Grand Explorers' Trail Race
About the Event
Explore two parks in one race. Run (or walk!) through two beautiful Ottawa County Parks that sit along the Grand River. #2Parks1Race
The Ottawa County Parks Foundation and Ottawa County Parks are excited to host this fun, family-friendly run/walk and celebrate the recently completed Idema Explorers Trail that connects Grand River Park to Grand Ravines Park. Come and enjoy nature, community, and some post-race treats. Ottawa County Parks are for everyone.
The course starts at Grand River County Park, winding you through a natural surface trail until you hit the newly completed Idema Explorers Trail segment that leads you along the Grand River to Grand Ravines County Park. As you enter Grand Ravines, you will see an old covered bridge and go up a small incline to a spectacular view of the river. If you’re lucky, you might even see the resident bald eagles out fishing.
If you are running (or walking) the 5K, you will turn around at this point. If you are running the 10K, you will continue to wind yourself through Grand Ravines Park, around past the dog park, through the meadow, across the Idema suspension bridge, down some stairs, and back through the woods to Grand River Park. Sounds pretty Grand, doesn’t it?
Starting Time:
The kids’ 1-mile fun run/walk will start at 8:00 am. The 10K and 5K races will start at 8:30 am.
The kids’ fun run/walk will be on a paved trail only, so strollers will be allowed. (No strollers will be allowed on the 10K/5K route due to difficult terrain and narrow trails in some areas of the course.)
Dogs:
Dogs will be allowed to run the 10K and 5K races with their human, but they must be on a six-foot leash at all times. We know dogs are a part of the family, we ask that you be considerate of those around you and that you only bring a dog that is well-mannered and comfortable around people, including children, and other dogs. We want everyone to have a great time!
Registration Price increases on April 1, 2026, for the 5K and 10K.
* Kids' 1-Mile Fun Run price does not increase. Family discount available.
Register before Saturday, May 30, 2026, to guarantee a T-shirt!
Join fellow runners on June 20, 2026 for the Grand Explorers' Trail Race. It's a fantastic 1.6K, 5K, 10K featuring a flat and fast course in Jenison.
Races Offered
Running
1-Mile Fun Run for Kids
The kids’ fun run/walk will be on a paved trail only so strollers will be allowed. We suggest children running this race be under 12 years old. *No strollers will be allowed on the 10K/5K route due to difficult terrain and narrow trails in some areas of the course.
5K Run/Walk
5K – The 5K is a mostly flat course that starts on the paved Idema Explorers Trail and heads out along the Grand River. It then follows the Idema Explorers’ Trail by the river until it gets to the lodge at Grand Ravines Park. There is an incline to navigate as you go around the lodge (where bathrooms are available) before heading down a short but steep dirt hill back to the river trail where you came from. There is water available at an aid station near the lodge. Once you get back to Grand River Park, you won't have far to go before you hit the finish line.
10K Run/Walk
10K – The 10K course will challenge you with some hills (who doesn't like hills?) and stairs as you wander further into Grand Ravines Park. The start of the course will mostly mirror the 5K course (there is an early hill thrown into the mix) until you reach the Grand Ravines Lodge. At that point, the 10K course will branch out and continue to climb the hill behind the lodge. You will then follow the edge of the woods until you cross the park entrance road and head down towards the dog park. You will follow the edge of the dog park and cross the parking lot for the dog park (where there will be an aid station and bathrooms) before running around to the east of the dog park and heading back into the woods. You will then cross the suspension bridge, turn right, and descend the East Ravine stairs onto the Statema Woodland Trail. From there you will get back on the Idema Explorers’ trail and head back to Grand River Park. When you get to Grand River Park, your work is not quite done as you will have one more big climb and descent on dirt to conquer before heading to the finish line.
5K Run/Walk with One Dog
We are excited to have your dog join you during this event! We ask that if your dog is participating in the 5K or 10K run/walk, you keep him/her on a 6-foot leash at all times, that you properly dispose of waste, and that you are mindful of your dog's ability to participate in an environment with other dogs and humans, including children. By participating with your dog, you agree to comply with requests to remove your dog from the event by members of the Ottawa County Parks Foundation and/or the Ottawa County Parks staff if they feel your dog is dangerous or causing too much disruption.
10K Run/Walk with One Dog
We are excited to have your dog join you during this event! We ask that if your dog is participating in the 5K or 10K run/walk, you keep him/her on a 6-foot leash at all times, that you properly dispose of waste, and that you are mindful of your dog's ability to participate in an environment with other dogs and humans, including children. By participating with your dog, you agree to comply with requests to remove your dog from the event by members of the Ottawa County Parks Foundation and/or the Ottawa County Parks staff if they feel your dog is dangerous or causing too much disruption.
Virtual 5K Run/Walk
Run or walk virtually! If you can't join us on June 20 but still want to support the Ottawa County Parks Foundation, this is a great way to do it! You can pick up your shirt at the Nature Education Center at Hemlock Crossing Park in West Olive in July. We will email you when the shirts are available for pickup. Thank you! Please take pictures of your run or walk and post them on our Facebook page. We ask that you complete your virtual race by July 4, 2026.
Virtual 10K Run/Walk
Run or walk virtually! If you can't join us on June 20 but still want to support the Ottawa County Parks Foundation, this is a great way to do it! You can pick up your shirt at the Nature Education Center at Hemlock Crossing Park in West Olive in July. We will email you when the shirts are available for pickup. Thank you! Please take pictures of your run or walk and post them on our Facebook page. We ask that you complete your virtual race by July 4, 2026.
About Jenison
Grand Explorers' Trail Race takes place in Jenison, Michigan, United States. The local timezone is America/Detroit.
Runner Reviews
Based on 0 reviews
Share your thoughts
If you've participated in this event, share your experience with other runners
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.
