Bronson Children's Hospital Run & Walk

Thank you to all who participated in the 2025 Run & Walk! Check out photos from the race course by clicking the photo tab above. 

The Bronson Children's Hospital Run & Walk is designed for both competitive runners and families who prefer a casual stroll. Some participate in celebration, some just for fun and others in remembrance. But together, we Run & Walk to raise awareness and support for Bronson Children's Hospital and the vital programs that support our patients and families. The route is flat and takes participants on a tour through beautiful downtown Kalamazoo.

Your Support Matters

Your generous support helps ensure the highest level of pediatric care will continue to be here—close to home—when children and their families in southwest Michigan need it. Together, we can help secure the future of children’s healthcare in our community.

Funds raised support pediatric life enhancement services, such as pediatric advanced illness management, child life services, art therapy, music therapy and more. These services support the patient and family experience, and have been shown to improve outcomes for hospitalized children. However, they are not always covered by insurance.

 

 

ABOUT BRONSON HEALTH FOUNDATION

As the philanthropic arm of the Bronson Healthcare system, Bronson Health Foundation builds relationships with individuals and organizations to connect their generous support with Bronson’s healing mission. This support funds and sustains programs, projects, services, innovative technology, scholarships and much more that directly benefits our patients and families, our employees, and our communities. It is the focus of the Foundation to ensure philanthropic funds are distributed in an impactful and equitable way that alleviates barriers and disparities to a patient’s care and recovery across the Bronson system.

 

Funds raised from this event support life enhancing services for hospitalized children, including child life, music therapy, art therapy, advanced illness management and more. These services help our youngest patients in many ways, including reducing fear and anxiety, helping patients know what to expect from treatment, reducing pain and the need for pain medication, and improving the patient and family experience.

 

ABOUT BRONSON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

As southwest Michigan’s only children’s hospital, Bronson Children’s Hospital is committed to maintaining a full complement of pediatric specialists to treat seriously ill and injured children. Your generous support helps ensure the highest level of pediatric care that children and their families count on to be here when they need it. By coming together, we can help secure the future of children’s healthcare in our community.

 

The healing power of kindness is present in every gift, it is our privilege to pass it on.

 

FUNDRAISING AWARDS

While fundraising is not required, we recognize those who go above and beyond to make a difference for Bronson Children's Hospital by fundraising for the Run & Walk. The top 3 individual fundraisers and top 3 fundraising teams will receive awards.

 

RACE AWARDS

We have designed these categories in an effort to be as inclusive as possible and to provide a positive experience for everyone. As this is a work in progress from year to year, we will continue to pursue feedback and ideas to help us ensure that we are meeting that goal.

 

Overall winner awards will go to top female, top male, and top nonbinary.

 

Additional awards will be given to the top 3 female, male and nonbinary finishers in the following age divisions:

 

4-6 years old
7-9 years old
10-13 years old
14-18 years old
19-24 years old
25-29 years old
30-34 years old
35-39 years old
40-44 years old
45-49 years old
50-54 years old
55-59 years old
60-64 years old
65-69 years old
70+ years old

 

Additionally, all participants will receive a Bronson Children's Hospital Run & Walk participation medal thanks to our Award Sponsor, Charles River Laboratories. 

Excitement Zones are various locations throughout the route for family, friends, and spectators to gather and cheer on our runners and walkers! We encourage you to make fun and supportive signs and bring your enthusiasm as we support the participants throughout the course! 

 

Gather your family, friends, and colleagues and sign up to take on one of these excitement zones!

 

To sign up, email Carolyn Call at CALLCA@bronsonhg.org. 

 

I have already registered but now I want to join a team. How do I do this? If you have already registered yourself, please call us at (269) 341-8100 or email us at healthfoundation@bronsonhg.org. Let us know the name of the team you would like to join and we will add you. 

 

Can we pick up our t-shirts and packets before the day of the event? Absolutely!  Packet pick will be held at the Bronson's Gilmore Center, downtown Kalamazoo (across Walnut Street from the Emergency Department) during the following times:

 

Friday, September 26 from10:00: am- ^:30 pm

 

What is included with my registration?
Every paid registration includes an event t-shirt, participation medal, bib and admission to the Bronson Children's Hospital Run & Walk.  We look forward to seeing you there!

 

How do we submit cash or check donations? You can mail checks to Bronson Health Foundation, 301 John Street, Box 73, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. You may also drop them off at packet pick up or in one of the donation boxes at the event on Sunday. Donation boxes will be located at the onsite registration tables as well as the pre-registered packet pick up tables.

