Strides for Sickle Cell 5K Run/Walk

Strides for Sickle Cell is a 5K event designed for everyone! All participants can walk, run, push, or roll safely and at their own happy pace around Gallup Park. Registration includes a commemorative finisher medal and a t-shirt!

The true accomplishment of this event is bringing people together for an important cause—raising awareness and support for individuals affected by sickle cell disease. Sickle cell anemia has fallen behind many other diseases in research and clinician innovation, as it affects a disadvantaged population that often lacks the resources to advocate for themselves.

Crossing the finish line symbolizes the power of community coming together to make a difference—a joyful moment that participants will always remember. To celebrate this collective achievement, every participant receives a commemorative medal. By uniting the community through this event, we aim to shed light on the challenges faced by sickle cell patients and their families while advocating for increased research funding and improved clinical care. 

Race Registration Fees

6/10 to 7/1 - $35 (shirt guaranteed)
7/2 to 8/31 - $40 (shirt guaranteed) 
9/1 to 9/19 - $45 (shirts available as supplies last) 
9/20 Race Day - $50 (no shirt)

The race is professionally timed by the Michigan Running Foundation. Results are live as you finish the race, and posted on this website. 

5K participants will be given a complimentary T-Shirt during bib pick up prior to the race, featuring the logo and a custom Sickle Cell design on the back. Finisher's medals will be given to runners who complete the race as well. 

1st place Male and Female winners will receive a plaque award.

Course: The Strides for Sickle Cell 5K Run/Walk takes participants along the scenic trails of Gallup Park in Ann Arbor. The two-loop (3.1 mile) course features mostly paved paths with some short dirt trail sections, winding through tree-lined areas and along the Huron River. The race starts and finishes at the Irene Fast Pavilion (Fast Shelter).

Schedule: Race Day Packet pickup will be held race day morning starting at 8:00 AM. After you pick up your packet, the race will begin promptly at 9:00 AM at the same location, in front of the fast shelter.

Coordinates: 42.27333° N, 83.69401° W
Google Maps: Open in Google Maps
Apple Maps: Open in Apple Maps 

(Note: You can look up Gallup park Playground that will take you near the parking lot)

Entrance: Enter Gallup Park from the Fuller Rd & Gallup Rd intersection and drive all the way to the end of Gallup Park Road, until you reach the main parking area in front of the playground.

Important: Some GPS apps may guide you to Gallup Park’s back parking lot, which is not the closest or most convenient area for accessing the Fast Shelter for check-in and packet pick-up.

Entrance to Gallup Park:
Enter from the Fuller Rd & Gallup Rd intersection and continue straight down Gallup Park Road until you reach the main parking area.

Main Parking Lot:
Drive to the end of Gallup Park Road, following event signs. The lot is located in front of the playground, near the 5K start and finish area.

Walking to Check-In / Packet Pick-Up: From the main parking lot, walk past the playground and restrooms to reach the Fast Shelter (Irene Fast Pavilion), where race day packet pick-up and the start/finish line are located. Follow the yellow walking path shown on the map below.

Map Key for Parking & Routes:

• Orange Line: Driving Route to Event Parking
• Yellow Line: Walking Path from Parking to Check-In