Friday

5:00p - 7:00p - Packet Pickup - Seymour Church 840 Alger St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 

Saturday

8:30a-9:45a - Race Day Packet Pickup and Registration

9:50a - Team Triumph Race Start

10a - 2027 Alger Heights Halloween 5k

10a - Noon - Sponsor and Business District Trick or Treating

11a (estimated) - Awards Ceremony

• • Age Category Winners
  • Neighborhood Cheer Contest Winner
  • Costume Contest Winner
  • Overall Winners

The Alger Heights Halloween 5k is proud to offer a men’s, women’s, and nonbinary divisions. We accept each participant’s declared gender at face value, with no supporting evidence required. Participants should enter and participate in the gender division consistent with their gender or personal expression.

Medals and sponsor prizes for top 3 overall winners in each division and the following age categories for female, male and non-binary:

• 18 under
• 19-29
• 30-39
• 40-49
• 50-59
• Over 60
  

  *In the event any category does not meet a threshold of 10 or more participants, it may be combined with the nearest age bracket - this may then mean only overall winners are awarded in division.

Awards ceremony will begin on race day starting at roughly 11am on race day.

The Alger Heights Halloween 5K is a rain-or-shine event. However, if severe or unsafe weather conditions threaten the safety of attendees, the Race Director reserves the right to delay, modify, or cancel the event. The safety of participants, spectators, and volunteers is our top priority.

Guidelines

Rain and General Precipitation

• Light to Moderate Rain: The race will not be canceled for rain alone.
• Heavy Rain / Flooding: Standing water, slick roads, or poor visibility may prompt a delayed start.

Lightning and Thunder

• Lightning/Thunder Sighted/Heard: The race start will be immediately delayed.
• The 30-Minute Rule: The event will be postponed for a minimum of 30 minutes following the last observed flash of lightning or sound of thunder. Each subsequent strike resets the 30-minute clock.
• Maximum Delay: The start may be delayed by up to 60 minutes from the original posted time. If unsafe conditions persist past that window, the race will be canceled

Tornadoes and High Winds

• Tornado Watch: The 5k will be closely monitored. The start may be delayed.
• Tornado Warning: The 5k will be canceled immediately. Participants, spectators, and volunteers must seek immediate shelter in a permanent nearby building (not tents or open vehicles)

Registration and Refund Policy

• No Refunds: Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable if the event is delayed, modified, or canceled due to inclement weather ("Acts of God"). Costs go toward permits, medals, shirts, and advance setup.

Communication Plan

If weather threatens the event, updates will be shared through:

• Email: Sent to all registered participants.
• Website: Posted prominently on the homepage.
• Social Media: Updated live on our Facebook and Instagram pages. 
• On-Site PA Announcements: Direct instructions given at the start/finish line area.

Yes.

There is one water stations around the half way point, located near the intersection of Mulford SE and College SE.

Finisher medal and race shirt are only included with regular registration.  Prefered shirts size is not guaranteed after October 4th, 2027.

If registered for the 'Bib only, No Swag' no race shirt or finisher medal are included.

Yes.

For everyone's safety, participants who are unable to maintain a pace of 20 minutes per mile or faster should be prepared to move to the sidewalk beyond the 2-mile marker if the course is reopened to traffic. Please plan your pace accordingly and follow all instructions from law enforcement and event staff.

We welcome runners, walkers, and participants pushing strollers of all paces! To ensure the safety of all participants and volunteers, the 5K course will officially close at 12:00p (noon).

Law enforcement may reopen sections of the course at their discretion as the final participants pass through. The award ceremony is scheduled to begin around 11:00a.

No.

Dogs and pets are not allowed on the course but are welcome to enter the Pet Costume Contest

Yes.

We are a small, volunteer-led event which uses registration funds and local sponsorships to put on the race. We must annually set a cap for participation (based on prior year demand) in order to manage costs, remain volunteer-led, order supplies, and ensure a consistent and positive experience for all registered participants. 

Yes!

Free parking is available. Please be sure to honor any posted signs where it is not or limited and respect households ability to enter and exit their homes.

Reminder: Parking is not allowed along the course from 8am - Noon (ex: along the north side of Alger SE east of Eastern SE) 

Packet pickup is on Friday, October 29th, from 5p-7p at Seymour Church - 840 Alger St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507.

Pickup on Race Day is from 8:30a-9:45a at the Registration Tent near the Start/Finish area. 

Yes.

They can use the QR code that you receive ahead of packet pickup or can provide your first and last name. 

Yes.

We offer the option to transfer registration to another until October 18th - transfer for refund are not available. 

To transfer, follow instructions found here. 

Our deadline allows us time to accommodate transfer-related changes: completion of required waivers, shirt sizing preference, and update to participant details for race results/tracking. The 10/18 deadline for transfers is communicated to participants during the online registration process.

We are not able to facilitate these transfer-related changes after the October 18th deadline.

Please be aware of the following parking and access restrictions on race day:

• No parking along the course route from 8a to noon.
• Alger SE will be closed between Eastern SE and Marshall SE from 8a to noon.
• Neighborhood access will be limited during the 5K, from approximately 9:50a to 11a. Law enforcement officers and course marshals will be monitoring the course to prioritize participant safety.

Residents should plan for possible delays when entering or leaving the neighborhood during the road closure and race. Access to homes may be temporarily restricted while runners are passing, so please allow extra time and follow directions from law enforcement and course marshals.