Irish Jig 5K
- Date Sun 8th March 2026 - Sun 15th March 2026
- Time 8:30AM EDT
- Location Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Price Free - $38.45
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Get ready to kick off Michigan's racing season with a purpose at the Irish Jig 5K, taking place from March 8 to March 15, 2026, in beautiful Grand Rapids, Kent. This year, the Irish Jig is not just about tradition—it's a powerful movement against cancer. On March 14, participants will unite to address the staggering reality that 1 in 2 people will face cancer in their lifetime. Every step taken during this 5K race will contribute to vital cancer research and care through Corewell Health and Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.
The Irish Jig 2026 promises to be more than just a race; it's a rallying cry for hope and support for those battling cancer. In addition to the main event, this year introduces the Kids Gold Ribbon Run at 9:30 AM on the East Grand Rapids Track, where children can also make a difference. Registration for this fun and empowering event is free, with an optional commemorative shirt available for $25. For those who can't make it in person, the Jig Virtual option allows participants to join from anywhere during the week of March 9, making it easier than ever to be part of this meaningful cause. Lace up your running shoes, bring
The Irish Jig 2026 promises to be more than just a race; it's a rallying cry for hope and support for those battling cancer. In addition to the main event, this year introduces the Kids Gold Ribbon Run at 9:30 AM on the East Grand Rapids Track, where children can also make a difference. Registration for this fun and empowering event is free, with an optional commemorative shirt available for $25. For those who can't make it in person, the Jig Virtual option allows participants to join from anywhere during the week of March 9, making it easier than ever to be part of this meaningful cause. Lace up your running shoes, bring
Organiser's Description
For more than 40 years, the Irish Jig has marked the start of Michigans racing season. But 2026 isnt just another starting line. Its a turning point. On March 14, were not running for tradition. Were running against a brutal truth: 1 IN 2 PEOPLE WILL FACE CANCER IN THEIR LIFETIME. Thats not a statistic were willing to accept. This year, the Irish Jig becomes more than a race. Its a stand. A statement. A surge of runners moving as one. Every stride fuels cancer research and care through Corewell Health and Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital. Every step brings hope closer to home. This is not just a 5K. This is a rally for fighters, a reckoning with cancer, a reason to believe in something bigger. Join us. Bring your people. Fill the streets. Run. Walk. Cheer. Because we're taking the Jig WellBeyond anything it's been before.
New for 2026 is the Kids Gold Ribbon Run and Jig Virtual participation option. The Kids Gold Ribbon Run will take place at 9:30a on the East Grand Rapids Track, allowing kids to use their feet to raise support for pediatric cancer programs. The Kids Gold Ribbon Run is free to register, with an optional $25 commemorative shirt available. The kids will be broken into age groups and complete one lap on the track.
The Jig Virtual is an opportunity to participate in the movement from anywhere that works for you the week of March 9. Your shirt will be mailed out to you on race weekend. Registration for the Jig Virtual closes on March 7th.
APPLY TO BE AN IRISH JIG AMBASSADOR! [https://corewellhealth.org/foundation/west/events/irish-jig/ambassadors]
New for 2026 is the Kids Gold Ribbon Run and Jig Virtual participation option. The Kids Gold Ribbon Run will take place at 9:30a on the East Grand Rapids Track, allowing kids to use their feet to raise support for pediatric cancer programs. The Kids Gold Ribbon Run is free to register, with an optional $25 commemorative shirt available. The kids will be broken into age groups and complete one lap on the track.
The Jig Virtual is an opportunity to participate in the movement from anywhere that works for you the week of March 9. Your shirt will be mailed out to you on race weekend. Registration for the Jig Virtual closes on March 7th.
APPLY TO BE AN IRISH JIG AMBASSADOR! [https://corewellhealth.org/foundation/west/events/irish-jig/ambassadors]
Races
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5k
Incl. $3.45 Fee & Long Sleeve, Technical Shirt
Sat 14th March 2026 (8:30AM EDT)
$38.45
Race will begin at 8:30 a.m. with walkers beginning at approximately 8:45 a.m. Walking the course is allowed, but participants must complete the route within 75 minutes and begin after the runners at approximately 8:45 a.m. -
Kids Gold Ribbon Run
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 14th March 2026 (9:30AM EDT)
Free
Run will take place at the East Grand Rapids track, near the start/finish link at 9:30a. This event is open to all youth and will be one lap around the track, which is 400 meters. We will break the youth into age categories and send them off in waves. Proceeds support pediatric cancer patients. This will be an untimed event. -
Jig Virtual
Incl. $3.45 Fee & Long Sleeve, Technical Shirt
$38.45
This is a virtual race option. Your shirt will be mailed out to you race weekend.
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2211 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, 49506, MI, United States
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Irish Jig 5K
