on race day.  

RESULTS AND AWARDS: Both a timing start strip and finish strip will be used for this race. Awards will be based on actual chip time, not gun time. Walkers may not run. If seen running, a walker will be disqualified. The awards ceremony will follow the race and start when the results are ready by T&H Timing. Preliminary results will be posted while runners and walkers are still finishing. The top three (3) finishers in each age division, male and female will receive a medal with where they placed on the back. Results will be posted at Grape Lake 5k Run + Walk Results

ARRIVAL AND PARKING:  Parking will be located at the Van Buren Community Mental Health parking lot at 801 Hazen, VBISD Transition Center parking lot at 811 Hazen Street, Tri-County Head Start parking lot at 775 Hazen Street.  Please allow plenty of time for parking signage and traffic volunteers will be available to help you.

This year's race is organized by the Paw Paw Grape Lake 5K Committee

Questions regarding registration? Contact Ann Leary
grapelake5k@freshwatercc.org or 269-657-6500 (FW's office)

Recognition and Prizes

20th Annual 2026 Michigan Fruit Belt Challenge. The Grape Lake 5K Race is proud to be a part of the 2026 Michigan “Fruit Belt Series.” This series highlights the importance of including fruit in your daily diet as well as exercise. See picture of coin being awarded. Visit  https://www.facebook.com/groups/249651260304294  for more information.

Live Results 

Participants with a smartphone, tablet or computer can access their results within moments of crossing the finish line by entering a URL that will be provided at packet pickup.  No need to stand in line to look up your results.  Overall place, age group, pace and time will be available by entering your name or bib number into the live results link.  Printed results will still be available as well. 

This event is organized by the Grape Lake 5K Planning Committee. Questions regarding registration?  Contact Ann Leary grapelake5k@freshwatercc.org