United Financial Freeland Walleye Races 5K/10K

Event Overview

United Financial Credit Union is once again proud to present the 17th Annual Freeland Walleye Festival Race for 2026! Join several hundred participants in running and/or walking USATF sanctioned 10k and 5k Freeland Rail Trail/road courses and a Kid’s Fun Run.

Included with Entry

• Custom Medals: Awesome custom finisher medals
• Race T-shirt: Race t-shirt
• Timing Results: Professional timing results
• Finisher Photograph: Free online finisher photograph

This year’s race is limited to 450 participants.

Date and Location

• Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026
• Location: Freeland SportsZone, 5690 Midland Rd, Freeland, MI 48623
• Kid’s Fun Run Start: 8:45 AM
• 10K Start: 9:30 AM
• 5K Run/Walk Start: 9:35 AM
• 5K Fun Walk Start: 9:36 AM (untimed)

Registration Prices

This year, participants may choose to save $5 by opting out of the shirt at registration. The “with shirt” option will end at Midnight, Sunday, April 19. Guaranteed shirt sizes for those opting to register with shirt are available ONLY until midnight, Sunday, April 19. The following day shirts will be ordered and inventories placed in the registration system. Once inventory for any shirt size is depleted then that size will become unavailable. Please note that shirts not picked up before close of packet pickup will be forfeit by registrant and will not be refunded. If unable to attend event it is the responsibility of the registrant to have someone pick up their items or to arrange alternate pickup prior to the event.

• 10K Run: $35.00 with shirt / $30.00 no shirt
• 5K Run/Walk: $35.00 with shirt / $30.00 no shirt
• 5K Fun Walk (Untimed): $30.00 with shirt / $25.00 no shirt
• Youth (13 & Under) 5K Run/Walk: $25.00 with shirt / $20.00 no shirt
• Kid’s Fun Run: $25.00 with shirt / $20.00 no shirt

Packet Pickup and Late Registration

• Date: Saturday, April 25 - 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• Location: Bayne’s Apple Valley, 5395 Midland Rd, Freeland, MI
• Sunday Pickup: April 26 - 8:00 AM to 9:15 AM at Freeland SportsZone
• Note: Runsignup charges a nominal fee to participants when registering. We just don’t want you to be surprised when you go to register online!

T-Shirts

T-shirts sizes are guaranteed ONLY to those who register for the “with shirt” option online on or before midnight on Sunday, April 19! These shirts are of high quality and will be available in unisex, ladies cut, or youth sizes.

• Sizes Available: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, 2XL
• Ladies Cut Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large
• Youth Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
• Shirt Links: Click on links below for sizing details.

Timing and Age Groups

The 5K and 10K Run/Walk event will be timed in accordance with USATF sanctioning requirements.

• Age Groups: 9 & Under, 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 & over
• Awards: Overall male and female winners of the 5K and 10K events will receive awards 3 deep
• Finish Time: Determined by “gun” start and chip finish
• Overall Awards: Free entry to next year’s Walleye Festival for overall winners

Results

Both actual and adjusted results from Great Lakes Race Management will be displayed at the event and will be posted at DIGDEEPRACES.COM within 48 hours of race completion.

Volunteer Opportunities

Interested in volunteering? Events like this can’t be successful without great volunteers! Sign up at the link at the top of this page and we’ll be in touch.

FAQ

• Dogs: We love dogs too! Unfortunately, the sanctioning body for this event (USA Track & Field) strictly prohibits the participation of dogs (other than service animals) at events.
• Strollers: The narrow racecourse utilizing out and back runner traffic on the Freeland Rail Trail means that we cannot allow strollers.
• USATF Sanctioning: It means that organizers have followed a process with USA Track & Field that requires creation of a safety plan and purchase of outstanding insurance covering participants, volunteers, sponsors, partners and organizers of the event.
• Event Cancellation: Unfortunately, no refunds are provided unless the event is cancelled for reasons within our control.

Registration Policy

We completely understand that plans change and athletes will sometimes be unable to compete in an event they’ve signed up for. Refunds will not be provided for this event unless the event is cancelled for reasons within our control.

• Transfers: Transferring registrations to other runners/athletes is NOT allowed.
• Injury: A doctor's slip may be required for proof of injury to transfer registration to a similar Dig Deep Race Events-owned event.

More Information

For more details, visit the official race page at Freeland Walleye Races.