
From the Organizer
The Ava VanderStelt Scholarship Colors for Hope 5K is a vibrant and heartfelt community event created in memory of Ava Rose VanderStelt, who tragically lost her life to suicide in 2022. This meaningful event shines a light on mental health awareness while fostering connection, compassion, and support. Participants gather for a powerful day of remembrance, hope, fun, and fitness—united in a shared commitment to making a difference.
The Ava VanderStelt Scholarship Fund is dedicated to preventing youth suicide by promoting mental health education and resilience. We honor Ava’s memory by empowering young advocates and fostering community dialogue to create a world where every young person feels supported. Transforming grief into action, we strive to build a future filled with hope and healing for our youth.
100% of the proceeds from the Colors for Hope 5K provide scholarships for local high schools and support Hope Squads, peer-led suicide prevention programs that focus on educating, training, and teaching peer intervention to help combat suicide and mental health issues in our schools.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call 988 or visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat.
8:30 - Welcome, Sponsor & Vendor Recognition, and Prayer
8:45 - Color Toss
8:55 - Runner & Walker Line-up
9:00 - 5K Start
10:30 (Est) - Awards Ceremony
8 & under / 9-12 / 13-16 / 17-22 / 23-30 / 31-40 / 41-50 / 51-60 / 61-70/ 71+
For race packet pickup, please go here.
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
79°
Typical Low
58°
Chance of Rain
26%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Montague 4 Nw, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
2,630
as of 2023
Elevation
658 ft
Nearest Airport
MKG
Muskegon County Airport · 19 mi
Major Hub
GRR
Gerald R. Ford International Airport · 57 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Colors for Hope 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
Run A Muck Cross Country 5K and 10K
Less than a mile away
Run OHS 5k
15 miles away
9th Annual Jazz Blueberry Trail Run/Walk: 5K/10K/1-Mile & NEW* 24 Hour Team Relay!
13 miles away
Fruitland Trail Run/Walk
3 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)
Colors for Hope 5K
Jul 25, 2026