Events
2026 Wheatlake Wellness 5k Run
2026 Wheatlake Wellness Walk
2026 Wheatlake Wellness Virtual 5K Run/Walk
Become a Sponsor
Consider sponsoring the 2026 Wheatlake Wellness Walk & 5K
Every step tells a story. This year, cancer fighters, survivors, and their loved ones will celebrate 20 years of stories at the 2026 Wheatlake Wellness Walk & 5K on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
We invite you to partner with us on an event that brings our community together with a shared purpose: providing cancer wellness services to our family, friends and neighbors at the Susan P. Wheatlake Regional Cancer Center.
Partnership highlights
Eight levels are available, from $100 to $3,000. See the enclosed form for details.
Teams are welcome! Are you part of a workplace wellness program? Join us!
Anyone, individual or team, can run in support or memory of current or former cancer patients.
Proceeds from this event support cancer wellness services at the Susan P. Wheatlake Regional Cancer Center, provided at no charge to patients, including:
· Transportation assistance, to ensure all patients can travel for treatments.
· On-site boutique appointments, such as wig and bra fittings.
· Integrative therapies, including massage, acupuncture, and reflexology.
· Support groups and educational sessions.
Take a look at the enclosed reply form to learn more about partnership packages. When you’ve made your selection, simply return the completed form with your preferred payment method.
Unable to partner, but interested in registering as a walker/runner or willing to spread the news? Check out the enclosed flier and display in your business and/or share with others.
Your participation in the 20th Anniversary of the Wheatlake Wellness Walk & 5K will make a meaningful difference in the lives of friends, family members and community members on a cancer journey. Won’t you join us?
Sincerely,
Shelly Westbrook
Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.
Description
Join the fight against cancer and participate in the Corewell Health Foundation West Michigan: Wheatlake Wellness Walk and 5K on Saturday, May 16, 2026
We have both in-person and virtual options available.
Registration includes:
- 2026 Wheatlake Wellness Walk & 5K race shirt
- Participants who pre-register by April 15 are guaranteed to receive a shirt.
Registrations after 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
- Pride knowing that you are supporting local patients fighting cancer
- Results are live and will be available on this website after the event. Look for the QR code near the finish line!
- Awards: Top award winners can pick up medals immediately after the race
- Children are allowed to participate with registered adults (strollers allowed).
The race is professionally timed by the Michigan Running Foundation.
T-shirt
Participants who pre-register by April 23rd are guaranteed to receive a shirt. Registrations after 4/23 can choose from extra shirts during packet-pick up while supplies last. Shirts are available in size Adult XS thru 3XL.
5K Run - Timed
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
5K Wellness Walk: $30
Walk Registration: 8:30 a.m.
Walk Start: 9:30 a.m. (Walk will begin immediately after runners)
Packet Pick Up and Late Registration
Friday, May 15, 2026
12 - 5:30 p.m.
Big Rapids Hospital Professional Office Building
705 Oak Street Ste 5, DOOR A
Big Rapids, MI 49307
Race Day Saturday, May 16, 2026
8 - 9 a.m.
Big Rapids Bandshell (behind Big Rapids Middle School)
500 N Warren Ave.
Big Rapids, MI US 49307
5K ROUTE
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.
Virtual 5K Run/Walk
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 17, 2026 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!
Your participation supports local patients fighting cancer
Race proceeds will benefit the Susan P. Wheatlake Cancer and Wellness Fund, an endowment of the Corewell 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.
Race Contact Info
Place
500 N Warren Ave.
Big Rapids, MI US 49307
Race Participant Survey
Please complete the following survey to help us better understand your race experience.
