April Kade 8K + 5K - Final Journey

April Kade 8K + 5K

This will be the 8th and final April Kade race event, and it will be the most AWESOME ever. 

Awesome April Kade was a RUNNER, wife, mother, daycare owner. She was taken from us unexpectedly in September, 2018. We have been truly fortunate to share this race and experience with you for so many years. The time and dedication of all volunteers, participants and sponsors is unrivaled. 

Thank you to everyone for helping all kinds, shapes, and types of people learn to enjoy being active, support a cause, and have FUN doing it. The unique aid stations, music, prizes and sense of togetherness make this race amazing.

The people make it AWESOME. Let's be happy, carefree, kind, and crazy... one more time.

Registration Includes:

• Chip Time with Live Results
• Participant T-Shirt - Deadline March 1, 2026
• Finisher Medal
• Race Photos
• Pizza, Drinks & More at the crazy Aid Stations!
• Music and Vendor Giveaways
• Post Race Refreshments
• Huge Raffle for Fabulous Gifts and Prizes

Date:

• Saturday, April 18, 2026

Location:

• Hayes Park - Freeland, MI
• 9200 Midland Rd, Freeland, MI 48623

Race Start Time:

• 1K Fun Run - 9:30am
• 8K Run/Walk - 10:00am
• 5K Run/Walk - 10:05am

Packet Pick-Up

Location:

• Hayes Park - Freeland MI

Date and Time:

• Saturday April 18th
  • 8:00am - 9:50am

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

8:00am - Packet Pickup Hayes Park

8:30am - Sponsor Expo Give-aways, Music, Raffles, Merch and More! 

9:30 - Speech / 1K Fun Run

10:00am - 8K Race Start

10:05 - 5K Race Start

11:00 - Winner Awards Start (rolling)

11:45am - Raffle Winners

Age Group Breakdown

• 0-9
• 10-13
• 14-17
• 18-20
• 21-29
• 30-39
• 40-49
• 50-59
• 60-69
• 70+

Awards Breakdown

• Belts for Overall Male & Female
• First in Age Group for 5K & 8K Walk / Run Female and Male - All Ages

Out-And-Back 8K, sanctioned by the USATF
Rail trail course
Starts at Hayes Park in Freeland MI with a turn-around. 
Ridiculous Aid Stations every 1/3 mile
April's favorite foods, drinks, and other surprises
Safety monitors and high-fives will be abundant
No time limit. Run fast or Just Relax. 
Either way, enjoy the fun. Enjoy the Run

• Can you run with a stroller?

  • We welcome parents with jogging strollers - just note some areas may be a bit bump

  • Your child must remain securely fastened inside the stroller while on the course for safety and insurance reasons

• Can you run with a dog?

  • We love dogs! Because of our love for dogs, we do not allow them to participate in a race designed for people unless they are service dogs. 

This is a actual medal, not a plastic medal!

**Participants who register before March 1, 2026 are guaranteed a T-shirt

(extras will be ordered, limited sizes available only until supplies last)

Awesome April Kade Scholarships

2024 Recipients: 

2023 Recipients: Ainsley Miller and Jacob Alexander
2022 Recipients: Brody Wheatley and Allyson Harvey
2021 Recipients: Hannah Niederquell and Lydia Klopf
2020 Recipients: Robert French and Caitlin Scileppi
* - Each recipient receives $500

Awesome April Kade was a wife, a mother, a daycare owner, and she was a runner. She was boisterous, witty, joyful, and proud. She had an uplifting, soul-hugging spirit that effortlessly made others feel good. She enjoyed encouraging people – whether helping daycare parents through the early years of their children or helping people get through a rough day.

April was married to Nathan, a Freeland teacher who loved her to the end-of-the-earth. They were each other's "rocks." She was a mother of three children – two sons and one daughter – and always managed to juggle her family's busy schedule. April was taken from us unexpectedly, and quickly, in September 2018. Our hearts are broken and hurt.

Celebrating April for who she was helps the healing and keeps her memory alive.

To honor her spirit, the Awesome April Kade Scholarship was established. This scholarship is awarded annually to two (2) Freeland High School seniors. Candidates are required to attend post-secondary education including college, university, Career and Technical Education (CTE) (skilled trade/vocation) or certificate training.

The recipients are selected after meeting the scholarship criteria and by writing an essay on "What it Means to be Awesome."

April Kade had an aura about her that inspired so many in her life. It is a goal of this scholarship to inspire its recipients in much the same way April inspired others.

Qualifications
Graduating high school senior of Freeland High School
Full- or part-time enrollment
Pursuing an undergraduate degree or Career and Technical Education (CTE) (skilled trade/vocation)
Evaluation Criteria
Special essay (What it means to be "awesome") (100)