Farm Fresh 5k and 1 mile at Gast Family Farms

Race Overview

The Farm Fresh 5k and 1 mile is a fun trail run on Saturday, Sept 5 at Gast Family Farms. We are located at 5165 Lincoln Avenue, St. Joseph, MI.

Event Background

• Origin: This race started several years ago with just our family and friends, as part of our annual "grape juice weekend."
• Community Engagement: As most of us are avid runners, we incorporated a fun run into the annual weekend, which slowly expanded into this public fun run.
• Farm Growth: The farm has also expanded, as Farmers Scott & Jenna opened their farm stand in 2021 and then their retail farm store in 2022.
• Local Produce: The farm is growing and selling fresh local produce for the community.

Race Experience

• Informal Roots: This run still retains its informal roots with t-shirts, homemade medals, grape juice, snacks, and farm tours.
• Affordability: The low price is just $10 per participant plus the RunSignUp fee.
• Community Donation: Your entire registration fee (minus the RunSignUp cut) is donated to a local community organization - the Lakeshore Lions!
• Seasonal Charm: It’s a beautiful time of year to be in Southwest Michigan at the farm.

Race Details

• Course Description: This is a fun run type race through farm fields, with a made-up-just-days-before route that will have a lot of twists and turns.
• Semi-Competitive: We will rustle up some prizes for our top overall runners but please show up to run or walk for fun regardless!
• Timing: We will try again this year to give you a race time, but definitely keep your expectations low!
• Fun Atmosphere: Come prepared to enjoy the fun environment of the run!

Charitable Cause

Race fees will be donated to the Lakeshore Lions Club. The Lions Club is a great non-profit doing good things in our local community, such as:

• Emergency Shelter: Donating items to the Emergency Shelter in Benton Harbor.
• Scholarships: Funding a local scholarship.
• Community Events: Organizing community events such as the annual Easter Egg hunt and the popular Car Show in Stevensville.
• Matching Funds: Our family will also match funds raised from race fees up to $500!

Race Day Schedule

• 8:30 to 8:55 - Packet Pickup in the Driveway
• 9:00 - Races Start!
• 10:00 - Farm Store opens
• 10:15 - Optional short Farm Tour

T-Shirt Order Cut-off

Register by end of day August 15 to ensure that you get a t-shirt. We’ll order a few extras, but no guarantee!

Cancellation Policy

If the weather is really bad, we might delay the race a few hours. If we must cancel the race due to weather or you can’t attend for any reason, we do not offer refunds - this is a fundraiser for a non-profit, so consider it a donation to a great cause! You can, however, pick up your t-shirt at the farm store within 2 weeks of the race date.

More Information

For additional details, please visit the race website.