Mental Health Movement 2K | 5K | 10K Run-Walk

Please join us for our fourth annual Mental Health Movement 2K | 5K | 10K Run-Walk!

We, at Northeast Michigan Community Mental Health Authority (NeMCMHA), aim to bring awareness to mental health in our four-county catchment area of Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, and Presque Isle, while also reducing the stigma of mental health. 

All events are chip timed and can be completed by anyone! You can try for a personal best or simply enjoy the beauty of our river routes! Our 2K and 5K routes are wheelchair and stroller accessible, while our 10K route does have a street with curbs that must be crossed two times. The 2K and 5K events are available to all runners and/or walkers, while the 10K is geared toward runners. All participants will receive a race bib with chip timers to allow for accurate timing.

The 10K run will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by our 2K and 5K run/walks at 8:45 a.m.

Registration for those aged 11 & up costs $20 and includes a long-sleeved race shirt when you register by April 28. Those who register after April 28 will not receive a shirt. Registration for kids aged 11 and under is free, with an option to purchase a shirt for $20 (must register by April 28 to receive a shirt).

Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026. There will be no same day registration. Early bib/shirt pickup will be available on Thursday, May 14, and Friday, May 15 (further details to follow). Day of bib/shirt pickup will open at 7:30 a.m. Please arrive and pick up your packet at least 30 minutes prior to your event's scheduled start time. 

2K AWARDS: The top female, male, and non-binary finisher will receive an award medal in the two following brackets:

• 11 & Under
• 12 & Up

5K AWARDS: The top finisher in each of the following six age brackets will receive an award medal (female, male, non-binary):

• 11 & Under
• 12 - 17
• 18 - 29
• 30 - 44
• 45 - 59
• 60+

10K AWARDS: The top female, male, and non-binary finisher will receive an award medal.

ROUTES: All routes will begin and end at 400 Johnson St. in Alpena, MI.

                 2K: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2546881?units=km              

                 5K: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2119417?units=km

                10K: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2546838?units=km

RACE START TIME:  10K at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026

                                    2K & 5K at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026

BIB PICKUP TABLE: The bib pickup table will be located at the driveway entrance on 400 Johnson St.

PARKING: Handicap parking and/or vehicle unloading will be available at NeMCMHA (400 Johnson St., Alpena, MI 49707). All other parking will be at Alpena Community College (ACC) right across Johnson Street. Please do not park in the rear hospital parking lot.  

PETS: Pets are not allowed at this event for the safety of our participants.  

WEATHER: We will be running/walking rain or shine! Start times may be delayed in the event of lightening. 

REGISTRATION FEES:  $20 and includes a shirt for those who register by April 28. Those registering after April 28 will not receive a race shirt. Scholarships are available (contact Brooke Paczkowski at bpaczkowski@nemcmh.org or (989) 358-7626 for scholarship information).

REFUND POLICY: Refunds will only be issued if the organizer cancels the event. 

SPONSORSHIP REQUESTS: Due to our funding structure as a governmental agency, we are not able to accept monetary sponsorships.

Join fellow runners on May 16, 2026 for the Mental Health Movement 2K | 5K | 10K Run-Walk. It's a fantastic 2K, 5K, 10K featuring a flat and fast course in Alpena.