Join us for the 2nd annual RACE FOR THE RED on Saturday, May 22nd at Riverside Park in Grand Rapids.
Last year, YOU helped us raise $27,000! ❤️
This year, we’re coming back even stronger — and we want to BEAT IT! 💪🔥
Last year we had an incredible 296 runners and more than 20 amazing volunteers who came together to support firefighter families and help make a difference in our community.
Now it’s time to raise the bar! 🏃♀️🏃♂️🚒
Our goal this year: $30,000!
Every registration. Every donation. Every volunteer. Every share. It all adds up.
Let’s show up, run together, and make an even bigger impact this year! ❤️
Let’s beat $27,000! Who’s with us? 🔥
Events
Race for the Red 5K
Race for the Red Turnout Challenge 5K
Race for the Red 5K Virtual Event
Race for the Red is organized by Grand Rapids 2015 firefighter of the year Ed DeMaagd, diagnosed with cancer in 2024. 100% of donations benefit Neighbors United a 501c3 organization supporting Michigan firefighters battling cancer and expanding proactive care through early detection.
EVENT PRICING
$40 until 11/30
$45 from 12/1 to 1/31
$50 from 2/1 to 4/14
$55 from 4/15 to 5/21
$60 Race day 5/22
Save $5 per person when you register 3 or more people at the same time. Discount applied during registration. Valid for the 5k run/walk only (excludes Turnout and Virtual)
Kids Run is $10. Includes a finish line goodie. T-shirt option for additional $10, youth sizes available. Open to ages 12 and under.
RACE SWAG
All 5k participants receive a race t-shirt, finisher medal, and race bib
Shirts available in Adult sizes Small thru 2XL - register early to guarantee your size! Sizes are guaranteed thru May 9th.
RACE DAY SCHEDULE
8:20 - 9:20 AM - Packet pickup
9:20 AM - National Anthem
9:25 AM - Pre-race briefing
9:30 AM - Race start
10:15 AM - Awards Ceremony
10:30 AM - Kids Dash
The race will officially finish when the last participant crosses the finish line.
Post race food and refreshments!
RESULTS
The race is professionally timed by the Michigan Running Foundation.
Results will be available immediately after you finish the race.
Results QR Codes will also be posted near the finish line.
AWARDS
Finisher Medals for all participants.
Awards will be given to first, second, and third place in each age group Male and Female: 18 and under, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
We will also have an award for the overall finisher of the Turnout Challenge.
To qualify for the Turnout Challenge, you must wear your turnout pants and coat. Boots are not required or recommended. A helmet is optional — but we'll be real impressed if you win in a helmet.
Virtual participants are not eligible for awards. Your t-shirt and finisher medal will be shipped to you.
Race for the Red is organized by Grand Rapids 2015 firefighter of the year Ed DeMaagd, diagnosed with cancer in 2024. 100% of donations benefit Neighbors United a 501c3 organization supporting Michigan firefighters battling cancer and expanding proactive care through early detection.
NEW for 2026/2027: Cancer Screening Initiative - early detection screenings for active and retired firefighters. Because catching cancer early saves lives!
Donate $250 and we'll give you a free entry! During registration on the donation screen select the $250 level. The free entry will automatically be applied in your cart during registration.
$20
Raised of $30,000
The countdown is on! 🔥🏃♀️
Price Increase
Race for the Red 5K
Race for the Red Turnout Challenge 5K
Race for the Red 5K Virtual Event
Event Location
Riverside Park Grand Rapids, MI
2001 Monroe Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505 US
View Location on Map
PARKING - There is plenty of parking in the Riverside Park lot. There is also free parking nearby along Monroe Avenue and on adjacent side streets.
Please give yourself enough time to park, walk over, and pick up your packet before the race starts.
We will be near the baseball fields. You should see a giant start line and a firetruck, so we should be pretty easy to find!
