Eastern Michigan University's Green Lot 1 (You can see the parking, course & event map here) 
Green Lot 1 is just east of the Trinity Health IHA Urgent Care at 1065 N Huron River, Ypsilanti 48197. It is located off North Huron River Drive between Mayhew Street and Ann Street.
Google Maps
Apple Maps

**VERY IMPORTANT: Parking is FREE for our families, coaches, participants and volunteers in the Green Lot the day of the event. If you park at any businesses off campus, you may be ticketed and towed. We cannot be responsible for any citations received or for any vehicles that are towed. If possible, please carpool to make parking more efficient.

The course for a 5K is 3.1 miles.

As a reminder, this is a fun, celebratory event for our participants and not a competitive race. While our fastest 5K participants will complete the course in 25 minutes, most cross the finish line in 30-50 minutes. Everyone who participates is encouraged to walk, roll, push, run or skip at their happy pace!

First, we understand that life happens, and circumstance might make it impossible to attend.

We strongly encourage that all participants attend and complete the 5K, as it is the goal that teams are preparing for all season long! It’s the ultimate opportunity to build confidence through accomplishment. Remember, this is the first 5K event for many – including coaches, participants, friends and family members. We are in it together!

For safety reasons, every 5K participant must register through us and wear an event bib (provided by the council). 

Safety is a priority to us with such a large event that includes so many children. We have taken measures to ensure a safer 5K route. To ensure every participant crosses the finish line, our council has a safety plan in place, which trains staff and volunteers on how to respond during an emergency or incident.

Yes. Girls on the Run 5K events are for everyone! All participants can walk, run, push or roll safely and at their own happy pace. Designated parking spots are available.

Yes! This is encouraged! Registering to participate with your child is is a great way to accomplish a goal together. 

Absolutely! Every registered participant who completes the 5K will receive a medal.

You must have your 5K bib (the number you pin to the front of your shirt) in order to be on the 5K course. You can pick up your bib and event shirt at our early packet pickup on May 6th, or at the registration tent on the morning of the 5K.

Pre-Event Packet Pick Up:

Wednesday, May 6th

11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

At the Girls on the Run Office:

Washtenaw Medical Arts Building

3075 Clark Road

Suite 301

Ypsilanti, MI 48197

We highly encourage coming to pre-event packet pickup if you are able to!

Event Day Packet Pickup:

Saturday, May 9th

7:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. near the 5K start line

Lines may be long so plan to arrive early to give yourself time! 

Yes! Family, friends and community members outside of our program can participate in the event, but must register.

Yes. All 5K registration forms include liability waivers.

Yes! As this is the highlight of the season, there will be a photo station as well as a Celebration Expo with fun activities depending on the weather! We also plan to have food and beverage trucks on site to purchase snacks and drinks. Expo and food trucks will open at 7:00 am on the day of our 5K.

The registration fee for the 5K is $35 until May 8th and will increase to $40 for day-of registrations the morning of the event. 5K shirts are only guaranteed to those who register by April 22nd.

Because we are a large event with a very large number of children in attendance, it is safest for both dogs as well as our participants and spectators if dogs are not on site.

We recommend instructing your child to meet their adult back at their team (school name) flag once they complete the 5K. Volunteer coaches are not responsible for Girls on the Run participants after the event.

No, if your child is registered for the spring 2026 season of Girls on the Run, they are already registered for the 5K event.

We will have a variety of food trucks on site for families, as well as GOTR merch for sale. Cash and cards will be accepted.

Although we know the impact that it can make on a participant to have a parent/caregiver or mentor complete the 5K event with them, we understand that it isn't possible for everyone. The GOTR participants will have their teammates, coaches, our volunteers and safety course marshals, as well as many, many other people on the course with them, encouraging and cheering them on!

Should you need to find your child, or your child needs to find you, first go to the team flag area, where their team meets prior to the start of the 5K. If they are not there, find the Information Table that will be marked with a sign where they can help to get an announcement made.

Our Girls on the Run 5K event runs from 7:00am-11:30am. There may be a chance that cars will not be able to leave the parking lot for a duration of that period. Please be sure to check back, or reach out to us at info@girlsontherunsemi.org!