Northern Lights 5K Fun Run
- Date Fri 11th September 2026
- Time 8:00PM EDT
- Location Traverse City, Michigan
- Price $23.50
- Races 1 race
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Get ready to light up the night at the Northern Lights 5K Fun Run, happening on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center in Traverse City, Grand Traverse! This exciting event welcomes participants of all ages for a lively evening filled with fun, community spirit, and a chance to make a difference. The course features a unique triple loop design that’s flat and easy to navigate, perfect for runners, walkers, and families alike.
Join us at 8:00 PM to embrace the glow as you complete the 5K, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere along the way. Participants can look forward to a neon event tee (for early registrants), post-race snacks, and finisher medals. Don’t miss out on the chance to win fantastic cash prizes for the top male and female finishers, as well as exciting drawings for all race finishers and those who showcase their best glow-in-the-dark gear. Registration opens on May 1, 2026, so mark your calendars and prepare for a glowing good time while supporting vital HIV care and prevention resources in Northern Michigan!
Join us at 8:00 PM to embrace the glow as you complete the 5K, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere along the way. Participants can look forward to a neon event tee (for early registrants), post-race snacks, and finisher medals. Don’t miss out on the chance to win fantastic cash prizes for the top male and female finishers, as well as exciting drawings for all race finishers and those who showcase their best glow-in-the-dark gear. Registration opens on May 1, 2026, so mark your calendars and prepare for a glowing good time while supporting vital HIV care and prevention resources in Northern Michigan!
Organiser's Description
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 years event is moving to the Grand Traverse County Civic Center, bringing a bright new energy and a course designed for everyone.
Were introducing a triple loop course! A flat, easy-to-follow route thats perfect for runners, walkers, families, and all ages. Whether youre moving fast or taking it at your own pace, youll 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 Centers 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 registrantsdont 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 registrationdont 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
red heart 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!
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 years event is moving to the Grand Traverse County Civic Center, bringing a bright new energy and a course designed for everyone.
Were introducing a triple loop course! A flat, easy-to-follow route thats perfect for runners, walkers, families, and all ages. Whether youre moving fast or taking it at your own pace, youll 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 Centers 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 registrantsdont 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 registrationdont 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
red heart 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!
Races
-
5K Run/ Walk
Incl. $3.50 Fee & Moisture Wicking Unisex T-Shirt
Fri 11th September 2026 (8:00PM EDT)
$23.50
This is FUN RUN promoting HIV awareness with CASH prizes! Signs, bright colors, and words of encouragement are welcome! *The course is 3 laps on the paved trail at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center. The total distance is an approximate 5K.
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1213 W Civic Center Dr, Traverse City, 49684, MI, United States
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Northern Lights 5K Fun Run
