
From the Organizer
The Cedar Polka Fest has been a popular Leelanau County tradition for the past 44 years, 2026 marks the sixth year of our festival race event -The Cedar Polka Fest – Run 4 The Kielbasa. This Four-mile event begins and ends in downtown Cedar and includes free entry to the polka fest and a complimentary beer / pop!We welcome all Runners, Walkers, Strollers, Wheelchair Racers and Dogs to this professionally timed event.
If you can’t make the race, no worries! You can run the race VIRTUALLY! By participating in a virtual setting, you will still receive an awesome collectible T-Shirt and support the Cedar Community.
The Pierogi Fun Run. Want to participate in the fun but 4 miles is more sausage than you want to bite off? Sign up for the Pierogi Fun Run! Less steps on your fitness tracker but free Polka Fest entry and drink are just as fun!
Packet Pick up & Late Registration
Date: Friday, August 28th, 5 to 7pm
Location: In front of the Polka Fest tent
Packet Pick up & Race Day Registration
Date: Saturday, August 29th, 7 to 7:45am
Location: At the Race Start Line near the 4 way stop in beautiful downtown Cedar.
Race Starts at 8:00am
The race starts promptly at 8:00AM. Participants are encouraged to dress up for this fun event. We will gather for the playing of our National Anthem at 7:55AM near the starting line at the Intersection of Bellinger and Cedar Road.
Prizes will be given to Men’s and Women’s Overall 1st -3rd place age group winners.
Awards are available as soon as the timing company compiles the list. Awards can be picked up at the Registration Booth near the race Start / Finish Line.
Stick around for the Polka Fest Parade, the Craft Show & Farmers Market or to Dance the night away to some of the best Polka bands in the Midwest.
You must register online before August 14th to receive a T-Shirt. We will have extras on race day for those who register after this date, but there is no guarantee on size. First come, first serve. This is a one of a kind event with a highly collectible T-shirt.
Online registration closes at 7AM August 29th, 2025.
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
76°
Typical Low
55°
Chance of Rain
29%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Maple City 1e, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
Elevation
609 ft
Nearest Airport
TVC
Cherry Capital Airport · 14 mi
Major Hub
GRR
Gerald R. Ford International Airport · 138 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 Cedar Polka Fest – Race Series, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
82
Days to train
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12 miles 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)
Cedar Polka Fest – Race Series
Aug 29, 2026