Northern Lights 5K Fun Run
- Date
- September 11, 2026
- Distance
- 5K Run/ Walk
From the Organizer
BIG NEWS FROM TJCC!
Welcome to the Northern Lights 5K Fun Run at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center!
The Northern Lights 5K Fun Run has a new home!
Hosted by the Thomas Judd Care Center, this year’s event is moving to the Grand Traverse County Civic Center, bringing a bright new energy and a course designed for everyone.
We’re introducing a triple loop course! A flat, easy-to-follow route that’s perfect for runners, walkers, families, and all ages. Whether you’re moving fast or taking it at your own pace, you’ll circle the course three times, enjoying the lights and community along the way.
Three loops = more glow, more fun, and more chances to cheer each other on!
Same welcoming, feel-good event - just in a new location that makes it even easier to participate and celebrate together.
Get Ready to Glow!
Thomas Judd Care Center’s 9th Annual Northern Lights 5K Fun Run
Friday, September 11 | 8:00 PM
Start & Finish: Grand Traverse County Civic Center/ Pavilion Parking Lot
Lace up your sneakers and light up the night! Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Northern Lights 5K Fun Run, hosted by the Thomas Judd Care Center to raise awareness for HIV care and prevention resources across Northern Michigan.
Whether you're running or walking, this 5K course offers glowing fun, community spirit, and a chance to make a difference!
Registration Includes:
- Neon event tee (limited to early registrants—don’t wait!)
- Timed event
- Post-race snacks
- Finisher medals
Cash Prizes!
Top Overall Male & Female Finisher: $300
Male & Female Division:
- 1st Place: $150
- 2nd Place: $100
- 3rd Place: $50
We're excited to once again offer cash prize drawings:
- Northern Lights Finisher Drawing - All race finishers (run, walk, crawl) will be entered to win one of three $50 cash prizes!
- Northern Lights Spirit Drawing - Show off your glow! Embrace the theme and light up the night with your best neon, LED, or glow-in-the-dark gear. All creatively lit-up and enthusiastically dressed racers will be entered to win $100 cash prize!
Come prepared with extra clothes and time to cheer on other runners as they cross the finish line. Celebrate wellness and support for others! You must be present to win drawings at the completion of the race!
Important Dates:
- Registration Opens: Friday, May 1 at 8:00 AM
- Registration Closes: Sunday, September 6 at 11:59 PM
There is no race-day registration—don’t miss your chance! - Packet Pickup: Wednesday, September 9, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Munson Foster Family Community Center, 550 Munson Ave, Suite 202 Traverse City - Late Packet Pickup: Friday, September 11, 7:00 PM -7:30 PM at Grand Traverse County Civic Center Pavillion
❤️ Why We Run
The Thomas Judd Care Center works to promote wellness and prevent HIV transmission by providing holistic, compassionate care for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS in Northern Michigan. Your participation helps support life-changing services in our community.
Ready to shine? Register early to guarantee your race tee and join us for a glowing good time!
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
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
73°
Typical Low
51°
Chance of Rain
38%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Traverse City Munson, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Traverse City, MI
Elevation
581 ft
Nearest Airport
TVC
Cherry Capital Airport · 3 mi
Major Hub
GRR
Gerald R. Ford International Airport · 131 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
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Northern Lights 5K Fun Run, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
95
Days to train
- Race
- Northern Lights 5K Fun Run
- Date
- September 11, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near Traverse City, MI
Rainbow Run
Less than a mile away
Zumba by the Bay
Less than a mile away
Yoga by the Bay
Less than a mile away
Cherry Pie Bike Ride
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
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.
Running
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)
- What is the Northern Lights 5K Fun Run?
- Northern Lights 5K Fun Run is a running race held in Traverse City, Michigan on September 11, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Northern Lights 5K Fun Run?
- Friday, September 11, 2026 in Traverse City, Michigan at 1213 W Civic Center Dr, Traverse City, MI. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Northern Lights 5K Fun Run?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Northern Lights 5K Fun Run
Sep 11, 2026