Description
Before we jump into a quick course preview, let’s be upfront—this 5K includes trails. As the name of the event suggests, you’ll be running trails. Consider this your official trail disclaimer.
Due to construction around the football and track stadium, this year’s course will look a little different. We’ll be starting and finishing at the Elementary School. The race begins on a short stretch of paved road leading toward the high school before cutting over to the grassy area just south of the tennis courts. From there, you’ll head behind the Middle School and pass the softball and baseball fields before looping around the cross-country team’s well-known bus loop.
And then—it’s trail time. The course continues into the woods, where you’ll hit the best part of this event: the trails. After winding through the wooded section of the course, you’ll emerge back onto pavement and finish your run across school grounds, back to the road, and eventually the finish line at the Elementary School.
We’ll have food and drinks waiting for you at the end. Please note: dogs are not allowed on the course. Walkers and those with strollers will need to wait until all runners have started. And in case you missed it—yes, this race includes trails. Rain or shine, we’ll do our best to hold the event, but in cases of dangerous weather, delays or cancellations may occur. No refunds will be issued.
So lace up those shoes and get ready. The trails are calling.
Registration Details
Registration Fees
Individual Registration
- $30 - Online Registration without a t-shirt for Individuals (Until August 2nd, 7:15 am)
- $35 - Online Registration w/t-shift for Individuals (Until August 2nd, 7:15 am)
Family/Team Registration
- $125 - Registration - Family/Team (limit 6 people) (Until August 1st, 11:59 pm)
- $125 - Friday Registration at Early Packet Pickup
- Race Day ** NO TEAM AND FAMILY REGISTRATION ON SATURDAY (DAY OF REGISTRATION)
Friday & Saturday Late Registration Options
** We are a paperless registration this year for Friday & Saturday Late Registrations **
Participants may still register with the options listed below:
- Option 1) Register on Friday AT HOME from your computer or cell phone using the registration quick links at the top of the page.
- Option 2) Register on Saturday AT HOME before you come to the event/race site.
- Option 3) Bring your cell phone and register onsite. No paper registrations are available.
Race Day Schedule
Saturday, August 2nd, 2025
- 6:00 to 7:00 AM - Late packet pickup, but please arrange your pickup on Friday, August 1st, if possible. Thank you!
- 7:15 to 7:20 AM - Participants head to starting line
- 7:20 AM - National Anthem
- 7:25 AM - Announcements
- 7:30 AM - 5K Race starts
- 8:30 AM - Overall Winner Announcements
Packet Pickup Details
NEW LOCATION THIS YEAR - Packet pickup, on-site registration, and race start and finish will take place at the Mattawan Elementary School Bus Parking Lot.
57400 Western St
Mattawan, MI 49071
We encourage everyone to pick up their packet on Friday evening as this will help with the flow of foot traffic on race morning.
Friday, August 1st, 2025 - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Packet pickup and late registration
Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 - 6:00 to 7:00 a.m.
- Packet pickup but please attempt to pick up your packet on Friday, August 1st
Race T-Shirts
All participants who register online and purchase a race t-shirt by July 14 will receive a locally designed event t-shirt. Registrations after July 14 are not guaranteed a t-shirt. A limited number of extra shirts will be available at packet pickup on a first-come, first-served basis. These race-day shirts will be available for purchase at $5.00 each. To secure your shirt, be sure to register before the deadline! Please note: No t-shirt exchanges will be allowed until after the race.
Awards
Finisher medals for ALL participants that cross the finish line
Awards will be handed out to the top overall male/female finishers & top overall masters male/female (over 40)
Award for the middle-of-the-pack finisher
Team awards for the overall team in the male, female & coed division
No awards for age groups
Age Divisions
- 11 and under / 12–14 / 15–19 / 20–24 / 25–29 / 30–34 / 35–39 / 40–44 / 45–49 / 50–54 / 55–59 / 60-64 / 65-69 / 70+
Team Scoring
- To qualify to be entered into the time division you must have 3 to 6 team members
- The top 3 fastest times of your team are ranked against other teams
- Lowest time wins
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Thank You from The Foundation (MPEF)
Proceeds from the race will be donated to the Mattawan Public Education Foundation to support its Brainstrong programs for students.
In the fall of the 2024–2025 school year, the Foundation awarded 52 Brainstrong Awards to teachers across all four buildings—putting $41,000 directly into their hands to fuel classroom learning, innovation, creativity, and enthusiasm. These awards enhance teaching and enrich student experiences both inside and outside the classroom. “Brainstrong” reflects the mission of the Mattawan Public Education Foundation: to strengthen the community by funding unique educational opportunities.
Check out www.mpef.org and the MPEF Facebook page to see students engaged in these programs or for more information!
Directions
Start/Finish of the race is at the Mattawan Elementary School Bus Parking Lot
57400 Western St
Mattawan, MI 49071
Race Participant Survey
Please complete the following survey to help us better understand your race experience.
