In 4 days · Sun, Sep 27, 2026
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Sunday, September 27th, 2026
Recreation and Athletic Outdoor Complex (Elaine Leigh Track and Field Complex at Oakland University), Rochester MI
5K · 10K
55–71°F · some rain risk
See last 10 years
On this date: rain 0 of the last 10 years
2025
60–79°F
dry
2024
58–73°F
dry
2023
57–65°F
dry
2022
48–56°F
dry
2021
62–79°F
dry
2020
62–81°F
dry
2019
53–74°F
dry
2018
50–62°F
dry
2017
59–74°F
dry
2016
53–65°F
dry
Best months to race in Michigan →
Race-day forecast · Sunday, Sep 27
Cloudy · 52–75°F
Sunday, Sep 27starts near 52°F · 2% chance of rain · wind up to 6 mph
About this race
The Golden Grizzlies Festival of Races
Date: 2026-09-27
Location: Recreation and Athletic Outdoor Complex (Elaine Leigh Track and Field Complex at Oakland University), Rochester, MI
Event Overview
- Inclusive Event: The Golden Grizzlies Festival of Races is an event for all ages and abilities!
- Scenic Course: Join us as we run a scenic loop through Oakland University's campus.
- Finish Line: Finish with a lap on the Elaine Leigh track facility!
- Beneficiary: Proceeds from the race will benefit the Oakland University Cross Country and Track and Field programs.
Starting Times
- 9:10 am: Kids Run/Walk (meant for ages 10 and under)
- 9:30 am: 5K run/walk and 10K Run
Packet Pickup
- Race Day: Packet Pickup on race morning only.
- Timing: Packet pickup open from 7:30-9:00 at race site.
Awards
- Finisher Incentives: Each finisher of the 5k and 10k will receive a race t-shirt and a medal.
- Kids Run: Participants will also receive a special OUCU T-Shirt and a medal.
Prizes for Top Finishers
- 10K Awards: Top Three Overall Men and Women receive $250, $150, and $100 respectively.
- Masters Awards: Masters Overall Man and Woman receive $150 each.
- 5K Awards: Top Three Overall Men and Women receive $150, $100, and $50 respectively.
- Masters Overall: Masters Overall Man and Woman receive $100 each.
Student Participation
- Special Rate: $15 for Oakland University students using their oakland.edu email address.
- Referral Discount: Students who get 3 friends to sign up with their unique registration code will be refunded $10.
Medals for 2026
- New Design: Year 2 of our Medal Series!!
- Featured Location: Medals will feature the historic MEADOWBROOK HALL.
- Commemorative: A memento for you all to remember your trip around our campus.
- Learn More: Learn more about the Meadowbrook Hall here.
Post Run Festivities
- After-Event Activities: Please stick around after your run or walk and visit our sponsor tents.
- Entertainment: Enjoy some music throughout the event.
- Coffee: We will have Rootless Coffee with a coffee truck on site for an energy boost!
Corporate/Open Team Races
- Team Race: 5k team race for Corporate, Open, and Oakland University Department runners.
- First Place Award: We plan to award the first place team in each event.
- Scoring: Based on individual age group placings with top 5 runners.
- Result Posting: Results will be posted on our race website after the competition.
Special Alumni Bib
- Exclusive Offer: The first 350 alumni to sign up will receive a special gold race bib!
Course map
Hotels for race weekend
Live prices near the start line, Sep 26 – 28, 2026.
Train with a club
Run clubs near Rochester to train with before race day.
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