 

Make sure to have the team name or participant name accompanies the cash or check to ensure it is credited to the correct person.

 

Are dogs allowed? Friendly dogs are allowed at the event. We ask that your dog be kept on a short leash at all times. We request that those who are running or walking with their dog line up toward the back of the crowd as to avoid other runners/walkers from tripping over your dog or their leash. 

 

Are strollers allowed? Strollers are allowed. We request that those running or walking with strollers line up toward the back of the appropriate section.  Runners with strollers will line up after the 10 minute mile runners. 

 

Will there be a bag check? This year, we are unable to provide a bag check service. Kindly make your arrangements accordingly.

 

Where do I park? Due to the anticipated attendance, please arrive with plenty of time to park and walk to the event site.  

 

Parking is available on certain streets surrounding downtown as well as multiple downtown parking ramps. Click here for parking information. Parking is free throughout downtown on Sundays. NO event parking is allowed in Bronson’s Emergency Department Parking Lot or the Emergency Department Overflow Parking Lot on John Street.

 

Do I have to fundraise or can I just participate in the walk or run?  It is not requirement to fundraise; however, we welcome to do so and we try to make that easy for you! 

 

Can we register the day of the event? Yes, you can register the day of the event, we highly encourage you to sign up online prior to the event. 

 

Is the event canceled if it rains? The Run & Walk will occur rain or shine!  If severe or dangerous weather conditions arise, it will be communicated via email to all registered participants.

 

If someone gives me a check or cash donation, how can I add to my participant page to reflect on my fundraising goal? You can mail your checks or cash to the Bronson Health Foundation at 301 John Street, Box 73, Kalamazoo MI 49007. You can also bring with you on the day of the event. In both options, please ensure the participant name or team name is associated with the checks or cash so it can be counted toward the correct team.

 

Will there be awards and who is eligible? Yes! Please visit our awards page for details about award categories. We have designed these categories in an effort to be as inclusive as possible and to provide a positive experience for everyone. 

 

Is this a certified 5k?  This year, due to construction in Downtown Kalamazoo we had to make adjustments to our 5k route. The new course will not be a certified 5k but will still be a timed race. 

 

Why did you change the timed 5K award categories from previous race years?

We want to ensure all members of our community feel welcome and have an opportunity to compete in the 5K run. We added a non-binary category to increase inclusivity and representation for those who do not which to compete based on gender. Overall winner awards will go to top female, top male, and top nonbinary. Additional awards will be given to the top 3 female, male and nonbinary finishers in the following age divisions

 

We have designed the categories in an effort to be as inclusive as possible and to provide a positive experience for everyone. As this is a work in progress from year to year, we will continue to pursue feedback and ideas to help us ensure that we are meeting that goal.

 

Can I buy additional T-shirts? Event T-shirts are available for purchase after the event.  They will be for sale on-site after the Run/Walk and also sold in the Bronson Hospital South Campus Gift Shop after the event for $10.

 

What do the tech shirts look like this year and how much do they cost? You can purchase an additional tech shirt when you register or by visiting the Store tab on the top of the BCH Run & Walk event page.  Long sleeved shirts are $25 and short sleeved shirts are $20. All tech shirts and onesies are available to purchase before or after the registration process via our event store.

 

What is the NICU Reunion?  There will be a NICU Reunion Tent in the Northwest Corner of the event lot for families of past & present NICU patients to gather.  The tent will be staffed from 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. with nurses and providers. This will be a great time to reunite with your NICU care team!  In the event that weather is not favorable, an alternate location indoors will be available for families to gather. 

 

How can I volunteer to help at the event? We can always use more volunteers! Please send an email to healthfoundation@bronsonhg.org if you are interested in volunteering.

 

What are Excitement Zones? Excitement Zones are various locations throughout the route for family, friends, and spectators to gather and cheer on our runners and walkers! We encourage you to make fun and supportive signs and bring your enthusiasm as we support the participants throughout the course! Excitement Zones will be set up throughout the course and are indicated on the course map with a star. Click here to learn how to sign up.

 

Where does the money raised from this event go? As southwest Michigan’s only children’s hospital, Bronson Children’s Hospital is committed to maintaining a full complement of pediatric specialists to treat seriously ill and injured children. Your generous support helps ensure the high level of pediatric care that children and their families count on will be here when they need it. By coming together, we can help secure the future of children’s healthcare in our community.

