Tours de Season

Our Tours de Season are available seasonally on our perpetual registration calendar (excluding national holidays).

Summer

The Tale of Beer City USA 5K –  “In Grand Rapids, the German-born immigrants began arriving in the 1840’s, and within a decade, they were one of the city’s largest immigrant groups.  This increased the local demand for beer and the need for more breweries and brewmasters.”  This is the beginning of the Tale of Beer City USA…as told to runners and seen through the lenses of beer-colored glasses.  In the narrative of this fun and fascinating running tour, you will learn about the history of the beer brewing industry in Grand Rapids, its demise and its comeback that earned Grand Rapids the “Beer City” title.  You will be so captivated by the story, that your feet won’t even know they are moving.

Fridays at 6 p.m., June, July, August or by appointment year-round.

Market to Market 10K–  A delightful journey through Grand Rapids with a spotlight on fresh food…”farm to foot”.  The tour begins downtown and meanders east and slightly uphill through the Heartside, Heritage Hill and Midtown neighborhoods before arriving at the city’s oldest farm market – the Fulton Street Market – bustling with shoppers and delectables. Onward through East Town and down the Wealthy Street Corridor to the newest food marvel in town – the Downtown Market – alive with customers and just-picked produce.  Jog through 20+ vendors before heading back to the JW Marriott.  A great workout to rev your engine and appetite.

Tuesdays at 8 a.m., June, July, August or by appointment.

Young President Ford 10K–  Grand Rapids’ favorite son – Gerald R. Ford – the 38th President of the United States – is buried here, beside his wife, Betty, but he was not born here.  In fact, he was not named Gerald R. Ford at birth.  This running tour will tell the tale of this humble civil servant as you visit actual places touched by “Junior” during his All-American youth – 1913 through 1931 – in old Grand Rapids.  The run is a fabulous workout and an even better story of a young man who was raised in this great midwestern city to become a world leader.  You will see where he lived, played, worshipped, studied, and competed athletically.  As a last stop, you will salute Gerald Ford’s statue in front of his Presidential Museum.

Wednesdays at 6 p.m., June, July, August or by appointment year-round.

 

Fall / Winter

ArtPrize 5K – What a glorious feast for the senses!  See the amazing displays, smell the crisp fall air, hear the musical presentations, and let your feet touch the sidewalks as you run through a bustling downtown.  You’ll get a glimpse of the 1,500+ works of art that line downtown streets, parks and pubs as part of the world’s richest art competition.  Top 25?  Top 10?  The winner?  Let us guide you through both permanent outdoor sculptures and popular downtown ArtPrize entries.  Run or walk.

Late September, early October, by appointment.

Grand Rapids’ Most Haunted 5K – Do you believe in ghosts, ghouls, poltergeists, apparitions, phantoms, spooks, psychic phenomena or things that go “bump” in the night?  If one person sees a ghost, even if several times, you may blame it on an active imagination; but if two or more people see the same spirit in the same place several years apart, you may just frightfully reconsider.  This spine-tingling running tour takes you by ten downtown iconic locations where there have been waaaay MORE than just two sightings or unusual activity.  There are two questions that we attempt to answer on this spooky journey:  Who suffered a tragic death here and is still hanging around?  And is this LEGEND or REAL?

October, or by appointment year-round.  Evenings only.

Twinklin’ Holiday Lights 5K– Are you feeling festive, fun, and frisky?  Come dressed in your finest holiday running sweater or tutu or tights  as we celebrate the holiday season together.  Experience downtown Grand Rapids bejeweled and illuminated with both contemporary and nostalgic lighting displays.  The group will run by at least nine uniquely special places, some of which will evoke warm feelings from Christmas’s past.  And as a gesture of community kindness, we will give vouchers for meals at Dégagé Ministries for those we pass who may be in need.

December, by appointment, evenings only.