
From the Organizer
Bee Brave goes beyond fundraising events — it’s a powerful, supportive community of people. For 20 years, we have:
Raised awareness for breast cancer research
Supported those facing the disease
Honored those we have lost
It’s a place of hope — a space to share stories, lift each other up, and celebrate victories big and small.
Real impact, right at home: Since 2016, Bee Brave has raised over $1 million to support breakthrough breast cancer research at Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids.
What makes Bee Brave different? Every dollar truly counts and stays local.
100% of funds raised stay in Grand Rapids, Michigan, supporting breast cancer research at Van Andel Institute
100% of events are volunteer run
100% of race registration fees go directly to research
No salaries. No overhead distractions. Just a shared commitment to finding a cure.
Powered by community: For nearly a decade, Bee Brave’s partnership with Van Andel Institute has helped fund critical breast cancer research — something that wouldn’t be possible without:
Dedicated volunteers giving their time
Local business sponsors supporting the mission
Every person involved chooses impact over recognition, ensuring every dollar goes where it matters most.
Stronger together with Purple Community: Bee Brave proudly partners with Van Andel Institute Purple Community — a grassroots program that connects individuals, schools, teams and businesses to the fight against diseases like cancer and Parkinson’s.
With tools, guidance and support to create meaningful fundraising efforts, Purple Community helps amplify every contribution. One hundred percent of every donation goes directly to research.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
67°
Typical Low
46°
Based on US Climate Normals data from Nwsfo Grand Rapids, 5 mi from the venue.
Host City
Elevation
771 ft
Nearest Airport
GRR
Gerald R. Ford International Airport · 4 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Bee Brave 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
Caledonia Kilt Klassic 5k
Less than a mile away
myTEAM TRIUMPH West MI -- TRIDELSOL -- Captain & Angel Registration
9 miles away
Heatwave Half Marathon - Grand Rapids
Less than a mile away
Green Lake 5K run and walk
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Bee Brave 5K
Oct 3, 2026