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Race profile

Healthy Kids Running Series Spring 2026 - Kalamazoo, MI

Overview

4 mi · 2 mi · 1 mi · Walk

May 17, 2026 · Kalamazoo, Michigan, US

Listed Jul 27, 2023

FunMichiganCompetitiveFestive SeasonalEasygoing

The read

Run Vibes summary

AI-assisted

At a glance (AI-assisted text)

A five-week spring running series in Kalamazoo for kids Pre-K through 8th grade, offering age-appropriate distances, points, and a supportive Challenger Division.

The vibe (AI-assisted text)

This series is all about getting kids active and having a blast, from the tiniest dashers to middle school milers. It's a welcoming environment where children can experience the joy of running, earn points, and celebrate their efforts over five weeks. The inclusion of a Challenger Division ensures that children with disabilities can also participate with full support, fostering a truly inclusive community feel.

Best for (AI-assisted text)

This event is perfect for families looking for a consistent, low-pressure way to introduce their children to running or keep them active. It's ideal for kids of all abilities, including those with special needs, who want to enjoy a supportive and engaging running experience.

Race day (AI-assisted text)

Expect a lively, family-friendly atmosphere each week, with parents cheering on their young runners. Packet pickup for the series includes bibs and a shirt, while single-day registrations are handled onsite. Races are staggered by age, ensuring age-appropriate competition and fun. The focus is on participation and personal bests, culminating in a medal for all participants on Week 5 and trophies for top finishers.

Personality (AI-assisted text)

The Healthy Kids Running Series exudes a warm, encouraging, and community-oriented personality. It's designed to build confidence and a love for running in children, emphasizing participation, effort, and fun over intense competition. The inclusive Challenger Division highlights its compassionate and supportive spirit.

Weather snapshot (AI-assisted text)

Held in Kalamazoo, MI, in May, you can generally expect mild spring weather. However, Michigan springs can be unpredictable, so be prepared for anything from sunny and warm conditions to cooler temperatures or even rain on race days.

Terrain & course feel (AI-assisted text)

While not explicitly stated, kids' running series typically take place on flat, accessible surfaces like park paths, grass fields, or school tracks. Given the age range and distances, expect a non-technical course suitable for all young runners.

Signals we noticed (from listing text, AI-assisted)

  • five (5) week running program
  • for kids Pre-K through 8th grade
  • age-appropriate running events
  • Challenger Division which is an adaptive 75 yard race for children with disabilities
  • Kids will earn points for each race
  • runner shirt
  • finisher medal
  • Trophies will be awarded to the overall top finishers
  • first_occurrence_year: 2025

This section is produced with AI from the listing we have on file—think of it as a quick orientation, not a rulebook. Organizers can update start times, courses, policies, and perks at any time, so when something really matters, please lean on their official race page for the latest. We don’t independently verify every detail against live organizer updates; we’re here to help you get a feel for the event and decide if you want to dig deeper.

Original listingRegistration & details — Full description from sourceExpand the official listing text (unchanged)

Who We Are: Healthy Kids Running Series is a five (5) week running program in the spring and fall for kids Pre-K through 8th grade. Each HKRS Series takes place once a week and offers age-appropriate running events including the 50 & 75 yard dashes, the 1/4 mile, the 1/2 mile and the 1 mile run. Kids will earn points for each race they complete based on their finish.

Pricing: The registration fee covers the entire five (5) weeks of the Series which includes race bibs for each week, a runner shirt, a finisher medal and any sponsor giveaways. Registration is non-refundable and non-transferable. Online Early Bird registration increases three weeks prior to the first race event. 

Challenger: This Series offers a Challenger Division which is an adaptive 75 yard race for children with disabilities and/or special needs. This allows for parents, siblings, and friends to be on the course with runners to provide support as well as bringing their own supportive devices such as crutches, braces, wheelchairs, etc. to be used by runners. 

Makeup Date Information: 5/24/2026

Single Day Racing: Single day race registration opens one hour prior to the start of each race. The registration fee covers one single race to be run on the day of registration. ALL single day registrations should be completed onsite at the race location. Single day racers will have the option to upgrade to the full series (see tab on the left side of the page for instructions). There is a strict no-refund and no-transfer policy.

Awards: All participants receive a medal on Week 5! Trophies will be awarded to the overall top finishers in each of the divisions listed below (broken out by boys and girls respectively): 

Kindergarten & 1st Grade

2nd & 3rd Grade   

4th & 5th Grade  

6th to 8th Grade    

Challenger

Share your running photos with our community! Find us on Facebook @HealthyKidsRunning or Instagram @healthykidsrs! 

#GetUpandGo 

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