Northern Lights 5K Fun Run 2026

The race.

The Northern Lights 5K Fun Run takes place on September 11, 2026, at 8:00 PM at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center in Traverse City, Michigan. The course consists of three flat loops starting and finishing at the Civic Center Pavilion Parking Lot. Registration opens May 1 and closes September 6, with no race-day registration available. Packet pickup occurs September 9 from 4:00–7:00 PM at Munson Foster Family Community Center, with late pickup available September 11 from 7:00–7:30 PM at the Civic Center. Early registrants receive a neon event tee, finisher medal, and access to post-race snacks. The event benefits the Thomas Judd Care Center and supports HIV care and prevention resources in Northern Michigan. Cash prizes are awarded to top overall finishers and division winners, with additional drawings for all finishers and creatively dressed participants.