Rainbow Run

TART Trails and Up North Pride are coming together to host the Third annual Rainbow Run, a color fun run and fundraiser around the Boardman Lake Loop Trail. On June 21, 2025, the event will celebrate the trail systems and the Northern Michigan 2SLGBTQ+ Community during Pride Month. The community will be invited to Hull Park to enjoy music and refreshments before and after the run. 

The run/walk route will take participants counterclockwise around the 4-mile Boardman Lake Loop Trail. There will be five distinct and separated stations along the route for participants to receive their colors. All participants who register by May 30th will receive a branded white t-shirt. We will be using a powder made of colored cornstarch that will be human, fish, and environment-friendly and will wash out after a rain to have no long-lasting effects on the park or the City infrastructure. The trail will stay open for public use so please be kind to other trail users.

We will gather at Hull Park for music, refreshments, and community activities like lawn games after the event. All of the events at Hull Park will be open to the public. Parking will be available at the nearby public parking decks. Event parking will not be available at Hull Park. Bathrooms have been generously donated by the Traverse Area District Library and additional bathrooms can be found on course at Medalie Park.

When
Friday, June 20, 2025 - packet pick up | Fleet Feet, downtown Traverse City
4:00-7:00 pm | packet pick up / check-in

Saturday, June 21, 2025 - race day | Hull Park, Boardman Lake Loop Trail
8:00 am | late packet pick up / check in 
9:00 am | run / walk start
12:00 pm | event ends

Where
Hull Park | 660 Hannah Ave, Traverse City, Michigan 49686

Route
The run/walk route will take participants counterclockwise around the 4-mile Boardman Lake Loop Trail. Water and bathrooms will be available at Hull Park and Medalie Park. Five distinct color stations will also offer water along the route.

Waves
Participants will identify themselves as runners or walkers at check-in and will be assigned a wave. There will be 8 waves that start 2 minutes apart. Each wave will be limited to 50 participants. There will be designated waiting areas for each wave.

This is done so people will generally start and run/walk most of the event near people of their own abilities and speeds. This will also prevent participants from waiting in line to receive their color spray at each color station along the route. 

Who benefits
Proceeds will be split between Up North Pride and TART Trails

What is the cost?
Pre-Registration | $25 Student (17 and under) / $30 Adult (18+) | must register by May 30th to guarantee a t-shirt & early bird pricing
May 31th price increase | $30 Student (17 and under) / $35 Adult (18+) 

Parking & Bathrooms
Public Parking is available across the street from the Traverse Area District Library, at the Department of Public Services (DPS) at 625 Woodmere Ave. (The large back lot is accessible from Hannah Ave.) For safety, we ask that you use either the crosswalk directly in front of the library, or at the Woodmere/Hannah intersection. There is also limited pull-in parking along the railroad tracks on the east side of Hull Park.

The Public Restrooms in Hull Park open around 7 am. There are also restrooms just inside the library, which opens at 9am, and at Medalie Park on the far side of the course.

Lodging
Looking for a place to stay during the Rainbow Run? Check out these Traverse City Hotel & Lodging options!

Packet Pick Up
Join us for packet pick up at Fleet Feet on Friday, June 20 between 4 to 7 pm. Grab your t-shirt, wave assignment and stick around for lots of fun at Fleet Feet. There will be a raffle and opportunity to create your own Rainbow Run swag using their custom heat press! Check-in and packet pick up will also be available Saturday morning at Hull Park beginning at 8 am.

Training Programs

Are you new to running? There are great training plans offered by our local sponsors and community partners.

Make it a Mile

This is an 11 week program starting on March 23 and is designed for brand new runners as a way to help make sure your first steps into running are positive. This program will have a lot of guidance and direction as well as opportunities with several brands to try footwear and other things to better understand the benefits of it without having to commit to buying it. Use the code "Rainbow" to get $25 off the registration fee.

Learn more here: https://www.finalsurge.com/coach/fleetfeettraversecity/training/programs/makeitamilespring2025

The Big Run

This is also an 11 week program starting on March 23 and is designed for beginner runners. This program will have less brand presence and is less customizable but is perfect for a beginner runner on a budget. Use the code "TheBigRun" and save $10 off the registration fee.

Learn more here: https://www.finalsurge.com/coach/fleetfeettraversecity/training/programs/thebigruntrainingprogram 

WEATHER CANCELLATION 
In the event of inclement weather (thunder, lightning, threatening rain), we may postpone or cancel the Rainbow Run. Please check emails the morning of the event for updates. In the event of cancellation or postponement, you registration fee is non-refundable, but will be considered a tax-deductible donation to TART Trails and Up North Pride. 

The 2025 Rainbow Run is presented by JenTees Custom Logo Gear