Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K

Sat, Apr 18, 2026, 12:00 AM CDT

Location: Lansing, MI; Anywhere, 48909
Type: VIRTUAL

At a glance

A virtual 5K inspired by Bob Ross's "Happy Little Trees," supporting forest protection and tree planting efforts. Run your way, anywhere.

Fun
Quirky
For a Cause

Great for

For a Cause

Embrace the spirit of nature with the virtual Run for the Trees: Happy Little 5K. This unique event invites you to walk, run, or roll your chosen 5K distance anywhere outdoors, at your own pace. Participate between April 18 and 26, encompassing Earth Day and Arbor Day, making it a perfect way to celebrate our planet. All proceeds directly support vital tree-planting and forest protection initiatives in state parks and recreation areas. Secure your spot early for this popular event and receive a themed T-shirt, sticker, bib, and finisher's medal.

What to expect

* Complete your 5K virtually, choosing your own route and pace.
* Participate anytime between April 18 and 26, aligning with Earth Day and Arbor Day.
* Receive a Happy Little T-shirt, commemorative bib, sticker, and finisher's medal.

Standout details

Bob Ross "Happy Little Trees" theme
Supports tree planting & forest protection
Virtual, run anywhere, anytime
Commemorative medal & shirt

Perks & features

Medal

From the public listing — confirm on the official site.

Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.

Distances & registration

18 options

Registration for all distances is through the official signup link above.

3.1 Miles
Sat, Apr 18, 12:00 AM CDT · From $40.59
Opens Nov 5, 2025, 9:12 AM CST · Closes Apr 10, 2026, 7:59 PM CDT
3.1 Miles
Sat, Apr 18, 12:00 AM CDT · From $40.59
Opens Dec 5, 2025, 1:32 AM CST · Closes Apr 10, 2026, 7:59 PM CDT
3.1 Miles
Sat, Apr 18, 12:00 AM CDT · From $40.59
Opens Dec 11, 2025, 2:38 AM CST · Closes Apr 10, 2026, 7:59 PM CDT

+ 15 more options

3.1 Miles
Sat, Apr 18, 12:00 AM CDT · From $40.59
Opens Dec 17, 2025, 10:02 AM CST · Closes Apr 10, 2026, 7:59 PM CDT
5K
Sat, Apr 18, 12:00 AM CDT · From $40.59
Opens Jul 19, 2025, 5:37 PM CDT · Closes Apr 10, 2026, 7:29 PM CDT
5K
Sat, Apr 18, 12:00 AM CDT · From $40.59
Opens Jul 19, 2025, 5:37 PM CDT · Closes Apr 10, 2026, 7:30 PM CDT
5K
Sat, Apr 18, 12:00 AM CDT · From $40.59
Opens Jul 19, 2025, 5:37 PM CDT · Closes Apr 10, 2026, 7:30 PM CDT
5K
Sat, Apr 18, 12:00 AM CDT · From $40.59
Opens Jul 19, 2025, 5:37 PM CDT · Closes Apr 10, 2026, 7:30 PM CDT
5K
Sat, Apr 18, 12:00 AM CDT · From $40.59
Opens Jul 19, 2025, 5:37 PM CDT · Closes Apr 10, 2026, 7:30 PM CDT
5K
Sat, Apr 18, 12:00 AM CDT · From $40.59
Opens Jul 19, 2025, 5:37 PM CDT · Closes Apr 10, 2026, 7:30 PM CDT
5K
Sat, Apr 18, 12:00 AM CDT · From $40.59
Opens Jul 19, 2025, 5:37 PM CDT · Closes Apr 10, 2026, 7:30 PM CDT
5K
Sat, Apr 18, 12:00 AM CDT · From $40.59
Opens Jul 19, 2025, 5:37 PM CDT · Closes Apr 10, 2026, 7:30 PM CDT
5K
Sat, Apr 18, 12:00 AM CDT · From $40.59
Opens Jul 19, 2025, 5:37 PM CDT · Closes Apr 10, 2026, 7:30 PM CDT
5K
Sat, Apr 18, 12:00 AM CDT · From $40.59
Opens Jul 19, 2025, 5:37 PM CDT · Closes Apr 10, 2026, 7:30 PM CDT
5K
Sat, Apr 18, 12:00 AM CDT · From $40.59
Opens Jul 19, 2025, 3:38 PM CDT · Closes Apr 10, 2026, 7:30 PM CDT
5K
Sat, Apr 18, 12:00 AM CDT · From $40.59
Opens Jul 6, 2025, 8:06 AM CDT · Closes Apr 10, 2026, 7:30 PM CDT
5K
Sat, Apr 18, 12:00 AM CDT · From $40.59
Opens Jul 18, 2025, 2:13 AM CDT · Closes Apr 10, 2026, 7:30 PM CDT
5K
Sat, Apr 18, 12:00 AM CDT · From $40.59
Opens Mar 3, 2026, 6:39 AM CST · Closes Apr 10, 2026, 7:59 PM CDT

From the organizer

No matter how you reach the finish line - walk, run or roll - you pick the pace and the place, anywhere outdoors! Everyone who participates gets a Happy Little T-shirt, sticker, a commemorative bib number and finisher's medal. For good measure, we will be allowing participation between April 18 and 26 to encompass Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 24).

Result and photo submissions can be made the weekend before Earth Day and the weekend after Arbor Day for those that can't complete their 5K during the work week. Photos and result submissions are not required, but it is a great way to engage with other participants and celebrate your achievement. When posting about your adventure on social media, we encourage you to use #RunForTheTrees #BobRoss #HappyLittle5K #MiStateParks

Packets will start mailing next March, in time for the April event. With the Happy Little Trees 5K filling up faster than a Bob Ross canvas, you'll want to register early to secure your spot.

All proceeds support tree-planting and forest protection efforts (such as invasive plant and forest pest management and early detection surveys) in state parks and recreation areas, including locations affected by tree pests and diseases like emerald ash borer and oak wilt.

Registration closes April 10 - or earlier if the 14,000-participant cap is reached – to ensure timely shipping of race T-shirts, bibs and finisher medals.

Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K

At a glance

Distances & registration

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