Brian Diemer Family of Races

Race Overview

Brian Diemer 5k is celebrating their 36th year! We are happy to return to in 2026 to celebrate our 36th year, so come run again with the three-time Olympian, Brian Diemer on our flat, fast 5k course. We are bringing back 6 live bands on our course, the kids' runs, handcycle, My Team Triumph, and a large prize money purse. Per usual - if you beat Brian, you win a donut!

New this year is the Special Olympics Sprint for Inclusion! This 100 meter dash is open to everyone and takes place right before the start of the 5K. Great way to warm up while raising support for our area's Special Olympics organization.

Check out the 2025 pictures from Stellafly and Jamie Geysbeek Photography.

Event Details

• Date: June 13, 2026
• Location: Legacy Christian Middle School, 67 68th Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
• Website: Event Registration
• Time: 7:00 am - 9:30 am (varied events)

Time Line

Friday: June 12

• 4-7pm: Packet Pickup at Legacy Christian School, 67 68th Street.

Saturday: June 13

• 7:00am-8:15am: Registration and packet pick-up.
• 7:30am: 68th Street closes in front of Legacy Christian School.
• 8:15am: Special Olympics of West Michigan Sprint for Inclusion.
• 8:30am: 5k run and walk start.

More 2026 Details

• T-shirt Policy: The t-shirt order will be placed on May 26. Athletes registering after May 26 will not be guaranteed a race shirt or preferred size. A limited quantity will be available on race day on a first come, first serve basis.
• Awards: Age Group awards will be given to top 4 in each age group, prize money winners will be removed from age group awards. Must be present to pick up your award.
• Kid's Run: The Kid’s run will be held on the Legacy Christian School's soccer field with a rolling start beginning at 10:15 am-10:45am, suggested for kids 10 and under.
• Live Bands: Six bands will rock your morning, so leave your headphones at home as you speed through the fast 5K course.

Elite Athletes/Prize Money

• Entry: Contact Rob Hyde at robhyde97@gmail.com for elite entry qualifications and competition for prize money.
• Time Standards: Women-18:00, Masters Women-19:15, Men-15:00, Masters-16:15.
• Prize Money: $550 for 1st place in Women/Men Open, down to $50 for 10th place. Different awards for Masters and Grand Masters categories.
• Handcycle Awards: Prize money varies by placement and results: must have competitors behind you to qualify for monetary awards.

Drug Testing for Elite Athletes

To be eligible for prize money you must bring a valid ID and fill out the appropriate tax forms. All athletes that earn prize money will have their names given to USADA, WADA, and or USAT&F to verify that athletes are not on a banned list.

Cancellation Policy

• Weather Contingency: In the event of severe weather, we will delay and attempt to hold the event safely if possible.
• Refund Policy: Sorry, no refunds: should cancellation occur due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, there will be no deferrals.
• Virtual Event: If cancellation occurs, the event will be made virtual, though our intention is to hold a live event.