Race for YMCA 5K/10K
When is Race for YMCA 5K/10K?
Race for YMCA 5K/10K takes place on Saturday, July 18, 2026 in St. Joseph, MI.
What distances does Race for YMCA 5K/10K offer?
Race for YMCA 5K/10K offers 6 events: 5K Run, 5K Walk, 5K Run - Virtual Option, 5K Walk - Virtual Option, 10K Run, 10K Run - Virtual Option.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5K Run | 5.0 km | $30.00 | Register |
| 5K Walk | 5.0 km | $30.00 | Register |
| 5K Run - Virtual Option | 5.0 km | $30.00 | Register |
| 5K Walk - Virtual Option | 5.0 km | $30.00 | Register |
| 10K Run | 10.0 km | $30.00 | Register |
| 10K Run - Virtual Option | 10.0 km | $30.00 | Register |
How much does Race for YMCA 5K/10K cost?
Registration for Race for YMCA 5K/10K starts at $30.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is Race for YMCA 5K/10K held?
Race for YMCA 5K/10K is held in St. Joseph, MI at Margaret B. Upton Arboretum.
About Race for YMCA 5K/10K
Join us for the 15th annual Race for YMCA 5K/10K on Saturday, July 18, 2026!
Proceeds from the race will benefit the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA's annual campaign, which provides financial assistance for memberships and programs to local children and families in need. Your support helps guarantee that everyone—regardless of their circumstances or ability to pay—has the opportunity to belong, grow, and thrive at the Y.
Registration
Early Registration - through May 31, 2026
$30/person
Regular Registration - June 1 - July 16, 2026
$35/person
Late Registration - July 17-18, 2026
$40/person
- No Refunds
- Shirts not guaranteed after 6/21/2026
- Strollers are allowed. No fee for children in strollers.
- Dogs are not allowed.
Virtual Event
With a virtual race, you can run the distance anywhere! For example, in your neighborhood, on a treadmill, at a nearby park, or on the original course. Virtual participants may complete their event and upload their times to Runsignup.com from July 18-26.
Virtual participants will receive a race shirt with their registration. Race shirts can be picked up at the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA beginning July 17.
Packet Pick-Up
Packet pickup will be held at the Margaret B. Upton Arboretum on Saturday, July 18, from 7:00 – 8:15 AM.
Participants will receive this year's race shirt and bib.
T-Shirts
Must register before Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 11:59 PM to be guaranteed a shirt. Shirts are short-sleeved, cotton material. Shirts will be available for pick up on race day.
Age Categories
Under 10, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
Awards
Trophies will be awarded to the overall male and female winners in the 10K run and 5K run.
Medals will be awarded to the top three females and males in each age group in the 10K run and 5K run, to the top three female and male walkers overall, and to all children who finish the event.
Please note that only in-person participants are eligible for trophies/medals.
Course Map
Race for YMCA 5K/10K offers one of the most scenic courses in southwest Michigan. Participants will enjoy the view along the St. Joseph River, Lake Michigan, Silver Beach, Lions Park Beach, and Howard Recreational Trail.
Safety
Please note that city streets will remain open during the event. Be sure to stay within the coned/barricaded lanes. There could be minimal traffic in the oncoming lanes.
Parking
Use the Berrien County Courthouse parking lot and staircase at the north corner of the parking lot rather than crossing Main Street. Limited parking is available at the arboretum.
Restrooms
Porta-potties have been rented to accommodate participants.
Timing
Timing is done by Classic Race Management. Results will be posted immediately following the event.
Volunteering
We are excited to offer both in-person and virtual options for the 15th annual Race for YMCA 5K/10K!
Our in-person event needs the following volunteers:
- Race Day Registration and Packet Pick-Up: Volunteers will hand out race packets to participating runners.
- On the Race Course: Volunteers will be placed at various locations throughout the race course to instruct runners on directions.
- Water Stations: Volunteers will be placed at various stations along the race course to hand out water to participating runners.
- Clean-Up: Volunteers will help take down the registration tent/tables, load equipment and extra supplies in the trailer, pick up trash, etc.
- Place me where needed: Volunteers will be placed where they are needed the most.
Please contact Taylor Hoffman, event volunteer coordinator, at volunteer@ymcagm.org or 269-428-9622 with questions or to volunteer.
Sponsorship Information
We are pleased to invite you to become a sponsor of the 15th Annual Race for YMCA 5K/10K, a family-friendly event that raises critical awareness and funding for the Benton Harbor–St. Joseph YMCA’s Annual Campaign.
When you support the Race for YMCA, you help strengthen our community and improve the lives of those who live here. At the Y, we are dedicated to building healthy families, connecting individuals to supportive resources, providing children with safe places to learn and play, and inspiring social responsibility and positive change.
Funds raised through our Annual Campaign provide financial assistance for memberships and programs for local children and families in need. Your sponsorship ensures that everyone, regardless of financial circumstances or ability to pay, has the opportunity to belong, grow, and thrive at the Y.
If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please contact Jill Haboush, Race Director, at jhaboush@ymcagm.org or 269-930.3639.