Northern Lights 5K Fun Run

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 year’s event is moving to the Grand Traverse County Civic Center, bringing a bright new energy and a course designed for everyone.

We’re introducing a triple loop course! A flat, easy-to-follow route that’s perfect for runners, walkers, families, and all ages. Whether you’re moving fast or taking it at your own pace, you’ll 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 Center’s 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 registrants—don’t 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 registration—don’t 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

❤️ 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!

Join fellow runners on September 11, 2026 for the Northern Lights 5K Fun Run. It's a fantastic 5K featuring a flat and fast course in Traverse City.