Bunyan Battle 5K Run/Walk

Bunyan Battle 5K Run/Walk

📍 Island Lake Recreation Area | Brighton, MI

Saturday, November 7th, 2026

Join us for the 2nd Annual "Bunyan Battle 5K" at Island Lake State Park in Brighton, MI! Get ready to kick off GameDay in the best possible way - with a run! The Bunyan Battle 5K Run/Walk brings fans together (and sometimes divides them 😉) as Michigan and Michigan State football face off later in the day. The scenic out and back course at Island Lake State Park on the Island Lake Trail showcases fall colors at their peak on a completely paved 5K course. It's the perfect setting for runners, walkers, and football fans alike. This race is for all fitness levels and all fans!

Registration Includes:

• ⏱️ Chip Timed Race with Live Results
• 👕 Custom Dri-Fit Race Shirt (upgrade to Tank Top for $5)
• 🏷️ Commemorative Race Bib
• 🏅 Custom Finisher Medal
• 🏆 Overall & Age Group Awards
• 📸 FREE Race Photos
• 🍎 Post-Race Refreshments

Packet Pick-Up Info:

• 📍 Location: Island Lake Recreation Area
• 🗓️ Day: Saturday, November 7th (Race Day)
• ⏰ Time: 6:30 AM – 8:45 AM

Race Start Time:

• 🏁 5K Run/Walk – 9AM

Show Out for your Team and Wear your favorite fan gear! Rep your team! Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite UofM or MSU swag. Who REALLY has the best in the State of Michigan? Go tow to toe with your in-state Foe's! Go Blue? Hail Yes? OR Go Green Go White?

The Battle for Bunyan Challenge

The top 4 fastest male and female times for each team (Michigan vs. Michigan State) will accrue and the lowest amount of time elapsed will win the Paul Bunyan Trophy! We will be keeping track of our Top 4 Qualifying Runners each year, as well as keeping a running time from year to year as well as a running all time record for the Race. Help your TEAM take home the Hardware!

Meet the Race Beneficiary!

Trecho Fitness Foundation is a non profit organization who's mission is: To restore strength and purpose through transformative fitness programming and community events designed for underserved youth and individuals affected by substance abuse and emotional or physical trauma. We use movement as medicine—empowering participants to rebuild self-worth, develop resilience, and replace harmful patterns with healthy, life-changing habits. Money raised will help aid the organization in providing "Full Ride" Scholarships to deserving individuals.