
From the Organizer
RUN, WALK, HAVE FUN, AND SUPPORT WGVU
Join us on the morning of April 25th at Millennium Park for three community-powered events: a 5K Fun Run, a 2-Mile Walk, or a 1-Mile Dog and Kid Run. It's a day built around movement, connection, and supporting WGVU Public Media's mission.
A Message from Shelley:
"My passion is movement and setting goals that keep me energized in every part of my life. After 25 years on the air at WGVU, I've been running toward community, connection, and great storytelling every day. Now I get to run with YOU. Join me, sponsor, show up, hydrate, celebrate. Just say YES!"
Your support directly strengthens West Michigan by helping WGVU deliver:
• Trusted local journalism that keeps our community informed
• Educational programming that helps kids learn and grow
• Cultural content that celebrates the people and stories of our region
• Commercial-free programming accessible to everyone
When you support WGVU, you're investing in lifelong learning, public-service reporting, arts and culture, and the shared civic well-being of West Michigan.
And yes, there are perks.
Every participant receives a limited edition WGVU baseball cap, plus access to pre- and post-race refreshments, including a Bloody Mary bar and a charcuterie table that would make any West Michigan foodie proud.
Event Details:
Whether you run, walk, skip, stroll, or let your dog set the pace, you'll be part of something bigger. 100% of proceeds support WGVU Public Media, fueling children's education, community storytelling, and the programming West Michigan relies on.
And since Shelley is marking 25 years at WGVU, she's not just hosting the Fun Run, she's basically lapping the quarter-century mark of connecting communities through radio. Come celebrate the milestone with us.
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
61°
Typical Low
37°
Chance of Rain
46%
Based on US Climate Normals data from E Grand Rapids, 7 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
197,768
as of 2023
City Elevation
741 ft
Nearest Airport
GRR
Gerald R. Ford International Airport · 8 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at The Shelley Irwin Fun Run 2026, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
304
Days to train
Coming Up
Health is Wealth Community 5K
Less than a mile away
WMAAA Banh Mi 5K Run & Walk
Less than a mile away
PAWS in the Park
Less than a mile away
Millennium Meadows Marathon
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)
The Shelley Irwin Fun Run 2026
Apr 24, 2027