Get active and support local organizations with five Fall 5Ks nearby Mt. Pleasant

Rhythmic running shoes at various paces. Supportive cheers from the sidelines. And an explosion of energy at the starting line. Whether race participants are supporting a cause, to gain personal pride, or just are participating for fun — there’s always a strong sense of community when it comes to local 5K races. 

This Fall, there are several races across Isabella County. From Mt. Pleasant to Alma and Clare, here are five Fall 5K races in mid Michigan. 

Photo courtesy of Alma College.Alma College’s Homecoming Scot Trot in 2022.
Homecoming Scot Trot | Saturday, Sept. 28 at 9 a.m. | Hosted by Alma College

Alma College is celebrating their annual homecoming with a full schedule of events, including a 5K Scot Trot. Their 2024 Alma College Homecoming Scot Trot course will traverse across Alma College’s campus as well as the streets of Alma — crossing the Pine River on the River Walk footbridge. 

While the registration desk opens at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, the race will begin at 9 a.m. at the Hogan Center in Alma. 

For more information on the Alma 5K race, visit here. 

CMU Homecoming 5K  | Saturday, Oct. 12 at 8 a.m. | Benefiting Special Olympics Michigan

On Central Michigan University’s homecoming weekend, the tradition of a 5K run/walk continues in 2024. Beginning at the historic Finch Fieldhouse and winding throughout the Mt. Pleasant university campus, runners’ registrations benefit Special Olympics Michigan. 

There will be a timed 5K run-or-walk race as well as a one-mile untimed fun run/walk. Those who register their furry friend will receive a t-shirt for their pet. 

To support children and adults with intellectual disabilities, participants are encouraged to register here, and expect to create new memories with over 250 fellow racers.

Photo courtesy of The City of Mt. PleasantGlow in the Park 5K
Glow in the Dark 5K | Friday, Oct. 18 at 7:15 p.m. | Hosted by the City of Mt. Pleasant 

Starting at Island Park and continuing through the park system, the Glow in the Dark October 5K is an untimed fun run in Mt. Pleasant. Participants are encouraged to decorate and wear glow-in-the-dark gear to light up the parks. 

The race is limited to 200 racers of all ages. Find more information at mt-pleasant.org.


First Responder 5K 
Saturday, Oct. 26 at 9:30 a.m. 
Hosted by SERVPRO of Mt. Pleasant, Clare, and Houghton Lake

SERVPRO is hosting a community celebration aimed to raise funds for the Isabella County First Responders Fund — a fund focused on facilitating the efforts in first-responder education, fire prevention, emergency care, public safety, hazardous material safety, and more areas related to the fire departments that serve Isabella county 

The event welcomes runners, walkers, and families who are ready to make a difference and partake in a 5K route at Island Park in Mt. Pleasant. 


Plus, a Mt. Pleasant Fire Department fire truck will be on site for kids to check out. 

For more information and register at runsignup.com.  


Clare Pumpkin 5K Run/Walk | Saturday, Oct. 26 at 10 a.m. | Participants wear Halloween costumes

Prior to the race’s 10 a.m. starting signal, a costume contest will take place at 9:45 a.m. at this year’s Clare Pumpkin 5K run/walk. The top five individual costumes and top-themed group costume will each receive $50 Clare Cash.

The race starts at 3030 Pinecrest Street in Clare on Saturday, Oct. 26, and continues through the Emerald Isle Recreation Complex trail, Dunlop Street, and back. 

To guarantee receiving a t-shirt at the race, participants need to register before Oct. 15 here. 

For more area events happening in October, visit Epicenter’s monthly roundup at epicentermtpleasant.com.