Spring Awakening 10k, 5k, 1-Mile Kids Dash

The Spring Awakening 10k & 5k Run offers a scenic run along the Houghton canal and an opportunity to kick off your running season! With the snow melt and warmer temperatures of late April & early May, we all will feel a spring awakening! The course is an out and back on the bike path, giving you the full experience of the Keweenaw Waterway. All races will begin and end at Kestner Waterfront Park in Houghton.

The Spring Awakening 5k & 10k is a great way to jump into spring and early summer training. For those looking to complete the Canal Run Half-Marathon, our race can serve as a stepping stone into longer training and races! For those seeking a shorter distance, our 5k is a perfect match! If it's your first 5k or your winter slumber has gone on too long, follow along with our 6-week 5K training program leading up to the race. 

Proceeds from this race will be donated to Special Olympics Area 39. 

Don’t forget the kids! We are also hosting a Spring Awakening Kid's 1 Mile Dash

Race Giveaways

All racers that participate in the 5k or 10k runs will receive a Spring Awakening 5k/10k race medal and race t-shirt! 

Awards

The top three male and female finishers of the 5k/10k receive awards!

1st Place: Free shoes from Queen City Running Co! Can be used at all 3 locations (Marquette, Houghton, & Iron Mountain)

2nd Place: $50 gift certificate to Queen City Running Co! Can be used at all 3 locations (Marquette, Houghton, & Iron Mountain)

3rd Place: Free Goodr sunglasses to Queen City Running Co! Can be used at all 3 locations (Marquette, Houghton, & Iron Mountain)

An awards ceremony will be held after the race!

Timing

This year we will be using the services of Superior Timing to time this race! Chip timing will be provided for the 10k and 5k races!

Bib and Packet pick-up

Bib & packet pick-up will take place starting at 8:00am in the park pavilion. Aid station will be provided for the 10k run. 

Race Route

All races will start at the bike path connected to Kestner Waterfront Park's Parking Lot and continue east along the canal path. 

Route will be a traditional Out and Back with the turnaround being just past East Houghton Waterfront Park

Route will be a traditional Out and Back with the turnaround being near Sandpiper Drive. Aid station will be provided at the turnaround. 

Route will be a traditional Out and Back with the turnaround taking place underneath the lift bridge. 

Join fellow runners on May 16, 2026 for the Spring Awakening 10k, 5k, 1-Mile Kids Dash. It's a fantastic 10K, 5K, 1.6K featuring a flat and fast course in Houghton.