Mattawan Wildcat Road & Trail 5K

Before we jump into this year’s preview, let’s be clear about one thing: this 5K includes trails. Yes, trails. Consider this your official trail disclaimer.

We are excited to return to our original setup, starting and finishing on the high school track. There is nothing better than beginning inside the stadium and closing out your race with a strong lap on the track. Fast start. Fast finish. Wildcat style.

Because of ongoing construction in several areas around campus, this year’s exact route is still being finalized. Our team is designing a fun and adventurous course that embraces the spirit of this event. The finalized course map will be reviewed and posted soon.

You can expect a mix of surfaces that keeps things interesting. Portions of the trail, including dirt and grass. Some road sections to let you open up your stride. A combination that reflects cross-country grit with just enough pavement to stay fast.

This is not a pure road race. It is not a straight cross-country course either. It is a Wildcat Road & trail 5K, which means natural terrain, changing rhythm, and a course that rewards focus and effort.

And yes, in case you missed it, there will be a trail.

We will have food and drinks waiting for you at the finish line on the track. Please note that dogs are not allowed on the course. The event will be held rain or shine, though delays or cancellations may occur in the case of dangerous weather. No refunds will be issued.

So lace up your running shoes, trail-ready is encouraged, and get ready.

The trails are calling. And this year, they start and end at home.

5K Map

5K Course (2025)
Male – Austin Williford - 15:57.6 (2025)
Female – Annie Alkema - 18:36.0 (2025)
Masters Male – Tom Hall - 17:22.7 (2025)
Masters Female – Rosa Haag - 20:21.7 (2025)

5K Course (2022 - 2024)
Male – Tyler Cook - 15:39.6 (2022)
Female – Annie Alkema - 18:00.4 (2024)
Masters Male – Kyle Verrett Kiel - 16:49.2 (2023)
Masters Female – Heather Magill - 18:58.8 (2024)

5K Course (2018 - 2021)
Male – Robby Alexander - 15:17 (2019)
Female – Jordan Winke - 17:48 (2021)
Masters Male – Zach Baker - 17:20 (2021)
Masters Female – Tracy Argo - 21:35 (2018)

5K Course (2016 - 2017)
Male – Nathan Blosser - 17:11 (2016)
Female – Rebecca Tracy - 17:37 (2017)
Masters Male – Tom Romanowski - 18:37 (2016)
Masters Female – Peggy Zeeb - 21:57 (2016)

5K Course (2011 - 2015)
Male – Alex Standiford – 16:12 (2011)
Female – Nina Bendixen – 19:18 (2013)
Masters Male – Tom Romanowski – 17:48 (2014)
Masters Female – Leslie Scheffers – 21:05 (2014)

10K Course (2016 - 2017)
Male – Julian Borst - 34:37 (2017)
Female – Jordan Winke - 40:47 (2016)
Masters Male – Joe Hulsebus - 41:24 (2017)
Masters Female – Doreen Akins - 50:34 (2017)

2025 Photos

Flickr - Click Here

Finkanie Photography - Click Here

2024 Photos

Flickr - Click Here

Finkanie Photography - Click Here

2023 Photos

Flickr - Click Here

Finkanie Photography - Click Here

2022 Photos

Flickr - Click Here

2021 Photos

Facebook - Click Here

Flickr - Click Here

2020 Photos

Facebook - Click Here

Erin Sutherland Photography - Click Here

Flickr - Click Here

2019 Photos

Facebook - Click Here

Finkanie Photography - Click Here

Flickr - Click Here

2018 Photos
Flickr - Click Here

2017 Photos
Facebook - Click Here

Flickr - Click Here

SmugMug - Click Here

2016 Photos
Facebook - Click Here

Flickr - Click Here

2015 Photos
Facebook - Click Here

Flickr - Click Here

2014 Photos
Facebook - Click Here

Flickr - Click Here

2013 Photos
Facebook - Click Here

Flickr - Click Here

2012 Photos
Facebook - Click Here

Studio 35 Photography - Click Here

2011 Photos
Facebook - Click Here

Studio 35 Photography - Click Here

2014 - Click Here

2013 - Click Here

2012 - Click Here

2011 - Click Here

Our 5K Committee is excited to offer local businesses an opportunity for sponsorship and promotion, and we hope that you will be able to support our 5K race in the community of Mattawan. Last year’s event had over 300+ runners and 50+ volunteers from Mattawan, Kalamazoo, Schoolcraft, Portage, Battle Creek, and surrounding areas (even families from Hudson, MI) to help donate over $12,000 to MPEF. This year, we hope to inspire more local businesses to participate in our event.

