Irish Jig 5K
About this race
For more than 40 years, the Irish Jig has marked the start of Michigan’s racing season. But 2026 isn’t just another starting line. It’s a turning point. On March 14, we’re not running for tradition. We’re running against a brutal truth: 1 in 2 people will face cancer in their lifetime. That’s not a statistic we’re willing to accept. This year, the Irish Jig becomes more than a race. It’s a stand. A statement. A surge of runners moving as one. Every stride fuels cancer research and care through Corewell Health and Helen DeVos Children’s 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.
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Join fellow runners on March 19, 2022 for the Irish Jig 5K. It's a fantastic 5K featuring a flat and fast course in Grand Rapids.
Pick your distance
Running
5K
Registered participants will select their 38th annual Spectrum Health Irish Jig long sleeve, technical shirt from available sizes at event check-in. Awards will be mailed post-event to first through fifth place in 12 and younger age groups, and first to third place in 13 and older age groups. Medals will be mailed post-event to the Team captains of the top three teams in each Team Competition division. Cash prizes will be mailed post-event for Overall, Masters and Grand Masters as well as for course records. Participants younger than 18 and those in college are ineligible for cash prizes.
Cancer Survivor 5K
Registered participants will select their 38th annual Spectrum Health Irish Jig long sleeve, technical shirt from available sizes at event check-in. In addition, those who select to participate as a cancer survivor in the Irish Jig will be provided a "Cancer Survivor" bib to wear during their event to commemorate their journey back to health. Awards will be mailed post-event to first through fifth place in 12 and younger age groups, and first to third place in 13 and older age groups. Medals will be mailed post-event to the Team captains of the top three teams in each Team Competition division. Cash prizes will be mailed post-event for Overall, Masters and Grand Masters as well as for course records. Participants younger than 18 and those in college are ineligible for cash prizes.
Two Event Deal
Athletes who choose to run local in 2022 can save $10 when registering with the Two Event Deal -- Spectrum Health Irish Jig and Brian Diemer Family of Races (6/11/22). They will also select a Spectrum Health Irish Jig long sleeve, technical shirt from available sizes at Irish Jig check-in as well as the registration incentives associated with the other event in the Two Event Deal. Two Event Deal athletes can also participate on an Irish Jig team by selecting to be part of a specific team once it has been created online by the team captain. Medals will be mailed to the top three teams in each Team Competition division. However, to participate in the Brian Diemer Family of Races team competition, individuals must create teams on that event's website.
My Team Triumph
Weather Overview
These values reflect historical conditions on the race dates in Grand Rapids in 2022, from Open-Meteo archive data.
About Grand Rapids
Irish Jig 5K takes place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. The local timezone is America/New_York.
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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.