Join the fight against cancer and participate in the Spectrum Health Wheatlake Wellness Walk and 5K on Saturday, May 21, 2022.
We are excited to announce planning is underway for an in-person event this year! A virtual race option will also be available.
In an effort for continuous improvement, this event will now be a walk and 5K race. Due to limited resources, the half marathon and 10K will be discontinued. The change will give the ability to have a fully paved and beautiful route along the river, which will improve safety, coordination and participant satisfaction. It will also improve the timing and resource challenges. The event name has been changed from The Wheatlake Festival of Races to the Wheatlake Wellness Walk & 5K.
Registration includes:
- 2022 Wheatlake Wellness Walk & 5K race shirt. Kids shirts will also be available for $10 each.
- Participants who pre-register by Friday, April 22, 2022 are guaranteed to receive a shirt.
Registrations after April 22 can choose from extra shirts during packet-pick up while supplies last.
- Virtual Run/Walk option
- Timed 5K race with medals with top male and female finisher medals in age categories of
- 19 and younger
- 20 to 24
- 25 to 29
- 30 to 34
- 35 to 39
- 40 to 44
- 45 to 49
- 50 to 54
- 55 to 59
- 60 to 64
- 65 to 69
- 70 and up
- Option to dedicate a memorial or encouragement stake to a loved one
- Pride knowing that you are supporting local patients fighting cancer
The following guidelines will be implemented for the safety of participants, volunteers and event staff:
- Open start line - your chip time starts when you start the race
- Open area - start line and race staging will be spread out to maximize social distancing
- Results - posted online only
- No awards ceremony to avoid crowding
- Canceled Kids Dash. However, children are allowed to participate with registered adults (strollers allowed).
- Recommended social distancing and mask-wearing. Participants will be asked to follow the current health mandates in place at the time and location of the event but will not be required to wear a mask while running or walking.
Race proceeds will benefit the Susan P. Wheatlake Cancer and Wellness Fund, an endowment of the Spectrum Health Foundation Big Rapids & Reed City Hospitals. The fund provides resources, programming and services that directly impact cancer patients and their families in our region.
The Susan P. Wheatlake Regional Cancer Center is a comprehensive regional treatment facility bringing together the full range of services for patients and families on their cancer journey. The cancer center features a Wellness Center, which includes a library, boutique, gift shop and an integrative therapy room. Patients can borrow educational materials from the center and also receive free massages and integrative therapy services. The center hosts support groups and educational sessions to assist patients on the road to recovery. All wellness services are provided FREE OF CHARGE thanks to generous donations to the Wellness Fund.
Consider sponsoring the Wheatlake Wellness Walk & 5K
Partner with us as a sponsor for this meaningful event that supports cancer care for over 12 northwestern Michigan counties. We welcome teams to participate in the event as part of their workplace wellness program and/or to show their support for our cancer patients.
Employee group discounts or matching donation discounts are available.
Your sponsorship will provide resources and Wellness Center services to patients at the Susan P. Wheatlake Regional Cancer Center in Reed City such as gas cards to ensure they can travel to their treatments, free appointments in our on-site boutique such as wig fittings and bra fittings and free integrative therapies such as massage and reflexology to aid their recovery.
Make cancer and wellness services available for your family, friends and neighbors by supporting the Wheatlake Wellness Walk & 5K.
Varying levels of sponsorships are available.
Visit give.spectrumhealth.org/wheatlakeraces
Friday, May 20, 2022
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Big Rapids Hospital Professional Office Building
705 Oak Street Ste 5, DOOR A
Big Rapids, MI 49307
5K Race: $35
Run Registration: 8:30 a.m.
Run Start: 9:30 a.m.
Timed 5K race with medals with top male and female finisher medals in age categories of 19 and younger, 20 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, 40 to 44, 45 to 49, 50 to 54, 55 to 59, 60 to 64, 65 to 69, 70 and up.
5K Wellness Walk: $30
Walk Registration: 8:30 a.m.
Walk Start: 9:30 a.m. (Walk will begin immediately after runners)
The 5K route will start and end at the Bandshell behind Big Rapids Middle School. The path will head north along the beautiful Riverwalk trail and circle back. The route is primarily flat and handicap accessible.
Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome.
Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.
A virtual event is an opportunity for you to support cancer care while on your individual schedule and avoid large crowds. Participants may choose a convenient time during daylight hours before Sunday, May 22, 2022 to run or walk anywhere in the world.
You do not need to submit a time. A virtual race encourages you to run at your own pace by running, jogging or walking.
We look forward to seeing your Wheatlake 5K Run/Walk experiences with your friends, kids or furry race partners! Please send in selfies and pictures of your race to danielle.wells@spectrumhealth.org or text to 517-240-2404.
Participants who pre-register by Friday, April 22, 2022 are guaranteed to receive a shirt. If unable to pick-up your guaranteed shirt at packet-pick up, the shirt will be mailed to the address on your registration the week after the event. Kids shirts are also available for purchase during registration and in the race store.
Registrations after April 22 can choose from extra shirts during packet-pick up while supplies last.
500 N Warren Ave.
Big Rapids, MI US 49307
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