Great Lakes Cancer Foundation 5K

Join us July 25, 2026 in Traverse City, MI for the Great Lakes Cancer Foundation 5k and kids 1 mile fun run to help raise awareness, funds, and hope for any and all that have been affected by Cancer. At the Great Lakes Cancer Foundation, our mission is to remove financial barriers for at-risk individuals seeking essential cancer screenings and diagnostic services. We believe everyone deserves access to early detection, and we’re here to make it possible.

The festivities will start at 8am with our kids untimed 1 mile race! This race will take place from Eastern elementary down Eastern Ave as a safe out and back on the sidewalk. The out and back style course will allow the kiddos to high five and smile at one another while they cheer and run their way back to the finish at Eastern Elementary. 

The 5k will start and end at Eastern Elementary School at 8:30am. The flat fast course will take you past an aid station around mile one, running past the shore of the beautiful East Bay, and looping back to the Elementary School where you will be cheered across the finish line by all our supporting partners and volunteers! Come join the fun!

All are welcome! 

Check-in/Packet Pickup:

Friday, July 25: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM location TBD!
Race Day: 6:30 AM – 8 AM near the start line at Eastern Elementary
We strongly encourage racers to attend packet pick-up on Friday to help ease race morning congestion.

Kids untimed mile race at 8AM Sharp! 5k Start to follow at 8:30am!

Free parking is available at Traverse City Central High School, 1150 Milliken Dr, Traverse City, MI.
Participants will walk from the parking lot past the tennis courts to reach Eastern Elementary, where you’ll find race day check-in, vendors, sponsor tents, and the start/finish line.

The 5K starts in the front circle of Eastern Elementary. From there, runners will exit the school lot, turning right onto Eastern Ave, and follow the sidewalk to the stop sign. A right onto Birchwood Ave leads to a smooth curve around to East Bay Blvd.

You’ll take a left onto East Bay Blvd, followed by another left onto South East Bay Blvd, where you’ll reach our high-energy aid station at East Bay Park, complete with water and an enthusiastic cheer squad!

Continuing past the aid station, you'll turn right on Chippewa St, followed by a quick right onto Wenonah St—volunteers will be posted at key turns to help guide you. When Wenonah ends, you’ll take a left onto Front St, running all the way to Munson Ave, where you’ll turn right at the intersection, staying on the sidewalk.

Enjoy the final stretch past the Dennos Museum, through the manned crosswalk at College Ave, and then turn right onto Milliken Dr. You’ll continue past the high school before your final right turn onto Eastern Ave to sprint into the finish line at Eastern Elementary!

There is a limited number of shirts in each size! Once a size is sold out, you will no longer be able to select it. 

There will be special awards for the top 3 male and female overall finishers, as well as age group awards for standout performances across all age brackets.

Male and Female Age Groups: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-60, 70+

Stick around after the race for our awards ceremony and to claim your prizes—plus enjoy the fun, music, and community vibes!

Following the race, enjoy snacks, drinks, and a chance to explore booths from local vendors who are showing their support for the community.

Stick around for the awards ceremony, cheer on your fellow participants, and connect with other walkers and runners in a fun, uplifting atmosphere!