The Bronson Children's Hospital Run & Walk Packet Pick-up takes place at the Bronson Gilmore Center (7 Healthcare Plaza, Kalamazoo, MI 49007).

 

Packet Pick Up

Friday, September 25: 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

 

 

Day-Of Packet Pick Up

Sunday, September 28: 8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Location: Bronson's downtown Kalamazoo Campus (corner of Jasper and Lovell)

 

Due to the anticipated attendance, please arrive with plenty of time to park and walk to the event site. We will be opening a portion of the event site lot for parking. There are several entrances to this lot, only the Walnut Street entrance will be open. 

 

Parking is also available on certain streets surrounding downtown as well as multiple downtown parking ramps. Click here for downtown Kalamazoo parking information. Parking is free throughout downtown on Sundays. NO event parking is allowed in Bronson’s Emergency Department Parking Lot or the Emergency Department Overflow Parking Lot on John Street.

 

Below is a PDF of our event parking.

 

 

EVENT NOTE: Due to construction in Downtown Kalamazoo, adjustments were made to our 5k route.
The new course will not be a certified 5k, but will still be a timed race. 

 

 

 

Traffic Information:

Runners and walkers leave the start line at Lovell and Jasper streets at 10 a.m. 

 

Street closures include:
o    Jasper from Lovell to Walnut between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. (Bronson Jasper parking ramp still accessible.)

o    Lovell from Portage to John between 5 a.m. and 12 p.m.

o    John St. from South to Walnut between 9:45 a.m. and 12 p.m.

o    Edwards from Kalamazoo Ave. to Water St. between 9:45 a.m. and 12 p.m.

o    Water St. from Rose to North Pitcher 9:45 a.m. and 12 p.m.

o    Burdick/Kalamazoo Mall from Eleanor to South Street between 9:45 a.m. and 12 p.m.

o    West Michigan Ave. between N. Church and Farmer’s Alley between 9:45 and 12 p.m.

 

The following streets will have rolling lane closures starting at 10 a.m. as the runners pass through each street: 

Walnut, Park, Davis, Cedar, Oak, South, Rose, Eleanor, Edwards, Water, Burdick, Portage, and Lovell.

 

o    Access to homes and businesses located in these areas will be limited while runners and walkers are passing by.

o    No street parking in designated lanes throughout the course.  The city will post parking signage the weekend of the event.

o    Public safety officers will be stationed along the route to ensure the safety of participants and enforce closures.

 

Suggested Detour Route from Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety:

 

 

Friday, September 25

 

Packet Pick Up

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Bronson Gilmore Center (7 Healthcare Plaza, Kalamazoo, MI 49007)

 

Sunday, September 27

Run/Walk Day!

Location: Bronson "401 Lot" at the corner of Lovell & Jasper in downtown Kalamazoo

 

Onsite Registration

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 9:59 a.m.

 

Activities

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

 

NICU Family Reunion

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

 

Peds/Hemoc Family Reunion
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 

 

Run/Walk Start

Time: 10:00 a.m.

 

Awards

Time: 11:00 a.m.

 

Bronson Children's Hospital Run & Walk Scholarship

 

 

The Bronson Children's Hospital Run & Walk is a collaborative effort led by Bronson Health Foundation. Bronson Health Foundation has a goal of ensuring that this event remains inclusive for all members of our community which includes removing financial barriers for those wishing to participate. With the generous support of sponsors, we are delighted to provide a substantial number of complimentary registrations to our community who need the support. Our mission is to make the registration process as dignified and accessible as possible, which is why there is no formal application required, and we only ask for minimal information from those interested in receiving this complimentary registration. Together, we strive to create a meaningful and inclusive experience for everyone involved in this important event.

 

To request scholarship support, please send an email with your name, email, phone number, and how many participants you would like to register using the scholarship to healthfoundation@bronsonhg.org or call (269) 341-8100.

 

 

Made possible by

 

 

By sponsoring the Bronson Children's Hospital Run & Walk, your organization can expect to gain exceptional exposure and engage with numerous community members. The event's primary goal is to raise funds to enhance the healing environment and experience for our young patients and their families. All services funded by event donations are provided to our patients at no cost. Your organization's sponsorship of the Bronson Children's Hospital Run & Walk will not only contribute to the betterment of our community's health but also provide a range of benefits at every level of involvement.

 

To support or learn more, please contact healthfoundation@bronsonhg.org or (269) 341-8100.

 

 

SPONSOR PACKET

1 Mile Run/Walk (not timed): T-Shirt

5K Run/Walk: T-Shirt