2026 Annual Burns Park Run

Event Overview

Winding through a beautiful Ann Arbor neighborhood near the University of Michigan campus, the tree-lined Burns Park Run loop course has been a favorite of beginner and world-class runners alike.

The Burns Park Run will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026. It is a long-standing and successful fundraiser, organized and run by volunteers, that supports Burns Park Elementary PTO programs. We are excited to celebrate our 48th anniversary this year.

Participation Details

• Family-friendly atmosphere: Known for its welcoming environment.
• Runner demographics: Annually draws 1,000 to 1,500 runners aged 5 to 90 years.
• Youth participation: Over 200 elementary school kids running the 5K.
• Fun Run: A separate 1/2 mile Fun Run is available for the youngest participants.

Awards & Medals

ALL FINISHERS of the timed events: 5K (Run and Walk) and 10K will receive a finisher medal at the Burns Park Run. Additional awards will be recognized at the awards ceremony which will take place after the Fun Run at approximately 10am. Awards will be recognized for the following categories:

• Top Overall: Male, Female and Non-Binary for Top Overall, Masters and Grand Masters winner of the 5K and 10K Run.
• Age Division Winners: Top Male, Female and Non-Binary for each Adult Age Group Division of the 5K and 10K Run.
• Youth Awards: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place Male, Female and Non-Binary for each Youth Age Division (5 and under through 17 years old) of the 5K and 10K Run.

Race T-Shirts

Shirts are OPTIONAL and can be purchased when registering or through the event store on the Run Sign Up website.

Packet Pickup Schedule

• Friday May 1: 4-5:30 PM at the Flagpole (in front of Burns Park Elementary).
• Saturday May 2: 12-3 PM in the Burns Park Warming Hut (corner of Wells and Baldwin).
• Race Day: Packet pickup is also available on Sunday May 3, 7-8:15 AM, in front of the Burns Park Warming Hut (park-side).

More About the Burns Park Run

The Burns Park Run was started by the PTO as a fundraiser for 6th grade campers in 1979. This Burns Park Elementary fundraiser has grown and symbiotically supported the activities offered by our PTO to its students and their families. Today’s race is headed by volunteer race directors and ~100 volunteers working throughout the year on planning, funding, marketing and staffing the Burns Park Run.

Read more about the storied and unique history of the Burns Park Run in the 2004 press article by marathon legend Doug Kurtis.

Registration

For more information and to register, visit the Burns Park Run page.