Volksläufe - The People's Race

Frankenmuth Jaycees logo

From Frankenmuth Jaycees

  • Date Sat 4th July 2026
  • Time 7:00AM EDT
  • Location Frankenmuth, Michigan
  • Price $17.61 - $81.66
  • Races 12 races
  • Distances 5km, 10km, Half Marathon

Event summary

Join us for the 50th Annual Volksläufe - The People's Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in the charming town of Frankenmuth, Saginaw! Organised by the dedicated Frankenmuth Jaycees, this beloved community tradition celebrates the spirit of family, friendship, and fitness. Runners of all skill levels are invited to participate in a range of exciting race distances, including the traditional 5K, 10K, and Half-Marathon, all set against the backdrop of Frankenmuth's picturesque Bavarian streets, scenic countryside, and the tranquil Cass River. For our youngest athletes and newcomers to racing, the 2K Fun Run offers a perfect introduction to the joy of running.

The festivities kick off on the evening of July 3 with the Volksläufe Eve celebration, featuring live entertainment, delicious food vendors, and a vibrant community marketplace. As the night sky lights up with fireworks, the excitement builds for race day! Not only is the Volksläufe a thrilling race, but every dollar raised supports local charitable initiatives, ensuring that this event truly embodies the spirit of giving back. Come together with friends, family, and fellow runners to create unforgettable memories at this milestone event!

Organiser's Description

For five decades, the Volksl"aufe has brought together runners from all walks of life, making it far more than a race its a cherished community tradition! The Volksl"aufe, meaning The Peoples Race in German, embraces the spirit of family, friendship, and fitness, inviting participants to a fun and meaningful celebration. Hosted by the Frankenmuth Jaycees, this years event is set to be our biggest yet, with every mile and every cheer contributing to charitable causes close to our communitys heart.

Our 50th ANNUAL race will feature the traditional 5K, 10K, and Half-Marathon, guiding runners through Frankenmuths picturesque Bavarian streets, scenic countryside, and the peaceful Cass River. But thats not all! For our youngest runners and those new to racing, we offer the 2K Fun Run, a shorter route filled with the same high spirits and cheers as the longer races. The Volksl"aufe has something for everyone from serious athletes to families looking for holiday fun!


Race Day Schedule Friday, July 4, 2025
Heritage Park, Frankenmuth, MI

10K Start 7:00 AM

Half-Marathon Start 7:15 AM

5K Run Start 9:00 AM

5K Walk Start 9:05 AM

2K Fun Run Start 10:00 AM

Packet Pickup & Volksl"aufe Eve Festivities
Packet Pickup Location
601 Weiss St.
Frankenmuth, MI 48734

Thursday, July 3, 2025
alarm clock 5:00 PM 9:00 PM EDT

Race Day Friday, July 4, 2025
alarm clock 6:00 AM 9:45 AM EDT

Stick around on Volksl"aufe Eve (Thursday, July 3) for an evening of fun before the big race!
From 5:00 PM until the fireworks begin around 10:00 PM, enjoy:
Live entertainment
Food vendors
A bustling community marketplace
Family-friendly activities and music
And of course, the spectacular Frankenmuth fireworks display lighting up the night sky!


As always, the Frankenmuth Jaycees mission goes beyond the race. Every dollar raised will fund our July 3rd fireworks display and support various charitable initiatives throughout the year. After crossing the finish line, stick around to enjoy post-race festivities with food, music, and celebration!

The Volksl"aufe is about people racers, families, friends, and our incredible volunteers. Together, well make the 50th edition unforgettable! Thank you to our runners, sponsors, vendors, and community members for supporting this tradition and making a difference in our community.

Races

  • 5K Run

    Incl. $4.30 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 4th July 2026 (9:00AM EDT)

    $44.30

    OPENS 01 FEB 26
  • 5K Walk

    Incl. $4.30 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 4th July 2026 (9:05AM EDT)

    $44.30

    OPENS 01 FEB 26
  • 10K Run

    Incl. $4.64 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 4th July 2026 (7:00AM EDT)

    $49.64

    OPENS 01 FEB 26
  • 10K/5K Zweiläufe

    Incl. $6.66 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 4th July 2026 (7:00AM EDT)

    $81.66

    OPENS 01 FEB 26
    Zweil"aufe Challenge: Take on the ultimate test of endurance by running both the 10K and the 5K races! Conquer the 10K in the morning, then catch your breath and gear up for the 5K later in the day. Its the perfect way to double the challenge, double the fun, and celebrate this special race day with an unforgettable achievement!
  • Half Marathon Run

    Incl. $4.98 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 4th July 2026 (7:15AM EDT)

    $54.98

    OPENS 01 FEB 26
    Please Note: To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, the half marathon has a cutoff time of 3.5 hours. This allows for an average pace of 16 minutes per mile. Runners who cannot maintain this pace may be asked to complete the race on sidewalks, as roads will reopen to traffic. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us provide a safe and well-supported race day for everyone!
  • 2K Family Fun Run

    Incl. $2.95 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 4th July 2026 (10:00AM EDT)

    $22.95

    OPENS 01 FEB 26
  • 5K Run - Economy

    Incl. $3.63 Fee

    Sat 4th July 2026 (9:00AM EDT)

    $33.63

    OPENS 01 FEB 26
  • 5K Walk - Economy

    Incl. $3.63 Fee

    Sat 4th July 2026 (9:10AM EDT)

    $33.63

    OPENS 01 FEB 26
  • 10K Run - Economy

    Incl. $3.96 Fee

    Sat 4th July 2026 (7:00AM EDT)

    $38.96

    OPENS 01 FEB 26
  • 10K/5K Zweiläufe - Economy

    Incl. $5.99 Fee

    Sat 4th July 2026 (7:00AM EDT)

    $70.99

    OPENS 01 FEB 26
    Zweil"aufe Challenge: Take on the ultimate test of endurance by running both the 10K and the 5K races! Conquer the 10K in the morning, then catch your breath and gear up for the 5K later in the day. Its the perfect way to double the challenge, double the fun, and celebrate this special race day with an unforgettable achievement!
  • Half Marathon - Economy

    Incl. $4.30 Fee

    Sat 4th July 2026 (7:10AM EDT)

    $44.30

    OPENS 01 FEB 26
    Please Note: To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, the half marathon has a cutoff time of 3.5 hours. This allows for an average pace of 16 minutes per mile. Runners who cannot maintain this pace may be asked to complete the race on sidewalks, as roads will reopen to traffic. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us provide a safe and well-supported race day for everyone!
  • 2K Family Fun Run - Economy

    Incl. $2.61 Fee

    Sat 4th July 2026 (10:00AM EDT)

    $17.61

    OPENS 03 JUL 26
    No Bib, No Medal, No Shirt (unless you order on the store!)

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Location

601 Weiss St, Heritage Park, Frankenmuth, 48734, MI, United States

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