If you are interested in sponsoring and helping promote our event, click on the ‘For More Information’ link and complete the form with your business contact information. One of our Race Committee volunteers will contact you to provide more details. We would like your commitment secured by July 14, 2025, to place your information on any promotional items.

For More Information - CLICK HERE

2025 Sponsor Packet - CLICK HERE

Sponsorship Levels

PLATINUM $1,000

Platinum Sponsorship includes the company name or logo prominently displayed on a t-shirt and all race material. Name or logo on the race website as a platinum sponsor. Your sign or banner will be displayed at the race. Table with your choice of promotional materials on the infield on race day. Eight (8) runner/walker registrations are included in your sponsorship!

GOLD $500

Gold Sponsorship includes the company name or logo on the t-shirt and all race material. Name or logo on the race website as gold sponsor. Your sign or banner will be displayed at the race. Table with your choice of promotional materials on the infield on race day. Four (4) runner/walker registrations are included in your sponsorship!

SILVER $300

Silver Sponsorship includes the company name or logo on the t-shirt and all race material. Name or logo on the race website as a silver sponsor. Table with your choice of promotional materials on the infield on race day. Two (2) runner/walker registrations are included in your sponsorship!

BRONZE $100

Bronze Sponsorship includes the company name on a t-shirt and all race material. Company name or logo on the race website as a bronze sponsor. Table with your choice of promotional materials on the infield on race day.

Registration Fees

Individual Registration

• $30 - Online Registration without a t-shirt for Individuals (Until August 1st, 7:15 am)
• $35 - Online Registration w/t-shirt for Individuals (Until July 13th, 11:59 pm)

Family/Team Registration 

• $125 - Registration - Family/Team (limit 6 people) (Until July 31st, 11:59 pm)
• $125 - Friday Registration at Early Packet Pickup
• Race Day ** NO TEAM AND FAMILY REGISTRATION ON SATURDAY (DAY OF REGISTRATION)

Friday & Saturday Late Registration Options

** We are a paperless registration this year for Friday & Saturday Late Registrations **

Participants may still register with the options listed below:

• Option 1)  Register on Friday AT HOME from your computer or cell phone using the registration quick links at the top of the page.
• Option 2)  Register on Saturday AT HOME before you come to the event/race site.
• Option 3)  Bring your cell phone and register onsite. No paper registrations are available.

Saturday, August 1st, 2026

• 6:00 to 7:00 AM - Late packet pickup, but please arrange your pickup on Friday, July 31st, if possible. Thank you!
• 7:15 to 7:20 AM - Participants head to starting line
• 7:20 AM - National Anthem
• 7:25 AM - Announcements
• 7:30 AM - 5K Race starts
• 8:30 AM - Overall Winner Announcements

Packet pickup, on-site registration, and race start and finish will take place at the Mattawan High School Football/Track Stadium.

We encourage everyone to pick up their packet on Friday evening as this will help with the flow of foot traffic on race morning.

Friday, July 31st, 2026 - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

• Packet pickup and late registration

Saturday, August 1st, 2026 - 6:00 to 7:00 a.m.

• Packet pickup but please attempt to pick up your packet on Friday, July 31st

All participants who register online and purchase a race t-shirt by July 13 will receive a locally designed event t-shirt. Registrations after July 13 are not guaranteed a t-shirt. A limited number of extra shirts will be available at packet pickup on a first-come, first-served basis. These race-day shirts will be available for purchase at $5.00 each. To secure your shirt, be sure to register before the deadline! Please note: No t-shirt exchanges will be allowed until after the race.

Finisher medals for ALL participants that cross the finish line

Awards will be handed out to the top overall male/female finishers & top overall masters male/female (over 40)

Team awards for the overall team in the male, female & coed divisions

No awards for age groups

Age Divisions

• 11 and under / 12–14 / 15–19 / 20–24 / 25–29 / 30–34 / 35–39 / 40–44 / 45–49 / 50–54 / 55–59 / 60-64 / 65-69 / 70+ 

Team Scoring

• To qualify to be entered into the time division, you must have 3 to 6 team members
• The top 3 fastest times of your team are ranked against other teams
• Lowest time wins

Proceeds from the race will be donated to the Mattawan Public Education Foundation to support its Brainstrong programs for students.

In the fall of the 2024–2025 school year, the Foundation awarded 52 Brainstrong Awards to teachers across all four buildings—putting $41,000 directly into their hands to fuel classroom learning, innovation, creativity, and enthusiasm. These awards enhance teaching and enrich student experiences both inside and outside the classroom. “Brainstrong” reflects the mission of the Mattawan Public Education Foundation: to strengthen the community by funding unique educational opportunities.

Check out www.mpef.org and the MPEF Facebook page to see students engaged in these programs or for more information!